The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga

Goswami Kriyananda's book the "Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga", is exactly that. The book is written clearly and concisely for the student who wants to understand how to master their own universe and take control of their own lives. Practicing yoga does not mean isolation from society. Quite the reverse in fact as we learn how to live amongst other people and inspite of the angular energy we find ourselves in, find balance and contentment. This book is about the pscychology of the soul that links the chakras as psychological states of consciousness, to the planets in the macrocosm that no other book I have found does. In our society we are looking for the quick fix that brings liberation, when in fact it is a process that takes many thousands of lifetimes to achieve. This book gives many practical techniques in how to discipline the physical body and the mind that are important techniqes to embody,not mearly dabble in. The simplest one of hong-sau which was introduced by Yogananda to the West is explained, and if the student is well discipined and practicing loving kindness, will be able to deepen their meditation practice with this alone. Kriyananda's teaching style is not the same as Yogananda's had to become.He needed to appeal to a population in the 1920's that was 'star struck' with the new moving picture shows and the miracles that they were taught from the christian faith. Kriyananda brings Kriya Yoga philosophy, psychology and cosmology to the modern day householder in an easy to understand format. Modern life is complicated enough. This is the book that can motivate people to sew the seeds of wisdom and discernment. Camella Nair- Author of "Aqua Kriya Yoga".

this remarkable book remarkable is the only one I have found in English that presents and discusses the Eight Limbs as an interconnected system. it shows how the goal of each limb is to mobilize and transform energy inside the body in order to create the necessary conditions -- sattva -- for the attainment of cosmic consciousness. for this reason, I think this book ought to be read by all students of hatha yoga. I think it is the most comprehensive modern book on the esoteric (spiritual and energetic) side of hatha yoga practices that are becoming increasingly common in the West. many other reviewers complain that this book does not teach kriya yoga. if by kriya yoga they mean the initiated teachings of paramhansa yogananda, they are correct. since kriyananda would be breaking his vows to include such teachings in a book he can hardly be blaimed; furthermore, kriya yoga lineages contend that initiation is an absolute necessity for the correct practice of those techniques. if you want to learn the inner medititative teachings of yogananda's lineage, this is not the place to do it. unfortunately, since the publication of yogananda's autobiography a huge market has sprung up of people attempting to make a profit by claiming to offer a short-cut around the SRF's laborious route to yogananda's "secret" teaching. this is not such a book. however, the contention that this book is not about kriya yoga, or that kriyananda fails to properly emphasize devotion, shows a lack of understanding about the philosophy and practice of kriya yoga in India. the word "kriya" means "activity" or "movement." it refers to the inner meditations of kriya yoga, but also to a number of cleansing techniques considered a part of hatha yoga. techniques in Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga are also called "kriyas" -- meaning a series of movements. this book teaches a system of yoga that is in a kriya lineage. it is kriya yoga insofar as the teachings are presented as contributions to the evolution of a whole. it is the whole system that is "kriya," not the individual components. kriya yoga is not a mystical tradition distinct from other yogic teachings; they are part of the same complex mosaic. as far as devotion, "Bhakti," in India it is viewed as technique among techniques. each student is expected to follow the predelictions of his or her own karma. Yogananda was devotional by nature, and so emphasized Bhakti. he is a Bhakti teacher and so he attracts students who are themselves Bhakti, hence his success among Christians. kriyananda seems to be more of a "Jnana" ("learning") teacher, so his writing will appeal to people with logical, scientific or musical temperaments. this is why there are many teachings. no one teaching is appropriate for all individuals. these days, the inner "kriya" techniques of the Babaji/Yogananda lineage have the reputation of being some kind of spiritual magic bullet. whether or not that is true I do not know; I have not received

Comprehensive coverage of yoga as a health-creating and sustaining system, as well as fulfilling practice. The author's warm humor and deep wisdom is evident throughout. The book contained practical and highly beneficial information that I was able to apply immediately to life improvement. This book tremendously impacted my life. Highly recommended.

Kriya Yoga - the yoga of spiritual action. Swami Kriyananda has written a book of incredible depth in an easy to read style. This book is packed with so much wisdom and inspiration. It was used as the reference book for the yoga teachers training class I studied with in 1994. I savored the many months of study this book brought forth in my course work and the inspirational force it continues to provide for me. I refer to it often. As a yoga teacher, I refer all my students to this book as well. It is truly, deeply excellent...and a blessing.

This text offers a very readable explanation of the practice and methodology of kriya yoga. It is a practical book yet contains the mystical wisdom of the ancient texts on kriya yoga. I recommend it for the beginner and the advanced student. It will change your life.