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Kriya YogaThe Science of Self-Realization
Kriya Yoga is one of the most ancient pathways for spiritual evolution ever practiced on Earth. Tracing it's roots back some 10,000 years or more it remains an unbroken lineage, with the blessings of countless great Masters throughout human history. Some of these Masters have been known, revered and celebrated, while many more have remained enshrouded in mystery and are still meditating today in the caves of the high Himalayas, beyond the reach and sight of the masses. Kriya Yoga accelerates one's spiritual evolution by a process of pranayama (life force control through breathing techniques), in which the ripples of thought in the mind are gradually stilled and higher and higher states of consciousness are achieved. Subconscious thoughts and deeply rooted patterns of past desires and mental impressions (samskaras) are released as the mind is purified by the steady practice of meditation. Yogavatar Krishna says in the Gita (ch: V. verse 27-28): "The meditation expert becomes eternally free from external phenomenon by concentrating his gaze between the eyebrows; and by neutralizing the uneven currents of Prana and Apana flowing within the nostrils. Such a yogi transforms his sensory mind, his intellect and frees himself from the Karma of fear, anger and desire." Kriya Yoga is a sacred tradition that is passed down - transmitted - from Sat-Guru to disciple. The Sat-Guru one who has achieved a high level of mastery and with selfless intent passes on his blessings and knowledge to his (or her) students. A Satguru is a guru who does not "teach" in the normal sense, but who has the ability to give the student a direct and personal exprience of expanded states of consciousness, thus accelerating the student's understanding and progress much faster than if he were simply practicing a technique on his own or with a teacher. A teacher of Kriya Yoga can teach the technique if authorized by their Satguru to do so, however only a Satguru can give the boost to one's evolution and speed the progress of the spiritual practice through direct transmission. Kriya Yoga is the best technique I have found to move beyond fear, negativity, anxiety, depression and the endlessly questioning, analytical, doubting mind. I have found no self-help technique more transformative and life changing than this practice. But even having received this teaching - it still rests upon the student to practice, and to develop the steadfast intent and discipline to meditate daily. This is not a passive practice. It is a process that can wreak havoc in one's life when repressed emotions and samskaras are released. There can be periods of confusion, fear, resistance and shifts in identity that challenge your faith and your steadiness to move towards self-realization. There are also many rewards: states of bliss, peace, love, inspiration and a sense of ease and harmony in life, and much more.
A NOTE OF CAUTION: It is very important, especially for anyone suffering from severe depression, bipolar disorder or any other mental illness, to seek the guidance of a trained, experienced teacher before embarking on any path of Yoga that involves meditation, breath control or other practice that quickly impacts one's state of consciousness. Anyone with a tendency towards suicidal thoughts or psychosis may experience a worsening of these symptoms with certain yoga practices. For more information or to set up an appointment for Kriya Yoga instruction, email or call Ben Schwarcz: 707/326-5566.
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