Kriya Yoga is believed to have its origins in antiquity, but has evolved and been shaped over time to take its current form. The word ‘Kriya’ itself is of Sanskrit origin and means movement or activity. In the context of Kriya Yoga we mean activity of the consciousness. Kriya Yoga in its full form comprises of well over seventy kriyas, of which only around twenty are well known. Kriya Yoga aims at activity in the consciousness not to restrict mental fluctuations, but instead to achieve an awakening in the consciousness, with the goal of furthering all potential to its fullest.
There are two recognized systems of Kriya Yoga; one as propogated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and the other by Paramahamsa Yogananda. The practices of Kriya are to be found in a number of tantric texts in Sanskrit, of which very few have been translated to date. This system of yoga comprises of numerous levels of Pranayama or breathing exercise based practices, meant to achieve rapid spiritual development and reach a state of great serenity and communion with the divine.

The main aspect of Kriya Yoga is the relationship between breath and consciousness or the mind. Its practitioners believe that both of these influence each other. Another striking feature of this form of yoga is the importance of the student- teacher relationship. Knowledge is passed from guru or teacher to disciple or student. Kriya Yoga is practiced through controlling Pranayama or energy. Practitioners are expected to live a life of spirituality, practice meditation and live in harmony with the divine.

Kriya Yoga not only focuses on following a path of spirituality, but also strives to eliminate and free both the body and mind of any distractions. Meditation techniques and mantras are an important feature of Kriya Yoga practices, and are used to restore peace and tranquility to the mind and the body.

The Techniques Employed In Kriya Yoga Include:
The practice of asanas or poses for stretching and bending to prepare the body.
The practice of other yoga techniques to prepare the mind.
The practice of meditative techniques along with the chanting of mantras.
The incorporation of pranayama into all activities.
The education and learning in the application of Kriya Pranayama.
The addition of mudras to increase energy and also the control over its flow.

Kriya Yoga can be easily learnt and incorporated into any exercise regimen that you may already follow, because of its focus on breath, the soul, and the mind.