Paramhansa Yogananda taught Kriya Yoga as a spiritual path that includes three other techniques, along with discipleship to the Kriya line of Masters.
The Kriya technique is not a “magic bullet” that will give one instant spiritual progress. It is effective only to the extent that the Kriya yogi practices it with awareness, sensitivity, and an open heart.
Ananda teaches the four techniques that encompass the Path of Kriya, just as Yogananda taught them: the Energization Exercises, the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, the Aum Technique of Meditation, and the Kriya technique.
After establishing the first three techniques as part of a daily meditation practice, one can receive the Kriya technique. This process takes about a year, or more, depending on the student.
Also important to the Path of Kriya Yoga is discipleship. As Yogananda states:
To tune in to the guru’s consciousness, visualize him in the spiritual eye. Mentally call to him there. Imagine his eyes, especially, gazing at you. Invite his consciousness to inspire your own.
Then, after calling to him for some time, try to feel his response in your heart. The heart is the center of intuition in the body. It is your “radio-receiver.”
Your “broadcasting station” is situated in the Christ center between the eyebrows. It is from this center that your will broadcasts into the universe your thoughts and ideas.
Once you feel an answer in the heart, call to the guru deeply, “Introduce me to God.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda
