Dear Seeker, Seminary. - Temple of Kriya · PDF fileDear Seeker, Thank you for your ... •...

Dear Seeker,

Thank you for your interest in the Kriya Yoga Seminary.

Enclosed is an information sheet outlining the Seminary program. However, in order toenroll in the Seminary, you must first complete Level I of the Temple’s Kriology pro-gram. The Seminary faculty strongly feels that these initial nine months of study areintegral to firmly establishing a sadhana practice and preparing spiritually to enter theSeminary.

Kriology is the study and practice of the inner, esoteric tradition of Kriya Yoga. It is apathway to wisdom –– a mature, self-directed inquiry into the nature of you, your lifeand the universe in which you dwell. It is a system for awakening a direct experiencethat expands the horizon of your awareness and cultivates greater joy and freedom.

Kriology is the culmination of over six decades of Sri Goswami Kriyananda’s teachings.It contains the quintessence of his enlightened understanding and experience of the Kriyatradition. It is much more than audio CDs, lessons and retreats; it is an opportunity totransform and improve your life; to transcend the limiting karmic patterns of your past;to nourish and heal your mind and body and realize the fulfillment of your spiritualdream.

To help familiarize you with the program, I have enclosed a brochure and syllabus,excerpts from our printed lessons and an introductory overview of the entire course.Kriology is offered in two parts or levels. Each level of Kriology is comprised of ninemonths of home study training, supported by an optional retreat. Each part is completein itself and includes teachings on CD created exclusively for this program by GoswamiKriyananda. Also included in the course are printed lessons, Kriya techniques and ritu-als, sadhana guides and lesson plans. The optional four-day retreats, led by GoswamiKriyananda and his disciples, will offer you an opportunity to deepen your practicesand learn advanced Kriya methods. Upon completion of Level I, you can either continuewith Kriology Level II or apply to enter the Seminary. Seminary candidates who com-plete Level I will be asked to pass a written exam on the material covered in Kriology aspart of their application to the Seminary program.

Kriology is open for enrollment twice each year. We are now accepting applications forour fall 2006 session beginning October 1, 2006. To ensure your place in the fall session,please complete the application and return it in the enclosed envelope with your tuition.

Until October 1, we are offering a preferred registration discount. Tuition for Kriology is$325.00 per quarter ($975.00). If you pre-register and pay in full for Level I prior toOctober 1, you will receive a $100.00 savings, reducing your Level I tuition to just$875.00. After October 1, the pre-registration discount will no longer be available.

Should you prefer to submit your tuition on a quarterly basis and not take advantage ofthe prepayment discount, you can register by sending us your application and a tuitiondeposit of $325.00. Then the balance of your Kriology tuition will be $325.00 per quarter.It will be due two weeks before the beginning of each subsequent quarter of the pro-gram.

I hope you will take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to receive the KriyaTeachings from a living flame of the Kriya Lineage as you prepare to embark upon thepath of becoming a priest. I know Kriology will be a source of spiritual nourishment toyou and to those whose lives you touch. If you have any questions about the program,please feel free to contact us by phone, fax or e-mail.

Yours in the service of the Kriya Dharma,

David Lipschutz(Enoch Dasa)

The Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary ProgramThe Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary ProgramThe Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary ProgramThe Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary ProgramThe Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary Program

The Kriya Yoga Seminary is a non-accredited theological school directed by the Temple of Kriya

Yoga, a not-for-profit religious educational organization. Sri Goswami Kriyananda developed this

program more than 30 years ago as a bridge between the Temple of Kriya and dedicated people like

you who are called to a life of spiritual service — a life devoted to benefiting others.

One of the fundamental principles of Kriya Yoga is the understanding that each of us has the ability

to be happy and fulfilled in this very lifetime. One of the best means of achieving this is to share our

wisdom and compassion with the world around us. The Kriya Seminary is designed to provide you

with tools and techniques that will guide you in this effort. It is a systematic course of study that will

cultivate your spiritual unfoldment, prepare you for the priesthood, and help you to assist those

who seek a deeper understanding of themselves, God, and Life.

The goal of Seminary study is to be ordained into the priesthood. It is our hope that the self-disci-

pline and dedication that are required will inspire you to teach, heal, and become an even wiser and

more compassionate soul who will share the sacred science of Kriya with others. However, as a

swami of the Temple of Kriya Yoga you are free to express the priesthood through your own person-

ality and talents. You will not be categorized or limited; each person must serve in his or her own

way. Many of our priests teach hatha yoga, meditation, or philosophy. Others provide spiritual

guidance through the Temple, privately, or in various institutions and organizations in their com-

munities. Others may perform weddings, baptisms, death-rebirth rituals, or house blessings.

It is important to understand that a swami is a real person living in the real world. They often have

careers and families. Their backgrounds and talents are diverse. Their goal is to serve the spiritual

needs of the people whose lives they touch, to assist them in softening their own karma, and to

guide them through the pattern of their lives to greater self-awareness, health and happiness,

maturity, and freedom. The role of a priest is to help others to help themselves. The Seminary

proverb is, “Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day; teach him to fish and he will eat forever.”

The Seminary program

The Kriya Yoga Seminary program is comprised of eight quarters of home study, which must be

completed in 2 to 2-1/2 years, followed by nine months of priestly activity. You may begin the pro-

gram in April or October of each year. The program includes:

• Quarterly lesson packages, including CDs, printed materials, study questions, reading as-

signments, books, and quarterly exams.

• An ordained swami-advisor who will guide you through the program, answer your ques-

tions, grade your work, give you feedback, and be your partner on the path.

• Karma Yoga, volunteer work that benefits others and prepares you for your post-graduate

priestly activity.

• A research paper or artistic endeavor on a topic that is relevant to your priesthood.

• Annual weekend retreats held during the course of your studies at a retreat center near

Chicago. Two are required for ordination. (The cost of retreats is not included in your tuition

and runs approximately $375 for each retreat.)

• Nine months of priestly activity after you complete the academic portion of the program.

This can include teaching, lecturing, leading study groups, or being of service through

volunteer work that relates to your priesthood.

Topics covered

Here are some of the topics covered in the Kriya Seminary curriculum:

• • • • • Kriya yoga philosophy • The laws of karma

• Meditation • Hatha yoga

• Astrology • The language of symbols

• Dreams • Pastoral care/spiritual guidance

• The Bhagavad Gita • Communication and teaching arts

• The Upanishads • Karma yoga/spiritual service

• Yoga Sutras • World religions

• Rituals • Sanskrit

Tuition

Application fee to be included with your application: $25

Per quarter: $350 (includes all books and materials)

Discounts are available if tuition is paid in advance:

• payment in full for the first year: $1,260

• payment in full for two years: $2,520

Seminary prerequisites

Completion of Kriology Level I (As part of your Seminary application, you will be asked to complete

an examination on the material covered in Level I.)

Once you complete Kriology Level I, your next step is to request a Seminary application and en-

trance exam. When we receive your application, completed exam, and application fee, we will re-

view your application and exam and notify you as to whether you have fulfilled the prerequisites

necessary for enrollment in the Seminary.

APPLICATION FOR KRIOLOGY

(Please type or print)

Name___________________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________

City______________________________State_____________________Zip___________________

Home Phone__________________________Work Phone_________________________________

e-mail__________________________________Fax______________________________________

How do you foresee this program enhancing your spiritual goals? (optional)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Briefly describe your current spiritual practice(s) (for example, Hatha Yoga, pranayama,meditation, areas of study, teaching or training). (optional)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How did you learn about Kriology?___________________________________________________

We would like to know you better. If you so choose, on the back of this application, ortyped on a separate sheet of paper, please share with us any information you feel wouldbe meaningful about you, your family, career, personal philosophy, educationalbackground, other areas of relevant study, hobbies, interests, and goals. (Please print)

____Enclosed is $325 for the first quarter. I will be sending in quarterly payments.

____Enclosed is $875 for Level One paid in advance (which includes a $100 discount).

____Enclosed is $1650 for Levels One and Two paid in advance (which includes a $300discount).

Check No._____ Visa/MC No.____________________________ Exp. Date________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return to: The Temple of Kriya * 2414 N. Kedzie Blvd. Chicago, IL 60647Fax (773) 342-4608 * Phone (773) 342-4600

Kriology Syllabus�

2004 The Temple of Kriya1

Kriology: The Mystical Tradition of Kriya YogaSyllabus - Levels I & II

Guidelines and Techniques for EnlightenmentOverview of the Kriya SystemPurpose and Process of Kriya YogaBenefits of Kriya PracticeEffects of Kriya PracticeOvercoming Obstacles to PracticeThe Importance of Preparation and PurificationCultivating a Lifestyle which Supports Your PracticeThe Development of Self-DisciplineThe Maha-Mantra (Ahambrahmasmi)The Laws of Self-Conscious AwarenessObstacles to EnlightenmentPractices Leading to SamadhiDetachment is not IndifferenceShifting Awareness to the Inner PlanesUnderstanding the Astral ExperienceThe Mysticism of PhoneticsMantra and the Sadhana of SoundDreams, Symbols, and KriyaSymbolism and VisualizationKriya Yantra MandalaShat KriyasYoga Nidra

Kriya Philosophy and CosmologyThe Sacred Science of KriyaThe Conscious Ritual of CreationThe Cosmology of Kriya YogaThe Macrocosm and the MicrocosmShankya Yoga PhilosophySpirit and Matter (Purusha and Prakriti)Kriya Dharma SutrasKriya Ananda UpanishadPatanjali’s Yoga SutrasThe Five Vrittis and KlesasSamskaras, Klesas, and Karma



Samskaras (Subtle Impressions from the Past)Removing the Klesas and Attaining Vritti NirodhaThe Structure of ConsciousnessThe Nature of Thought FormsThe Doctrine of KarmaUnderstanding Cause and EffectKarma and ReincarnationThe 12 Primary States of AwarenessHow Karma is ActivatedHow Karma Can Be SoftenedDifferent Types of KarmaThe Magic Formula (I X D = F)Gunas - The Qualities of ActionDharma, Rita, and the Bharva Chakra

Your Astral AnatomyNadis and Chakras The Movement of PranaPrana, Kundalini, and Kriya The Chakric Tree of LifeThe Three Bodies and Five Sheaths Pranayama and its Spiritual ValueThe Secret of Kriya Pranayama Mudras and BandhasAscending and Descending Currents Kriya Currents and the ChakrasPrana and the Subtle Body Gathering and Directing Kriya CurrentsAwakening and Rotating Kriya Kundalini Activating and Rebalancing the Chakras

Kriya Sadhana (Level I)Viparita Karani Mudra Kriya - Inverted MudraChakra Anusandhana Kriya - Discovering the Astral ChakrasNada Sanchalana Kriya - Spinal Rotation of SoundPavana Sanchalana Kriya - Spinal Rotation of BreathHong Sau Kriya - The Gander’s BreathMaha Mudra Kriya - Ascending the KundaliniPaschimottanasana Maha Mudra Kriya

Kriya Sadhana (Level II)Naumukhi Mudra Kriya - Closing the Nine GatesShakti Chalana Kriya - Spinal Rotation of PranaShambhavi Mudra Kriya - Sri Mataji’s Lotus KriyaChakra Bhedan Kriya - Piercing the ChakrasTandan Kriya - Awakening the Kundalini



Kriya Sadhana (Level III)Prana Ahuti Kriya - Energizing the Astral BodyLinga Sanchalana Kriya - Activating the Astral BodyUtthana Kriya - Elevation of the Astral Body

Kriya RitualsLevel I: Ritual of the Sun, Ritual of the Moon, Kriya Prayer of Attunement, Ritual forCreating Sacred Space, Ritual of Purification, Ritual of Attunement, Ritual ofForgiveness,Ritual for Clearing the Past, Blessing of the Seven Chakras

Level II: Ritual of Inner Guidance, Ritual for Releasing Intuition, Invocation of the IshtaDevata, Ritual of Clarity, Ritual of Remembrance, Clearing of the Aura, Death/RebirthRitual, Sweeping of the Astral, Ritual of Releasing Negativity, Ritual for Removing Hin-drances

Ashtanga (The Eight Limbs of Kriya Practice)Yama/Niyama: Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-stealing),Brahmacharya (Non-sensuality), Aparigraha (Non-greed), Saucha (Purity), Santosha (Con-tentment), Tapas (Austerity), Svadhyaya (Self-Study), Isvara Pranidhana (Attunement)

Pranayama (Regulation of Prana)Kriya Pranayama Ujjayi and VilomaNadi Shodhana The Resurrection BreathGuided Pranayama Practice Kapalabhati

Sense-Withdrawal/Concentration (Pratyahara/Dharana)Stages of Sense Withdrawal Yoni MudraNeti, Neti, Neti Technique Kriya Yantra VisualizationMantra and the Mind EEEEEEE MantraMeditation (Dhyana)Establishing a Meditation Practice Developing MindfulnessGuided Meditation Shambhavi MudraVajroli Mudra Mula Bandha

Samadhi (Entering the Valley of the Unobstructed Mind)Dissolving the Agitation of the Mind Kivalya: Freedom from Karmic MomentumCultivating Direct Perception The Law of Balanced Self-Conscious AwarenessSamyama: The Clear Gem Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha



Application (Living Your Kriya Practice)How to Establish a Daily Practice Structuring Your PracticeKriya and the Householder Organizing and Prioritizing Your LifeSustaining a Daily Practice Finding the Best Time and Place to PracticeTarka (Reflection) Preparing the Body for Kriya MeditationDream Journaling Food, Diet and its Effect on Kriya PracticeOptional Retreats and Workshops Determining the Intensity and Duration ofPractice

Inspiration and Reflection (Sustaining the Path)The Laws of Happiness The Three Jewels Above the Head of God

Making Your Dreams Come Alive The Seven Secrets to SuccessHow to Attain Your Spiritual Goal Stillness: The Great RevelationCultivating the Garden of God Think a Thought You’ve Never Thought Be-foreThe Five Steps to Wisdom Your Life is Your PathThe Kriya of Loving Kindness Finding Joy in the JourneyOnce Upon a Yogi Time Stories Contentment: The Point of Creation

Kriology: The Mystical Tradition of Kriya Yoga

Introduction & Orientation�


HOW KRIOLOGY IS STRUCTURED

Kriology offers you the unique opportunity to study the Kriya tradition at your ownpace in the comfort of your home. The course is composed of two parts or levels. Eachlevel is comprised of nine months (three quarters) of home study training supported byan optional retreat. Each level is complete in itself, and combines audiotaped teachingscreated exclusively for Kriology by Goswami Kriyananda, with printed lessons, tech-niques and rituals, selected reading assignments, Kriya practice, and study guides.

Kriology is comprised of six primary areas of study and practice. These areas are:

1. The Philosophy and Cosmology of Kriya Yoga2. Guidelines and Techniques for Enlightenment3. Kriya Sadhana and Ritual Practices4. The Eight Limbs of Kriya Yoga5. Study Questions & Reflection6. Living the Teachings

Each quarter these six areas will be offered in one of twelve sections.

Kriya Philosophy and CosmologyThe approach to yoga is two-fold; theory and practice, both are required for success.This section is dedicated to a deep exploration of the underling psychology, cosmology,and philosophy of Kriya. The goal is to give you a deeper understanding of the Kriyasystem so that you can experience a more profound effect from its practice. It will becomprised of audiotapes, printed lessons, outlines, and handouts.

Kriya Sadhana PracticeKriya Yoga is a series of psychobiological and spiritual techniques by which you canrebalance the mental/emotional patterns of the past and attain enlightenment. This sec-tion contains step-by-step written instructions on the methods that lead to the primarypractice of the Kriya system. Your personal sadhana (spiritual practice) is the foundationupon which this sacred Kriya ritual is built.

Guidelines and Techniques for EnlightenmentThe Kriya Dharma Sutras and the Kriya Ananda Upanishad contain the quintessence ofthe Kriya Teachings. Portions of these texts will be included with each quarter of Kriology,together with written lessons that include: an overview of the Kriya system, the purpose


2004 The Temple of Kriya


2

and process of Kriya, the benefits and effects of Kriya practice, learning to overcomeobstacles to practice, the importance of preparation and purification, cultivating a lifestylethat supports your practice, how to shift your awareness to the inner planes, mantra andthe sadhana of sound, dreams, symbols, visualization, and practices leading to samadhi.

Symbolism and RitualRitual is the art of consciously activating and directing the creative forces of your beingto expand your awareness. This section offers deep insights into esoteric symbolism andritual as taught within the Kriya tradition. Symbols are an important facet of Kriya ritualpractice because they are powerful tools for self-transformation. They are the languageof the soul, the fabric of our dreams, and a key to an intimate understanding of ourselvesand the world that surrounds us. They offer a glimpse into the structure and dynamicsof consciousness, revealing the patterns at work within the subconscious and uncon-scious levels of the mind. They reveal the timing, intensity, and nature of the karmicforces being activated in and around us.

The Eight Limbs of Kriya PracticeKriya Yoga encompasses all eight limbs of the classical yoga system as presented byPatanjali. This section will cover the vital practices of yama and niyama, asana andpranayama, sense-withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and samadhi. It will also teachyou about the little known ninth limb of Kriya practice – samyama.

Astral AnatomyThe study of subtle anatomy is essential for a Kriya yogi. A working understanding ofthe astral body, including prana, nadis, and chakras, is a prerequisite for effectively us-ing the Kriya system to soften or dissolve the karmas that limit your awareness andinhibit your free will.

Application (Living the Teachings)The goal of Kriology is to help you embody the teachings and harmoniously expressthem in every arena of your life. Kriya is an oral tradition –– a methodology and directinsight that has been passed from master to student, from guru to chela for generations.Kriology can improve your life on every level by teaching you how to consciously createwhat you seek and to consciously dissolve what is out of balance. It is our prayer thatthrough this program you will be blessed that you may be a blessing unto others.

Tarka - Personal ReflectionEach quarter of Kriology includes a series of personal reflections (tarka). They can befound in the assignments section and are for your personal use. They will assist you tobecome more mindful and present in the process of your studies. We encourage you to




actively reflect on these questions and record your insights and experiences in a spiritualjournal as you move through the program. The observations and insights you journalwill prove to be a valuable resource to you in the years ahead.

InspirationEach quarter of Kriology will include audiotapes that have been created specifically toinspire you to study and practice with renewed dedication and clarity of purpose. Thesemeditations will assist you to integrate the teachings into your life in a meaningful wayand offer techniques to realize the fulfilment of your spiritual dream.

Lesson PlansThis is the first section you will turn to each quarter. It provides all the information youneed to orient yourself to the program. This section will contain an overview of eachmonth’s teachings and includes study guides and lesson plans.

AssignmentsThe assignments that are offered in Kriology are optional practices that are designed toenhance your experience of the program, expand your understanding of Kriya, andcultivate greater self-awareness. They are divided into two types: personal reflection(which are purely experiential) and exercises that require written responses. Assign-ments that require written responses may be returned to the Temple for review, but arean optional part of your training.

Study QuestionsKriology includes study questions designed to help you review and assimilate the sys-tem you are studying. They are not tests. They are tools that can help you to build adeeper understanding of Kriya Yoga and integrate it more fully and harmoniously intoyour life. If you answer the study questions each month, by the end of the program youwill have a complete outline of the program that will be helpful to you as you continueyour study and practice of Kriya. If you wish, your study question answers can be sentto the Temple for review.

COURSE MATERIALS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

AudiotapesYou will receive audio taped teachings each quarter that support the various compo-nents of the Kriology curriculum: Philosophy and Cosmology, Guidelines and Tech-niques for Enlightenment, Kriya Sadhana and Ritual Practice, The Eight Limbs of Patanjali,Dreams and Symbols, Astral Anatomy, and the Application of the Teachings in your life.




4

This is an excerpt...

Printed LessonsPrinted lessons include Guidelines and Techniques for Enlightenment, The Kriya AnandaUpanishad, the Kriya Dharma Sutras, articles, outlines, study guides, lesson plans,sadhana practices, and assignments. They will be divided into sections so that you caneasily place them into the appropriate section of your binder.

Books and ReadingThere is no required reading in Kriology outside of the lessons we send you each quar-ter. However, you will receive several complimentary booklets during the course of theprogram, which will support the teachings. We have also included a list of books thatwill enhance your studies.

Optional RetreatsEach level of Kriology is supported by optional four-day retreats led by Sri GoswamiKriyananda and his disciples. The retreats will give you an opportunity to deepen yourpractice and learn advanced Kriya methods.

TuitionFor students paying tuition quarterly, tuition is due two weeks prior to the beginning ofeach quarter.

ShippingCourse materials will be shipped via UPS or US Mail. If you have any special request forshipping please contact the Temple at 773-342-4600.

Quarterly ReviewsEach quarter of Kriology will include a quarterly review to help you assess how wellyou have grasped the concepts and techniques that are covered in the program. Theyare optional, but if you wish, they may be returned to the Temple.

JournalingThe personal reflection exercises in Kriology recommend the use of a spiritual journal.Journaling is a valuable method for integrating and distilling what you study. It is alsoan excellent way to store your insights for future reference. We recommend that youpurchase an inexpensive journal for Kriology and dedicate it to recording the experi-ences and insights you gather while participating in the program.

OutliningWe recommend that you outline the teachings that are offered on audiotape to help youassimilate the information more effectively. You may want to listen to a tape all the waythrough before going back to outline or take notes.


Sadhana Guide - Lesson Three�


NOTES ON PRACTICE – LESSON THREE

Success in Kriya Yoga is attained through constant practice and continual detach-ment. We have been discussing the importance of making your practice effortless andhave suggested that you approach your sadhana without expectation, simply enjoyingthe process. We have pointed out the necessity of making changes and eliminating atti-tudes and actions from your life that are destructive to your spiritual goals. Many ques-tions arise. What criteria do you use to make these changes? How do you discover whatis wise and what is foolish? How do you decide what you want and what you need toremove from your life? How do you know if you are renouncing something or simplyavoiding it? How can you be detached and still be motivated? These are questions thatyou need to reflect on and answer for yourself. An exploration of the differences be-tween renunciation and repression and between detachment and indifference may be ofassistance.

The Kriya of Renunciation

How do you know if you are renouncing something or if you are simply repressingit? It is a question of the amount of effort and intensity (which means focus and aware-ness) it requires. Repression is very effortful. It requires that you resist the karmic forcefields of your mind and body. Emotions are force fields in the mind that impel youtoward action. It does not matter how much you ignore or repress your emotions be-cause they will work from the unconscious layers of your mind to find expression. Re-nunciation, on the other hand, requires relatively little effort. It is a recognition, a deepinsight or revelation, about the nature of Life and Self.

Just as there is a significant difference between repression and renunciation, there isalso an important distinction between detachment and indifference. Detachment is theability to clearly see something within yourself, or external to you, and to consciouslychoose to not respond. Why? Because of self-awareness, wisdom, and self-discipline.Indifference is “I don’t care if I have it” or “I don’t care if it’s not healthy for me.” Detach-ment is “I know I want it, but I am not going to respond to the karmic pull of my mindand body.”

Repression is an emotional reaction that forces thoughts and impulses into the un-conscious layers of the mind where they continue to remain an active force and affectyour behavior. Renunciation is a conscious practice observed with insight, self-aware-ness, and self-discipline. There is a wonderful story that illustrates this truth.

This is an excerpt...11

Notes on Practice - Lesson Three�



SADHANA GUIDE - LESSON THREE

The traditional times for Kriya practice are sunrise and sunset. The reason for this isthat the currents in the astral spine are most naturally balanced at these times, making iteasier to attain a quiet state of mind and balanced self-conscious awareness. Like thetides, prana in the astral body flows back and forth or rotates. It alternates betweenpredominance in the ida and pingala nadis. A flushing back and forth occurs each day atsunrise and sunset. During the daylight hours, prana is more localized in the pingalanadi, and your consciousness is extroverted. We say you are awake. At night, as pranashifts to being more predominant in the ida nadi, your awareness naturally shifts to-ward introversion. You are drawn into your inner, lunar, dream world. We say you aregetting sleepy. At sunrise and sunset, prana is balanced between ida and pingala, be-tween waking and sleeping, between an awareness of your inner and outer universes. Itis more naturally sushumanic and, therefore, it is easier to become aware of the knowerof these two worlds.

Macrocosmically, this same rotation or movement occurs on a different scale eachmonth as the moon fluctuates from new moon to full moon, and from full moon back tonew moon. It also occurs in an annual pattern that follows the cycle of the solstices andequinox points. Microcosmically, this shifting between ida and pingala occurs on a sub-tler level every two hours and with each breath. A wise fisherman knows to take his boatout with the tide. A wise farmer knows to plant with the moon. A wise mystic knowsthat sunrise and sunset are the most auspicious times to meditate and breathe Kriya.

