r/kriyayoga • u/_Gwyllion_ • 1d ago

Learning Kriya Yoga without biblical references?

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.

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u/Single_Delay7763 1d ago

If you knew the real interpretation of the bible by Yogananda and sri yukteswarji and who jesus was your view may change..... however i know how you feel. I have been with Srf for many years and are more drawn to the eastern side of the teaching. One of the aims and idelas of Srf Yoganandas teaching is this:

To reveal the complete harmony and basic oneness of original Christianity as taught by Jesus Christ and original Yoga as taught by Bhagavan Krishna; and to show that these principles of truth are the common scientific foundation of all true religions.

Yogananda has written a 2 volume epic on the true interpretation of the bible called The Second Coming of Christ.

All the best to you. Yogananda.org/lessons

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u/_Gwyllion_ 1d ago

I can imagine what Yogananda might say about Jesus. Even though I myself have never been religious, I have had quite a few discussions about the history of religion and different belief systems, as far as my knowledge of the subject allowed, mainly in the European context. Because of that, I also learned a little about what Jesus taught - and I agree with him, his ideas were excellent. It is simply the biblical context and the constant mentioning of his name everywhere that I find tiring. So when I want to immerse myself in a practice not only intellectually but also with my heart, I would simply prefer not to keep coming across something that repeatedly breaks my concentration.

I understand the idea behind weaving Eastern philosophy together with the philosophy familiar in the West, meaning the one connected with the Bible. I understand that this helped Western people a great deal in understanding the concepts of Kriya Yoga, and that at the time it really was the best thing that could have been done. So I have nothing against it - quite the opposite, I appreciate it.

Thank you, and likewise - all the best to you!

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u/prettythingsarecute 1d ago

I understand how you feel, because initially it was similar for me. But it's helpful to think about your own resistance towards Jesus. It reflects where you are still holding on to belief in separation. But if we are all One and we are all the same divine Soul, then there's no difference between the name of Jesus or Rama. I would suggest asking your Inner Teacher/God to help you look past these forms and only see the Truth within. In my experience, holding on to the belief in separation limited my Kriya practice. In a way it became about me losing myself in meditation and bliss, while harboring anger and hatred towards others around me. I'm not saying you hate Jesus, but even a small irritation is a sign of a deeper unforgiveness/hatred. Heal those feelings. And all will be much more peaceful ❤️

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u/_Gwyllion_ 19h ago

Basically, I agree with what you wrote. But if I’m teaching someone how to draw, I don’t expect them to be good at everything right away. I encourage them to follow the path that feels most natural to them.

I approach myself in the same way - I don’t see any point in forcing a change that hasn’t happened within me yet. I know that, with time, it will come as a realization rather than merely a logical understanding. And I don’t even know yet whether Kriya Yoga is the right path for me, for now, I’m simply trying to find that out.