Kriya Yoga Practices
Ancient Yogic texts describe four types of Yoga namely Mantra
Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga and Raja Yoga. Yogashikhopanishad gives
a clear demarcation between these flavors. As per this Upanishad the
classification of Yoga is as follows:
- Mantra Yoga: Refers to the union of prana
and apana through the natural breathing process. The great
mantra Soham (meaning He I am) is chanted by all living beings
spontaneously during inhalation and exhalation.
- Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga refers to union of
the Sun and the Moon.
- Laya Yoga: Laya Yoga means absorption of
Jiva and Shiva.
- Raja Yoga: Raja Yoga is union of rajas from
Yoni and retas from Sahasrara. This is also the union of Shiva
and Shakti.
The Upanishad also notes that the common theme running through
all the four types is the union of prana and apana.
In Kriya Yoga all these four flavors are used in conjunction. The
practices detailed on this web site are classified as follows:
- Mantra Yoga : Japa Kriya and Bhutashuddhi
Kriya
- Hatha Yoga : Nadishodhana Kriya, Mahabandha
Kriya
- Laya Yoga : Nadashravana Kriya
- Raja Yoga : Shambhavi Kriya
These practices along with some additional accessories are
explained in detail below: