Kriya: Highway to Self-realization

Kriya is often mentioned in Paramhansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, as well as by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, and by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. It is an advanced meditation technique that, when practiced properly, accelerates human evolution and eliminates the seeds of past karma.

Advanced practices require preparation: the aspiring composer must learn musical notation; the promising artist must first learn to mix colors; the hopeful surgeon needs a profound knowledge of anatomy. The aspiring Kriya yogi must prepare his mind and astral nervous system in order to reap the benefits that the practice offers.

Yogananda says: "Kriya Yoga is not given until the devotee has practiced other highly advanced techniques first, preparing his mind for the greater blessing of that highest technique. Experience has shown me the necessity of this general rule.”

If you would like to be in touch with someone regarding the following process, write us here.

Before your journey begins

What is Kriya?

An overview of the path of Kriya is available here on the internet.

Books on Kriya

In addition to the Autobiography and its profound chapters about Kriya and the Kriya masters, you can extend your knowledge of them through Swami Kriyananda’s The New Path.

Kriya Resources

You will find many inspiring talks and articles on the Ananda Sangha Europe website and on the Ananda Europa YouTube channel.


Continue your exploration by learning and practicing the following techniques:

Learning to Meditate

The meditation technique given by Yogananda is an ancient and well-known practice, widely used throughout India. It is based on the observation of the breath combined with the repetition of a mantra to calm the mind and focus it on a single point. Experience and skill in this practice are necessary to succeed in the more advanced techniques of Kriya, which require a high capacity of concentration. You can take this course before or after the Energization Exercises.

ONLINE Courses

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Courses at Ananda Assisi

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All five-day courses offered on any subject include instruction in meditation practice There are also weekend and five-day courses devoted to meditation practice.

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Energization Exercises

This series of thirty-nine easy exercises was developed by Yogananda as a means for developing concentration, willpower, and energy control, which are essential to the practice of Kriya. Daily practice vitalizes the physical body and strengthens the nervous system, preparing them for Kriya. You can learn these exercises before or after learning the meditation technique.

ONLINE Courses

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Courses at Ananda Assisi

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All five-day courses offered on any subject include instruction in the Energization Exercises. There are also weekend and five-day courses devoted to this practice.

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The joy you experience [in the practice of Kriya] is incomparable to all material joys. You will find this super happiness more alluring than the temptations of instincts and emotions.Paramhansa Yogananda

Raja Yoga

A knowledge of the science of Raja Yoga, codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is important for understanding the significance of the Kriya practices. The courses at Ananda are based on the books The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, and Patanjali Revealed, by Swami Kriyananda. Being the third step in the Kriya path, the previous steps are necessary to access.

ONLINE Courses

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Raja Yoga LIVE courses are offered from time to time. It is a deep and engaging series, spread out over eight weekly classes.

Courses at Ananda Assisi

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The contents of the Raja Yoga series are offered as a five-day intensive residential course.

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Discipleship

Participation in the first three Steps is available to everyone who wishes to explore the science of Raja Yoga. Meditation, energy recharging and a knowledge of Raja Yoga are useful for everyone no matter one’s path or religion. For those who wish to choose Kriya as a life path, it is necessary to commit to the discipline of the Kriya masters. In this Step you explore the role of the Guru in your life, and come to understand the blessings and the responsibilities of being a Disciple.

If you would like to speak with someone about becoming a disciple, write to us and you will be contacted. A discipleship initiation ceremony can be arranged either online or here at Ananda Assisi.

ONLINE Courses

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Courses at ANANDA ASSISI

Residenziale

Check the course calendar to see when upcoming weekend courses will be offered.

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Your soul is looking for something tangible and with the Kriya technique you will get a mathematical result. The results will come according to how much you practice.Paramhansa Yogananda

Kriya Preparation

After completing the previous Steps, you may ask permission to take the Kriya preparation courses. There are two steps in your preparation: The first step is to make your daily practices more solid, correct, joyful, and regular, and to learn new techniques. After integrating the techniques of the first step, a minimum of a few months later, you may move on to the second step of preparation where you learn more techniques. To access these courses write to Mayadevi here.

ONLINE Courses

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Online Kriya Preparation courses are being prepared and should be available in the near future

Courses at ANANDA ASSISI

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Discover our Kriya Preparation courses at our Ananda Assisi Center.

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Kriya Initiation

Perhaps the most important and sacred moment of your spiritual journey is your first Kriya Initiation. The ceremony has been passed down for generations from the time that Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya.

New initiates and practicing Kriyabans share the experience, held in the Temple of Light where Swami Kriyananda gave many initiations during the time he lived here. Ceremonies are offered several times throughout the year, and are now available as well Online. Upon completion of the second level of Kriya preparation, you will be able to apply for an upcoming Initiation.

ONLINE Initiations

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Online Initiations are scheduled as required during the year

Initiations at ANANDA ASSISI

Residenziale

Initiation ceremonies are available several times a year at Ananda Assisi. Check the Course Calendar.

Initiations in the Temple

Programs for Kriyaban

For our Kriyabans we offer a network of inspiration and support. You can come for Kriya Retreats or in-depth courses, and also access the extensive online support.

ONLINE Courses

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Courses at ANANDA ASSISI

Residenziale

Initiations and Retreats are available for Kriya initiates throughout the year.

Check the Course Calendar

Support for Kriyaban

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Ananda Sangha Europe supports Kriyaban through one-on-one guidance; written, video and audio resources; online meditations and satsangs.

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The Kriya technique will take you to the source of inspiration and give you the answers, it will bring clarity and stimulate the brain, strengthen the medulla oblongata and open the Spiritual Eye.Paramhansa Yogananda