Recently, I felt a nudge from the universe and signed up for an online Kriya Yoga course after coming across it on the internet. At this point, I completed the 8 weeks of this introductory course and can say that I found it valuable and enjoyable. The course has introduced me to new meditation techniques that I’m excited to explore further.

Focus On The Divine

Kriya Yoga places a strong emphasis on developing a relationship with the Divine, and this focus has become particularly significant to me following some recent life events. Living in a world devoid of divine presence felt increasingly unsettling, a realization that often leads one to faith. For me, this spiritual journey has been unfolding for quite some time. I perceive God as the singular consciousness that permeates everything. Understanding the fractal and holographic manifestation of this consciousness is a profound endeavor that will require significant effort and time. Given the myriad spiritual experiences I’ve had over the past 4-5 years, I no longer worry about projecting into the future that much. Instead, I focus on diligent practice and honing wisdom, leaving everything else to divine will.

Having completed the eight-week Kriya Yoga course, I found the practices enriching and seamlessly integrated them into my daily life, enhancing my mindfulness. This approach feels more comprehensive compared to advanced stages of The Mind Illuminated. I intend to continue integrating techniques from that book while dedicating my evenings to Kriya Yoga.

Contents Of The Practice

The final practice in the course includes:

1. Daily energization exercises
2. Relaxation and breathing exercises before meditation
3. Mantras
4. Chants
5. Prayers
6. Concentration techniques in the first part of meditation
7. Followed by meditating on the divine connection

As a musician, I found the chants particularly appealing, with their memorable words and melodies that I often find myself repeating throughout the day, maintaining a divine focus. Although it still feels a bit strange to address the divine due to my still-blurry understanding, I’m exploring whether this divine consciousness is a single entity or a hierarchy of awareness, energy, and power.

The core logic of this methodology is to establish a call-answer type of engagement with the divine. From what I understand, with sufficient practice and skillfulness one can eventually hear God’s response. The silence and attentiveness one experiences in the final part of meditation reminds me of my favourite meditation method that I discovered for myself. In that method one is a hunter of thoughts, waiting patiently and quietly in the bushes for the thoughts to appear. Whether these are thoughts or God’s voice, the state of utter attentiveness and anticipation is the same and fosters the state of deep meditative absorption known as Samadhi.

What’s Next

Kriya Yoga offers several more courses that teach advanced stages and skills, culminating in initiation into the most sacred technique of Kriya. While I recognize a commercial aspect to these offerings, I’ve found nothing but authenticity and harmony in the practices and the organization. Therefore, I plan to pursue these courses and the initiation further, partly to avoid constantly switching between paths and traditions.

In this journey, the key is consistent practice and wisdom, trusting in the divine flow of life.