About Kriya Yoga InitiationAn Unbroken Line of Direct Transmission
One must receive initiation into the authentic Kriya Yoga directly from Paramahamsa Prajnanananda or one of his authorized yogacharyas. There are no correspondence courses or lessons available through the Kriya Yoga International organizations of this lineage of teachings.
In addition, some of the yogacharyas may reside in your area who may be available on a per-appointment basis to instruct and guide seekers in the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. The Sacred Instruction: The Tradition of Kriya Yoga Purification and Blessing Ceremony
The ancient tradition for learning the royal science of Kriya Yoga meditation begins with purification. Students participate in a holy ceremony to purify the spine and the body. Each seeker is initiated on an individual basis through the direct contact of a teacher of this lineage. The teacher directly infuses the triple divine qualities of sound, vibration, and light into the initiate. Through this process, the seeker learns to perceive the inner light of the soul, hear divine sound, and feel the divine movement sensation all over the body. Sacred mantras are chanted throughout the ceremony with adequate explanations in English.
In the beginning of the ceremony, basic techniques for quieting the mind are taught, preparing the seeker for the infusion of divine energy. Initiation into the Holy Stream of Divine Consciousness is attained by overcoming the internal chatter of the mind. As the thought processes are calmed, it is possible to merge into the Divine in the form of sound, vibration, and light.
The first phase of the ceremony purifies the body of the seeker. Further purification ensues from the breath oblations in the fire ceremony. This fire ceremony is outwardly symbolic, but causes cleansing to occur at more subtle, deeper levels. The depth of purification depends upon the desire and receptivity of the seeker. At the completion of the ceremony, the first level of Kriya techniques is taught so that aspirants can meditate on their own and continue the process of purification. Several different techniques of Kriya Yoga are presented. This entire ceremony, including the infusion of triple divine qualities, is performed by an authorized teacher or a monk of this lineage.
Offerings: The seeker offers three symbolic gifts to the instructor as offerings to God and the masters. The three offerings are five fruits, which represent the fruits gained from activities throughout life; five flowers, which represent the five senses; and a financial donation. The three offerings represent the causal, astral, and gross bodies, respectively.
Logistics: The seeker is asked to fill out a form before taking instruction. The seeker will also be asked not to divulge the technique to others in order to maintain the purity of the teachings.
Follow-up: The new initiate is also asked to attend at least three follow-up meditation sessions with the instructor. Weekly guided group meditations are held at centers worldwide. Please visit www.kriya.org for more information on kriya yoga and the Kriya Yoga Institute founded by Paramahamsa Hariharananda. |