Yogiraj Sri Shama Churn Lahiree
Lahiri Mahasaya Fountainhead of Kriya Yoga
…”A newcomer humbly enquired: I have heard You practise dhyana in Your room. But of which God do You practise dhyana? Yogiraj smilingly replied: I do not know about that.
The newcomer further enquired: You must be practising dhyana of Siva, Krishna or Kali? Yogiraj answered: I practise dhyana of that One Who is prevalent in Siva, Krishna or Kali you, Me and everyone else. The newcomer was amazed and stated: I could not follow what You said. Yogiray replied: Neither can I explain, nor can you understand.”…
Quote from Purana Purusha, Biography on Sri Shama Churn Lahiree
Daily meditation
Kriya Yoga is a meditation technique, which ultimately leads to what is also called self-realization. Kriya means action, Yoga means union and mastery. Kriya yoga is a breathing and meditation technique that also strives through devotion to stillness of body and mind.
You do a one-hour meditation at least twice a day. During your meditations you focus on your own body energy. Kriya has many benefits for a healthy and long life but is not a quick solution to your problems. It takes years of training and practice.
Autobiography of a Yogi
Kriya Yoga reached the west in the 1940s through Parahansa Yogananda’s book Autobiography of a Yogi. The name and reputation of Lahiri Mahasaya quickly became known in yoga circles as the eternal source of Kriya yoga. Many yoga associations, ashrams, temples and societies are supposedly founded in his name. However, Lahiri Mahasaya never wanted ashrams or associations to be established under his name.
Authentic Kriya Yoga
Many swamis and self-proclaimed yogis claim to teach original Kriya yoga but have lost all connection to the source, Lahiri Mahasaya. You do not learn this method in an association or yoga class, the original Kriya yoga only continues from Guru to student. You can find more articles about the role of the Guru on this site.
In 1868, Lahiri Mahasaya was initiated by his spiritual Guru Babaji. Lahiri Mahasaja lived a normal life as a ‘household yogi’ with wife and children as an example for other people. The method was passed on to his son Tinkari and later to his grandson Satya Charan.
In 1985, Satya Charan Lahiri gave his most advanced disciple Prakash Shankar Vyas permission to initiate people in Kriya. In 2008 Guruji migrated to Australia with his family. there he lives a modest life in Gisborne, near Melbourne. He initiates the one in Kriya that he finds fit, because Kriya yoga is not for everyone. Discipline is tough and great dedication is required.
If you want to know more about Authentic Kriya Yoga, read the book Footsteps to Freedom written by Heidi Wyder.