Kriya Yoga is a comprehensive yoga system that was introduced to America in 1920 by Paramhansa Yogananda. He is hailed as the "Father of Yoga in the West" for his groundbreaking work and travels, primarily focused on disseminating the Kriya Yoga tradition. Kriya Yoga first originated in its current form with the revival of an Indian man known as Lahiri Mahasaya. If you want to choose an authentic Kriya Yoga training, then the teacher or school must have received initiation through the lineage of Lahiri Mahasaya.
Kriya Yoga Lahiri
The Kriya Yoga Lahiri training school was founded by Shibendu Lahiri, the great grandson of Lahiri Mahasaya. Shibendu travels numerous times throughout year giving lectures and Kriya Yoga initiations in America, Europe and India. Attending one of his programs or retreats is the best opportunity to receive Kriya Yoga initiation and training. Students feel more connected to the long-standing Lahiri Mahasaya lineage when they receive instruction from his great grandson.
The Expanding Light
The Expanding Light offers Kriya Yoga initiation and training to approved students. You will need to complete a Kriya Yoga Preparation course before receiving initiation into this ancient meditation practice. The Expanding Light is part of the Ananda Community, which was founded by Swami Kriyananda. He was personally initiated by Paramhansa Yogananda, so this constitutes as a genuine Kriya Yoga lineage.
Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF)
Self-Realization Fellowship is the organization that Paramhansa Yogananda personally founded after he arrived in America. SRF teaches qualified students the first few level of the Kriya Yoga techniques. To qualify, you must have completed the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons and agree to the guru-disciple fellowship requirements. When you are ready to receive Kriya Yoga training from this organization, you will need to contact your local SRF center.
Kriya Yoga Self-Training
Though most Kriya Yoga experts recommend you receive personal initiation from a master teacher, it is possible to learn Kriya Yoga from a book. Roy Eugene Davis, who was personally taught by Yogananda, wrote a book titled, Life Surrendered in God: The Philosophy and Practices of Kriya Yoga, which contains the first level techniques of Kriya. The fundamentals of the primary Kriya Yoga technique are explained in full detail by an authentic Kriya Yoga expert. This book serves as a great introduction to Kriya Yoga and allows you to train on your own without the guidance of a guru.
Tags: Kriya Yoga, Lahiri Mahasaya, Expanding Light, Paramhansa Yogananda, Self-Realization Fellowship, authentic Kriya, authentic Kriya Yoga