Kriya yoga was introduced in 1861 by Mahavatar Babaji. The teachings of Kriya yoga have since been handed down to a lineage of teachers including Lahiri Mahasaya and Paramhansa Yogananda, who is credited with introducing kriya yoga to the western world.
Kriya yoga is based on techniques or practices that are intended to stimulate the "life force" energy that is said to reside within each of us. The types of kriya yoga all work together to increase your body-mind-self awareness and elevate your spiritual communion.
Movements
Yoga postures are the most common type of kriya movements. The intention of kriya movements are to align the body in the process of releasing tension and moving energy to flow with a "spiritual life force." Kriya yoga movements are considered to be outward physical manifestations of your awakened internal energy.
Meditation
With kriya yoga, preparing the mind is essential for clearing energetic blockages, controlling "life force" energy, and bringing calmness and awareness to your mind and body. Kriya yoga involves a complete system of meditative techniques, all of which prepare your mind to deepen your practice.
Breathing
Breathing techniques, or pranayama, are a fundamental component of kriya yoga. Kriya yoga breathing is intended to move energy through the spine to the brain in order to calm the nervous system. Breathing techniques of kriya yoga are rather technical and thus are best learned under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
Vocalizations
Kriya yoga often involves vocalizations, which include long notes that can make the body vibrate from within. Vocalizations are usually wordless, but they carry a harmonious tone. Often the vocalization of "om" will be used to carry the energetic vibrations of kriya.
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