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Category: Self-Realization

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May 14
2009

How Prana (life-force) enters the body

Andreas
Austria

Question

I am a Kriyaban in the tradition of Paramhamsa Yogananda.

PY teaches that the life-force flows into the body through the medulla oblongata. There are 3 colours: White - consciousness beyond primal nature, blue - God involved with creation; gold - frequency of "OM."

Before I started the path of Kriya-yoga, I studied other systems. For years I have tried to find out the difference, similarities etc. of the energies entering the body through the crown and the medulla respectively.

Is there, in Kriya yoga, a difference between the incarnated soul and the Higher Self? Maybe you could help me with these questions?

Thank you very much in advance.

Dr. Andreas Ullrich

Savitri Simpson

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Dr. Ullrich,

Yes, it is true that several other traditions recommend that prana (life-force) be directed into or out of the astral body via the 7th or Crown Chakra. But Paramhansa Yogananda offers a different teaching on this matter.

As you mention, Yogananda teaches us to draw prana in through the Agya (sometimes spelled Ajna) or 6th chakra, especially through its receptive aspect in the medulla oblongata area of the brain.

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April 27
2009

Challenges on the spiritual path

rajesh
India

Question

How does one enter into the path of realization? What kind of hindrances and temptations does one face in this path of realization? In which way can we be assured that we are treading on the right path?

Pranaba Hansen

Ananda Village

Answer

One enters into the path of realization first by desiring fulfillment beyond the fleeting sensory mirages of this world. The next step is uncovering our true nature – that of our soul – through the ever deepening experience of meditation and its related techniques, especially that of Kriya Yoga.

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November 8
2008

AUM technique and spiritual liberation

priyal
india

Question

Greetings,

I have a couple of questions, i hope you can clarify

a. I have been practicing the Aum technique since a couple of days, though extremely relaxing, i cannot seem to go beyond an "electric" sound, how do i take the technique forward

b. Is a physical encounter with a living guru essential for spiritual progress

Gyandev McCord

Ananda Village

Answer

a. The “electric” sound is a good starting point. Concentrate on it. Be ready for something else to come to the forefront of your attention as your concentration deepens, but don’t strain to find that “something else.” It will come in its own time, with your ever-deepening concentration. And be patient. As the expression goes, Rome was not built in a day, or even “a couple of days.”

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