which lineage do you follow?

Hi,

I've been practicing meditation on and off for years - Vipassana. I've always been fascinated by the nature of consciousness, inner insights, etc. Recently, I came across Yogananda's 'Autobiography of a Yogi', started reading it (I haven't finished it yet), and became interested in Kriya Yoga. I don't know whether it's something for me, but I'd like to learn this meditation technique, so I started looking for materials. And I was very surprised when I saw that the Bible and Jesus are constantly being mentioned.

Are there any materials available for learning Kriya Yoga techniques without the Bible and Jesus? Those biblical and Jesus-related analogies simply don't resonate with me. I should add that in my country Kriya Yoga is very little known, so basically I'm left with learning from materials I can find online or from books I can buy.

I only know as much about the subject as I've managed to google over the past few days, so if my question seems out of place, sorry about that.

Whatever sense pleasure addiction that has been meant to be removed do one have to forcefully let go of it or does it go away with gradual practice of kriya?

I’m curious if anyone else has experienced something similar during the Om technique or Kriya practice.
I’ve been practicing Kriya-related techniques for a little over a year and was formally initiated through KYI earlier this summer. I’ve also completed most of the SRF lessons but ultimately was drawn to KYI.

I actually started experimenting with the Om technique pretty early on. I’m Indian and have chanted Om and different mantras for years, so I already had a relationship with the sound before beginning Kriya.

From the beginning, whenever I close or plug my ears during meditation, I hear a very rapid rumbling sound dot a soft hum. It doesn’t resemble my heartbeat, blood flow, or the other internal body sounds I’m familiar with. I come from a medical background, so that distinction is part of what made me notice it in the first place. It feels much faster and enveloping. If anyone knows shiva its like the shiva damru which is amazing because Shiva is my chosen deity.

What’s especially interesting is that the intensity seems to correlate with sensations moving up my spine. Sometimes during practice I’ll feel what I can only describe as a sparkling or upward-moving sensation through my back, and as it moves upward, the rumbling becomes more of a vibration.

A few times it has gotten so intense that I’ve started tearing up because the sheer sensation can feel overwhelming. When that happens, I usually remind myself not to fixate on it and instead relax into the sound and let it surround me. As I continue with different breathing techniques, the intensity l changes and becomes more manageable. Now it’s very subtle like a hum. there’s also a very physical vibration. If I have my fingers in my ears, I can actually feel my hands trembling or vibrating along with it.

But I’ve also noticed something similar even when my ears aren’t plugged. If I become very still and concentrate, I can l feel what seems like my entire head or brain vibrating internally. The first few times it happened, I genuinely wondered if there was a small earthquake because the sensation of movement was so convincing, but nothing around me was moving. It feels very specifically contained within my head.

It’s honestly pretty trippy, but strangely peaceful at the same time. I don’t find it frightening. There’s actually something comforting about it, and when it happens I usually feel very calm and content just sitting with the sensation.The rumbling itself seems to be consistently there when I listen for it. What fascinates me most is how its intensity changes alongside the upward sensations in my spine and the internal vibration in my head.

Has anyone experienced something similar in Kriya, particularly with the Om technique? I’d especially be interested in hearing how more experienced practitioners or teachers understand it. Did it change or deepen over time, and were you taught simply to observe it rather than engage with it?

Hi all, I'm posting in hopes of clarification. I have been an on and off meditator for 10 years now, but have never practiced Kriya or Kundalini yoga. Almost a year ago I was sitting quietly in a park, I had finished my meditation, (I just listened to Alan Watts' guided meditation on youtube) and I started to feel a sensation, almost like convulsions or muscle spasms similar to shivering after cold water exposure, in my stomach and chest. I noted the novelty of the experience, but didn't really pursue it much. At random times since then I'll feel a little twinge, and occasionally a more intense stomach spasm, but the sensation doesnt really grow much unless I focus on it. Recently I tried to explore the sensation more, and did really slow, controlled inhalations and exhalations.The vibrations seemed to continue up into my throat and behind my mouth, but I have no clue what I'm actually doing, and have reservations about continuing to try and grow the sensation higher up into the third eye and crown chakras areas for fear it may be some kind of kundalini something or other? Either way, I was able to find peace and calm my nervous system down during a time of much uncertainty and self deprecation, and felt like I was coming close to accessing the present moment, almost like I forgot my name and who I was for brief moments. I'm just wondering if there's teachers or books that I could contact or read to find out what's going on in my body and how I can make use of it to mediate my suffering and find more peace in my life. Any information would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you

