YOGIC TEACHINGS

Yogic teachings are in their essence straightforward and practical tools to bring one into direct communion with God. Even though that everything Kriyaji teaches is Yoga, we have divided some of the teachings into sections for practicality.

Kriya Yogananda was the name given to Kriyaji by Babaji meaning 'Blissful union with God through active awareness'. This gives one a glimpse of the greatness of the Satpurusha here at Nithya Nilayam. If a student has the opportunity to receive teachings given by Kriyaji, there is the very real possibility of directly experiencing Samadhi, through the living embodiment of its expression in Her.

Kriyaji lives in Yoga - Union with god and therefore teaches from direct experience. She emphasises the importance of focus and discipline in the student's approach. Without this, the practice becomes haphazard and does not bear fruit.

Kriyaji often refers to sacred yogic scriptures such as 'The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali' and in following the guidelines set out by this Siddha, she often states that three elements are needed of equal importance for a successful practice, and to attain liberation, enlightenment. These elements are: Tapas, Swadhay, and Ishwara Pranidhan. Tapas translates as 'intense and constant practice'. Swadhay as 'self-observation or self-study' and Ishwara Pranidhan as 'devotion to God.'

All of these elements are amply found also in Karma Yoga, which is why Kriyaji presents this practice as of supreme importance at this time of history. This practice renders quick and visible results of effort.

Kriyaji embodies Divine understanding for our guidance and liberation. Teaching by example, She demonstrates how the practices of Hatha Yoga, Pranayama amd Meditation, can bring the disciple to their own direct perception of the Divine.

Hatha Yoga is taught by Kriyaji in an original way. From Cosmic Consciousness, a clear way towards understanding and tuning into the body consciousness is the primary work that gives birth to Yoga. Her approach is different and based on Divine alignment, which unfolds like the emerging and opening of a lotus. The students will be introduced to sequences that incorporate all the elements of Yoga, like a moving meditation through the performance of asanas, mudras and breath work.

'Meditation is a state and not a practice,' says Kriyaji, and in Her teaching of this She helps the student to go deeper, sustaining them in an atmosphere of guidance and safety. Sometimes, guided meditations are given which assist the student to focus and concentrate. Most of all, She reinforces deeper states of silence and emphasises that meditation is like our daily bread and is essential for everyone's peace of mind and spirtitual evolution.

Pranayama is the science of the breath. Kriyaji calls it the rocket ship to God - nothing else clears the spine so quickly from blockages and obstacles. Kriyaji's approach is careful and thorough. There are many stages and levels of pranayama, which are added in sequence as and when the student displays competence and ability. The practice starts with a modest demand on the student's time and gradually increases as the body becomes accustomed to the effects of the breath and deeper states are experienced. Dedication is needed in this 'Royal Yoga.'

Satsang is a group of students gathered together in the presence of Truth, embodied in the teacher. Satsang can take any form - spontaneous teaching, expounding the sacred scripture or the opportunity to ask questions about the Teaching and go deeper into any problems or obstacles found on the path, but also sitting in the Presence of Divinity and receiving energy transmission and blessings. Here at Nithya Nilayam, the Satpurusha is much more than a teacher. She embodies the Divine Intelligence of Eternal Truth and Satsang is a fountain of blessings and love, which nurture the devotee on the path of self-realization. Kriyaji is a font of living water that delights the heart and gives rest and peace to the soul.

For further details of yogic teachings, please see the menu on the left.