This month introduces three new techniques: chakra anusandhana, unmani mudra,and viloma pranayama. Chakra anusandhana is the first of the preparatory Kriyas, andit should be a part of your daily practice for at least the next month. It is a very importanttechnique because it teaches you to rotate your consciousness around the astral spineand to develop an awareness of the chakras. We suggest that you breathe Hong Saubefore and after you practice it, and we encourage you to work with chakra anusandhanaevery day for the next four weeks. The goal is to get to the point where the practice iseffortless and automatic. This will take longer for some than others. If you make time fornothing else, dedicate yourself to breathing Hong Sau every day. Two or three minutesof practice is better than none at all.

Unmani mudra is a gaze that will be used in many of the preparatory Kriya tech-niques that you will receive over the coming months. It is also used in the advanced



Philosophy & Cosmology - Lesson Three�


KRIYA SADHANA – LESSON THREE

This month you are receiving the first of the preparatory Kriya techniques –– ChakraAnusandhana Kriya. It is a method for discovering the placement of the astral chakras.It is vital that you learn to mentally and physically locate the chakras in the early stagesof your sadhana. Feeling the chakras is not difficult if you prepare your mind and bodyand establish a compatible lifestyle. It is simply a question of practice. It usually requirestwo to six months of dedicated practice to develop an awareness of the chakras, espe-cially the ability to visualize and sense their location.

Mastering the Preparatory Techniques

The requirements for the practice of Kriya are a healthy body and a sound mind.This is why the practice of yama, niyama, asana, and pranayama are such importantprerequisites. The preparatory Kriyas begin with methods for the attainment of pratyahara(sense withdrawal) and produce a degree of sensitivity to the chakras and other parts ofthe astral body that are used during advanced practice. If you were to begin advancedpractice without first developing sense withdrawal, concentration, and sensitivity to thesubtle body, the methods would be very difficult to master.

The practice of asana and pranayama, which includes the practice of bandhas (locks),helps the body to relax and makes it easier to locate the chakras. They are also essentialfor becoming aware of prana and developing sensitivity to its movement through theastral body. This is extremely important in balancing the chakras and activating kundalini.Learning to hold a comfortable pose that keeps the spine effortlessly erect (asana), thebreath natural and rhythmic (pranayama), the stomach and perineum gently contracted(uddiyana and mula bandha), and the mind turned back upon itself (pratyahara anddharana) are all prerequisites for Kriya meditation practice.

Levels of Sense Withdrawal

Kriya sadhana is divided into four specific and distinct stages: sense withdrawal,concentration, meditation, and samadhi. There are two levels of sense withdrawal. Thefirst is withdrawal from the external or gross senses. The second is withdrawal from thesubtle, internal sense organs. Success in attaining the goals of Kriya practice is achievedthrough the mastery of both levels.


Kriya Sadhana - Lesson Three�



THE PHILOSOPHY AND COSMOLOGY OF KRIYA - PART II

Kriya practice brings about a revelation or satori, a perceptive insight into the na-ture of Life, Self, and mind. Kriya philosophy delves into the nature of the human expe-rience, the nature of physical embodiment. It is an attempt to reveal a deeper under-standing of its meaning and purpose.

The Nature of Atma

You are an eternal, self-existent being. You are trans-human as well as trans-physi-cal. God did not create you. This world is a school for the soul. It is the garden of God,and you have come into it to awaken to the fullness of who and what you are. You are aformless spiritual being (purusha). Another word for this in Sanskrit is atma, the everpresent, universal spirit that is free of all conditioning. Atma is the true Self, distinct fromthe mind and body. The nature of atma is described as sat (existence), chit (conscious-ness), and ananda (bliss).

Most humans are unaware of their true nature. You are immortal and eternal, butyou are not conscious that you are immortal. Few people experience continuity of con-sciousness and sadly most experience very little joy or bliss in life. In yoga this unaware-ness is called avidya, which is often translated as ignorance, but the connotation is for-getfulness. You are creating the fabric of your existence at this very moment, but youhave forgotten that it is you who are creating it. The creative process is more uncon-scious than conscious. It is more the result of the karmic momentum of yesterday, lastyear, and your last lifetime than of your free will and self-awareness. Kriology is the artand science of creating your life consciously.

