Datta Kriya Yoga

What is Kriya Yoga
If you do external activity we call it Karma. If you do internal activity we call it Kriya. In a way, both are certain kind of karmas or both are certain kind of kriyas. But traditionally, or in the general sense of the term it is understood like this: Karmas are those which bind you, Kriyas are those which release you.

Kriya Yoga is a science of breath and meditation that strengthens mind and body through the practice of controlled breathing. Focused yogic breathing quiets the mind and directs the flow of oxygen and prana through our entire body. Prana is the vital life force that sustains and awakens our subtle energy system. Once it’s activated, we can enjoy the practical and psychic benefits to body, mind and spirit.
The ancient yogis believed that a life span was measured in breaths. Science has confirmed that the more quickly we breathe, the shorter our lifespan. Rapid respiratory rate leads to shallow breathing and poor health. Kriya Yoga combines format that is easily practiced by anyone regardless of their physical condition or lifestyle circumstances. It is easy to learn and can be worked into any schedule. All that is required is a desire to learn and a little effort to practice.

Datta Kriya Yoga is a Yogic System that originated from the culture and philosophies of ancient India, adaptable to our present generation. This particular style of Kriya Yoga is a gift of the great yogic master and international teacher, Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

“Although yoga is employed to achieve health, it does not stop there. By conferring the power to control the mind, it certainly shows the way to reach higher realms of Truth. There may be innumerable spiritual paths, but all paths employ yoga in one form or the other to reach the ultimate goal.”

Functioning of Kriya Yoga
In Kriya Yoga, mental focus is placed on breath work. We concentrate on specific techniques called pranayama to draw oxygen and prana into the body, and regulate inhalation, exhalation and retention of breath. These techniques are taught in a sequence as a daily practice for optimal results. Furthermore, selective use of pranayama through- out the day can become a practical resource for calming your mind, reducing stress and revitalizing your body.
In addition to pranayama, instruction includes various Mudras (hand gestures), Asanas (seated postures) and Meditation. These complementary components maximize the effects of the breathe work. A proper and comfortable seated posture can range from advanced cross-legged asanas to sitting in a chair. Everyone can participate regardless of their physical flexibility.

Benefits of Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga essentially works at three levels - Physical, Mental as well as Spiritual. Starting at a mental level, it gradually turns ON physical and spiritual well being
Kriya Yoga leads to immense calmness of mind, improved memory, concentration, positive outlook to life.
It boosts efficiency in all our activities and enhances the self-esteem & confidence levels
Kriya Yoga helps to reduce weight, tone the body and makes you physically alert.
Kriya Yoga is also known to cure a host of lifestyle diseases caused due to stress like diabetes and BP.
Kriya Yoga is taking yoga to the next higher level of dealing directly with the mind.
As all actions have a seed in thoughts that originate in mind, Kriya Yoga arrests the wrong thoughts and cultivates the right ones at the seed level itself
By engaging in the simple discipline of directing your thoughts and regulating your breathing patterns, you may begin to notice heightened awareness, new vitality, and a sense of well-being. Mentally, physically and spiritually.
Kriya Yoga enriches your daily experience through-
1. Focused Mind
2. Physical & Psychic Awareness
3. Reduced Stress & Anxiety
4. Balanced Perspective
5. Conscious Living
On the physical level, increased oxygen supports healthy organs that are less susceptible to disease. The brain responds positively to increased oxygen as well, producing an increase in clarity, concentration and memory.
Kriya Yoga also explores the the subtle body and its subtle energy centers known as chakras, situated along the Sushumna or main channel for this energy.
As Praana expands, it transmits a dynamic subtle energy known as Shakti that penetrates beyond the cellular level reaching down to the DNA.
One may experience energetic shifts, but like the physical and cognitive shifts, the changes in one's subtle body are gradual, healthy and transformative.

Kriya Yoga Postures with benefits -->

Devotee's Experiences

Swami Sahaja Datta Pada, Mysore
"Swamiji, you give so many things to your devotees, how come you never give me anything?"
He looked at me and said in the most compassionate voice, "I don't give you anything, for I have kept you in my heart"

Swamy Vishnudatta Padarenu, Russia
Sri Swamiji addressed me by my name, Varada Raja, greeted me, allowed me to do Namaskaram, and then began speaking with me as though He had known me for several years....

Mysore Patrike Venkatramu
"I bless all those who come to me irrespective of their caste or religion. If a Christian comes to me I tell him to believe in Jesus and continue to have faith in his own religion. Likewise, if a Muslim comes to me I stress upon the importance of being a good Muslim and follow his own faith..."

S Dwarkanath, Mysore
"Your friend Satyanarayana has become a Swamiji, I went and paid my respects, you also go and do the same", I did not pay any attention to this talk so she hit me on the head....

C S Venkatesh, Bangalore
"Wherever you work, as a clerk or an engineer, be honest and sincere and pray to God and your Guru. You will come out good in life".....

Krishan Kumar, Mysore
Then He took me to His room and showed me a map of India, showing certain places saying that He wanted to go there. "Will you take me? Will you take me?"....

Sheetal Persad
"Don't worry; Sri Swamiji will take care." I realized at that moment that he was answering my thoughts. He knows everything for He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. He is my master.....