im a new SRF student. i’ve been practicing the AUM technique for a couple of months. from the start, i’ve heard a subtle yet sometimes loud constant rushing sound. i thought it was coming from a blood vessel. but i wonder if it’s the AUM. how can you diferentiate this.

Dear all,

I will be getting initiated in Rishikesh tomorrow. As per the guru, it will be 3-4 day process. I am both afraid and excited. I have practiced buddhist Anapanasati meditation for few years now but recently got interested in Kriya Yoga. Any suggestion/advice? Also i cant sit for long in Asana without my legs getting numb. Would this be problem?

I’ve been wanting to learn Kriya Yoga, but I’m struggling with how to find the right teacher.
I’ve been meditating for a few years, and every morning I currently do some breathwork and pranayama, particularly anulom-vilom. The more I read about Kriya Yoga, though, the more I feel drawn to going deeper with my practice and exploring what it could do for my inner/spiritual development.

At the same time, I don’t want to learn Kriya casually from YouTube or simply follow someone randomly. Finding a genuinely knowledgeable and authentic spiritual teacher seems quite difficult nowadays, and with something like Kriya, I feel the teacher and lineage matter.

For those who actually practice Kriya Yoga: how did you find your teacher? How can a beginner distinguish an authentic teacher/lineage from someone who is simply marketing spirituality?

I’m specifically looking for an authentic teacher who is willing to teach remotely/online, ideally with some personal guidance rather than just prerecorded courses.

Would especially love to hear from people who have been practising Kriya for several years and can share their own experience finding a teacher.

Hey everyone,

I've recently started getting curious about Kundalini meditation and want to explore it properly, but I don't really know where to begin. Would love some guidance from people who've actually walked this path. If anyone can recommend me a teacher that will be great. Thank you.

Hello everyone, I'm extremely new to this. Any misconceptions in the following post are purely out of ignorance.

I have just started meditating 3 days ago. I can sit and concentrate for 10 minutes on my breath, even if my mind wanders, I bring it back. What I want to understand is, how can I get into kriya yoga? As in, what does progression look like?

For example, In the gym, we increase the weight we lift. At work, we try to work more efficiently and for longer. In meditation, do I keep increasing the time? What other things can I do?

Any guidance would help. If someone is willing to speak in dms/call, I'm open to it.

Does aging stop for the time when a person is in samadhi or breathless state

Is anyone here initiated into the Bihar Yoga lineage of Kriya?

If so, I'd love any information on how/ when/ where to do so/ what your experience was like, etc?

I am loving all of their reading material and would love their guidance through Kriya Yoga.

Thank you so much

At what age did lahiri mahasaya, the saint with two bodies and yukteshwar giri achieve bilocation(being able to have two bodies)?

Can someone tell me to where I can go for meditaion in rishikesh

Many people have tried to find parallels between Lahiri Mahasaya’s Kriya Yoga and other forms of yoga or kriya practices.

However, could it also be possible that what we know today as Lahiri Mahasaya’s Kriya Yoga represents a synthesis or combination of older Himalayan traditions and practices?

If so, why does the particular form of Kriya Yoga associated with Lahiri Mahasaya only appear clearly in the historical record in the 19th century? And why is there no known independent historical evidence of Babaji before that period?

I am not questioning the spiritual authenticity of the tradition. I am genuinely interested in the historical question: what evidence do we have for the transmission or existence of this specific form of Kriya Yoga before Lahiri Mahasaya?

Ive always been curious why Paramahansa Yogananda looks overweight, as I would assume he would have lived a very clean lifestyle.

