Kriya yoga is an ancient practice, but it didn't develop a wide following in the West until early in the 20th century with the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. He studied in India and then taught in the West from 1920 to 1952. Flowers play a ceremonial role in kriya yoga initiation, and the hibiscus has become symbolically associated with the ancient mind and body discipline.
Kriya Yoga Basics
"Kriya" means "action" in Sanskrit, while "yoga" refers to the practice of improving physical and mental well-being. The idea is that the "kri," or action, is performed by the "ya," an indwelling soul that can turn all types of action into forms of worship. Kriya yoga is a concentrated and highly disciplined practice to reach self-discovery and enlightenment. Because it demands an intense study of metaphysics, kriya yoga is usually learned by students studying closely with a master.
Hibiscus and Yoga
Flowers and other plants are used in ceremonies related to many types of yoga and kriya yoga is no different. Kriya shakti is considered the force that thoughts carry. Shakti is also understood as the female form of the divine in Hinduism. In teaching about Shakti, or Devi, which means "goddess," her flower is the five-petaled, crimson hibiscus. The hibiscus is often used by yoga training centers and ashrams as a symbol, not just of yoga, but of the five senses of touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell. Hibiscus flowers often decorate yoga mats and other yoga-related objects.
Flower Initiation
When a kriya yoga student is ready to begin his formal training, a master of kriya yoga must oversee an initiation that includes a purification of the body, spine and senses; an infusion of triple divine qualities that include sound, vibration and light; and blessings with flowers, in which the initiate presents five flowers, representing the five senses, to the master. These flowers are often hibiscus. Other aspects of the initiation include affirmations, sprinkling of holy waters of peace and offerings to God and the yoga master. Those offerings typically include a monetary donation to the master or the center.
Hibiscus in Rituals
Shakta rituals, referring to those kriya yoga practices aimed at purifying body and mind, include the recitation of mantras, hand gestures and other steps, such as the sipping of water to purify the mouth. The offering of flowers and spices, similar to the initiation ceremony, is also a part of the shakta ritual. A red hibiscus is one of the flowers offered, along with a sweet basil leaf and a bilwa leaf.
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