Yoga is an ancient health, wellness and spiritual system that is at least 2,000 years old. The ancient sage Patanjali documented the history of yoga in his book "The Yoga Sutras." The Sutras include a blueprint for how to live, eat, think, meditate and exercise. The physical practice of yoga -- asana -- is only one limb on the eight-limbed path of the yogi.
Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is a tradition that focuses on the merging of three facets of yoga philosophy: karma yoga, jnana yoga and bhakti yoga. Karma yoga is the detachment from the activity of the mind, kriya.org reports. Jnana yoga embodies the study and acquisition of yogic knowledge, and bhakti yoga is the practice of unconditional love. The term "Kriya" is also used to describe exercises and breathing techniques used by the Kundalini tradition of yoga.
Learning Kriya
There are several choices available when considering how to learn Kriya yoga. You may wish to join a local Kriya or Kundalini yoga class in your area. To learn deeply and without distraction, consider visiting an ashram -- a place of religious retreat -- to study with a knowledgeable instructor. Additionally, you can learn Kriya yoga and exercise at home through a book, instructional video or website.
Sat Kriya
Sat Kriya is a well-known and powerful breathing and meditation Kriya, according to Yoga Journal. In order to perform Sat Kriya, tune into your breath and chant "Ong namo, guru dev namo," which translates into "I bow to the teacher within," Yoga Journal reports. Sit back on your heels in rock pose, and straighten your arms up to the sky with your fingers interlaced. On the out-breath, chant "sat," and chant "nam" with the in-breath. Continue chanting for three, 11 or 31 minutes.
Kriya Exercises
Kriya exercises are mostly seated stretches that rely on repetitive, simple movements to energize and cleanse the body. The seated postures stretch and warm the chest and spine and prepare the body for engaging the stored Kundalini energy that practitioners believe is located at the base of the spine.
Considerations
Always consult with your physician and an experienced yoga teacher before beginning a yoga program to ascertain whether Kriya yoga is appropriate for your physical and mental state.
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