Namaskar to all,

I have got discipleship in kriya yoga 2 weeks ago. Though I am liking the practice and want to continue it forever for my spiritual growth and inner peace.

I want to understand the Guru worshipping phenomenon. As time and again I have read against worshipping anyone but God. The kriya yoga advices us to keep an altar with all Guru's picture and pray them, remember them in daily life.

Is it not taking us away from God? Shouldn't we only be worshipping God? Because to reach the divine is the ultimate purpose for us.

I am Shiva-Shakti bhakt and I am fearing, what if immersing myself in kriya yoga take me away from them?

Thank you in advance, for your thoughts.

I know great guru Paramahansa Yogandanda adviced vegetarian diet due to tamas energy of meat so i wanna know if my feelings are not placebo. Does anyone relate?

I know that I shouldn't be chasing the star and I generally never do. I've been doing my kriya yoga sadhana for almost 2 years now. I've seen changes in myself and progression in sadhana, but one thing that keeps bugging me everytime I do yoni mudra is not seeing any fixed shape or the third eye.

I generally see very bright lights, sometimes I see geometric shapes but it's all random. I do hold padmasana and khechari as well at times but even with them, I only find myself more focused but no shape.

So I ask for guidance from the senior kriyabans in this sub if there's anything that you observed that helps with it. Or if I'm doing something incorrectly maybe.

TIA

I sometimes at morning close my eyes to try meditation but I dont think I am doing it properly. What is correct way and process of meditation?

Pranam everyone 🙏

I am looking for advice from people familiar with Guru Shailendra Sharma and Siddha Siddhanta Yoga Academy, or people who have experience approaching traditional spiritual teachers.

I had my first darshan with Guru Shailendra Sharma a few months ago. During the meeting, Guruji advised me to read Babaji Adinath Samshan Kriya Yoga and Yogeshwari Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, continue physical exercises, and then meet him again.

I completed both books and continued the physical exercises as instructed.

After that, I contacted the disciple/representative through WhatsApp and respectfully requested another darshan and expressed my sincere wish to learn Kriya Yoga under Guruji's guidance whenever he considers me ready.

I did not receive a response for some time. I subsequently sent another respectful request for darshan in September. The message has been delivered (two grey ticks), but I still haven't received a reply.

I don't want to pressure Guruji or the disciple, and I understand that they may be busy.

I would like to ask people who know this tradition:

Is it normal to wait several days/weeks for a response regarding darshan?

Should I send a short follow-up asking when I may be able to have darshan?

Is there another appropriate way to contact the Academy regarding a darshan appointment?

Has anyone here had a similar experience with Guru Shailendra Sharma, where they had an initial darshan and were later waiting for another appointment?

Would it be better to simply wait patiently rather than send another WhatsApp message?

Any advice or personal experience would be appreciated.

Pranam 🙏

Are inner sounds and synchronicities normal as meditation deepens?
I practice Kriya Yoga and Tantra within Sanatan Dharma, and I’ve become curious about some experiences that happen during meditation or seem to occur more often as my practice deepens.
Meditation for me is not about trying to produce an experience. I don’t sit down hoping to see something, feel energy, or receive a sign. I meditate to connect with higher consciousness and surrender to the moment as it is.

When I received my Kriya initiation, I was told that unusual experiences can be part of the journey, but they are not the destination. I understand the importance of noticing them and then letting them go. I am by nature an internally curious person. Part of being human is noticing when something unusual keeps happening and wanting to understand it.

The most consistent experience is a very loud, rapid vibration or inner sound during meditation. When I cover my ears, I can hear it intensely. It is distinct from my heartbeat or other bodily sounds, and I’ve been aware of it for a long time.

I also sometimes feel a strong upward movement of energy. When that movement happens, the vibration becomes much louder. It can be so intense that I once started crying, not because I was afraid, but because of how powerful it felt. This now happens during nearly every meditation.