In yoga you are called kala-purusha, spirit (purusha) in time (kala). Kriology is morethan a philosophy and series of techniques. It is a way of life. It is a map for travelers intime. You are an immortal spiritual being, and immortality implies timelessness. Butwhen you entered into this school for the soul and became embodied in matter, youentered into a realm of time and space. Yoga points the way back to conscious immortal-ity, back to balanced self-conscious awareness. It is a system that teaches you to balanceand integrate all the different forms you have woven around yourself –– physical, subtle,and super-subtle –– so that they are able to function harmoniously with one another.

You live in a subjective universe that is colored by your needs, fears, hopes, dreams,and desires. All of this distorts your experience. Kriya is a methodology to expand the



Kriya Ananda Upanishad�


This is an excerpt...

RITUAL FOR CREATING SACRED SPACE

Ritual is the art of consciously activating and releasing the creative forces of yourmind. The keys to successfully performing ritual are awareness and an understandingof that which you are trying to accomplish. The ability to focus your mind is also essen-tial. The difference between a ritual and a ceremony is that a ceremony is an externalsuperficial action and a ritual is an internal mystical procedure, a Kriya.

Sacred space begins within you. Everything that you think, say, and do generates avibrational force that hovers within your aura and is radiated out by the mechanism ofyour breath. With each inhalation, you draw your thought forms (as well as the thoughtforms of others) deep into your being. With each exhalation, you project your thoughtforms out and generate the space within which you exist. You are constantly cominginto contact with thought forms—your own and those of others. They surround youand affect you to a greater or lesser degree, consciously and unconsciously, dependingupon your sensitivity, the strength of your mind, the horizon of your awareness, thenature of the vibration, and the resonance that exists between you and the thought form.In this way, you are affected by the totality of Life. Truly you are part of Life and notapart from it. You exist within a matrix of consciousness.

The ritual of creating sacred space is a way to insulate your aura during Kriya prac-tice and to neutralize any inharmonious thought forms that surround you. This is whysacred space begins within you. It is first and foremost the space you create within yourmind. Therefore, the ritual begins by quieting your mind and removing negative emo-tions. Once that is accomplished, you can extend the vibration that is within you toencompass the room and building you are in.

Sit in the place you have dedicated for your practice (or anywhere else), and quietyour mind. As a rule, you should face east during daylight hours and north when thesun is below the horizon. If you have a prayer shawl, place it around your shoulders.During vital parts of a ritual, you can pull the shawl over your head. Placing your shawlover you is symbolically creating a sacred space all by itself.

Sit in a seated pose that is comfortable and fix your mind upon your body. After youhave done this, you want to become aware of either someone else in the same buildingwith whom you resonate harmoniously or a sacred object such as a picture or statuette.

Ritual Practice - Lesson One�



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KRIYA ANANDA UPANISHAD - IV

4.1 When a self-existent being incarnates into a physical body, it gains a greater aware-ness of the earth plane than it had on the astral. At the same time, however, it losesawareness of the inner Self. Thus, in ancient times, it was said that a soul (the memoryof one’s experiences and of the Self) must be “resurrected” again.

4.2 With each reincarnation, with each rebirth, the memory of the Self is perfected andcompleted to a greater degree. However, in each incarnation, one must re-rememberthe past. This is the esoteric connotation of the statement “Ye must be born again,”before its meaning was corrupted. It did not refer to the Self (atma) being reborn butwas a reference to regaining complete consciousness of the soul (memory of the pastand future). “Born again” means re-gaining the memory of cosmic consciousness.

4.3 The re-gaining of consciousness of the Self is accomplished by the practice ofpratyahara, together with the rotation of the kriya currents lengthwise around theastral spine. This rotation helps to pull the prana from the chakras in the correctorder, allowing you to withdraw the kriya current from the lower three chakras andfrom the sense organs associated with them.

4.4 Concentrating on the ajna chakra, while rotating kriya currents around the spine,enables you to withdraw the life energy from the involuntary physical organs and toplace it in your astral body. In time, this will allow you to enter the causal plane andto attain the outer fringes of samadhi.

4.5 Cosmic energy first enters into your being through your astral chakric system, whichis aligned with the brain and spine. It then descends through the chakras and outinto the physical body, where it enters the sense organs. This keeps your mind occu-pied with material and biological maintenance.

4.6 As the kriya currents re-ascend, they deactivate your sense organs and the functionsof your physical body, inducing an awareness of the higher chakras and an everincreasing, ever new expansion into cosmic consciousness, wisdom, and bliss.

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