Some people claim they have the “real” or original kriya — why?
There are other groups that teach different “kriya” yogas — what’s the difference?
Do You Need a Living Guru to Learn Kriya Yoga?
Paramhansa Yogananda personally authorized Swami Kriyananda to initiate others into Kriya Yoga, acting as Yogananda’s instrument. Swami Kriyananda has also authorized a number of Ananda teachers to initiate people into Kriya, acting as instruments for the Ananda line of Gurus.
Kriya is offered as an initiation because it is more than a technique. At Kriya initiations, the teacher offering the initiation acts as a channel for Yogananda’s magnetism and blessing. Many people have been transformed by the power of Kriya initiation through Ananda.
Can Kriya Yoga be dangerous?
Do you have to pay to receive Kriya through Ananda?
There is a cost for the Path of Kriya courses, and/or classes at an Ananda Center, that help one prepare for Kriya Initiation. There are also guest fees if you receive Kriya at Ananda Village. At the initiation itself, there is a monetary offering that is entirely up to the individual.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Kriya?
Why do I have to learn other techniques before receiving Kriya?
The other techniques (Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, AUM, and more) are part of the Path of Kriya Yoga. The Kriya Yogi continues to practice those techniques even after receiving the Kriya technique. Second, the Kriya technique is much more effective with the year (or more) of preparation. Finally, practicing Kriya requires a daily commitment to meditation. It can take up to a year (or more) to establish that practice.