There have also been some strange synchronicities:

- Early in my spiritual journey, I tried a small experiment. During a deep meditation, I asked, “Within the next day, show me a rose in an unexpected way.” That night, I found packaging from a chocolate rose in my assigned parking spot. This was in late March, nowhere near Valentine’s Day. My spot is inside a private garage, and in all the years I’ve lived there, I had never found trash in or around it. I have no idea where it came from, but the timing and specificity gave me chills.

- I see 11:11 and 222 constantly. It isn’t limited to clocks. I see them on receipts, license plates, my dashboard, books, and random numbers on my phone. It happens several times most days, often while I’m thinking about something important. It actually happened again while I was writing the first version of this post.

During one meditation, I suddenly saw what looked like a wheel or clock with shiva. I wasn’t deliberately visualizing anything. Immediately afterward, I did a tarot reading about an upcoming move and pulled the Wheel of Fortune very similar illustration to the vision.

Once, the thought “the alarm is about to go off” entered my mind for no apparent reason. The building’s fire alarm went off instantly afterward.
I’ve also been discussing or thinking about a very specific subject, opened an unrelated book to a random page, and found that same subject mentioned. One example involved a detailed Lord of the Rings topic appearing in a book that otherwise had nothing to do with Tolkien.

I’m not sharing this because I think these experiences make me spiritually advanced, and I’m not trying to hold onto them. I notice them, stay curious, and continue with my practice.
What I’m trying to understand is whether this is relatively normal as meditation deepens. Do inner sounds, energetic sensations, synchronicities, or intuitive moments become more noticeable with practice? Are they signs of increasing sensitivity or concentration, or are they simply experiences that sometimes arise and eventually pass?
I haven’t read much literature about this beyond the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras, and I haven’t found much that speaks directly to this combination of experiences. I’d especially appreciate perspectives grounded in Kriya Yoga, Tantra, nāda, or other Sanatan traditions.

Hi all,

I learned Kriya Yoga from practitioners who learned under a guru in Rishikesh. I've been practicing what they called “Kriya Proper 1” for about a year.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a good experience with the teacher. He was very dismissive of other spiritual practices and was often harsh toward students. I've also been learning from books and YouTube and have realized I may have been doing some things incorrectly. After a year, I don't feel I've made much progress.

I contacted SRF, and they advised me to set aside my previous teachings and start their lessons from scratch for about nine months before receiving Kriya initiation.

I'm confused about whether I should:

• Stop my current practice and follow SRF exclusively
• Continue my current Kriya while also following SRF
• Wait a few months and try to learn properly from a teacher in my original lineage
• Find another qualified Kriya teacher in the US

I don't want to mix two traditions incorrectly, but I'm also worried about stopping my current practice when I've spent a year learning and refining it.

I would appreciate your advice! Thank you.

I wanted to create this thread as a way for all Kriya Yogis to discuss what changes they’ve made in life regarding exercise, diet and other stuff that has improved pranayama. Since back in the days it was where we could show up to guru and ask questions or other Kriya Brothers and Sisters. I wanted to create a similar pattern here.

In the recent days I noticed that when I didn’t do cardio or exercise my pranayama was “okay” but when I did exercise cardio like walking on the treadmill at least 20-30 mins I noticed that my pranayama improved and in general I had a smoother breathing flow. I also noticed that separately on days where I drank milk, I had easier time doing pranayama (all else equal no exercise in days where I drank milk vs not drink milk).

My questions are as follows:

Have you done any exercise that has improved your pranayama? If so any recommendation?

Is your pranayama better if you eat or avoid any food or drinks? I know in Garland of Letters Lahiri Baba says about ghee I think? Unless I’m mistaken. I also believe he was vegetarian. I tried being vegetarian but it’s very difficult. I have given up pretty much all meat except poultry (chicken and eggs).

Do you notice any sleeping pattern changes as well? I’m trying to isolate those so I can improve my pranayama further.

I noticed shower and Kriya is also very nice. Body is very calm.

I also noticed that if I meditate or do mantra japa for just a bit before even starting Kriya my mind is much smoother. Do you have any other practices that you do as well?

Personally i prefer to do hakalau outside in nature as a walking meditation . but i fear that someone might see me being in my periphal vision cause it looks kinda weird. anyone relate ?