LIVING KRIYA YOGA

Words are only shells. Win conviction of God’s presence through your own  

joyous contact in meditation… This technique cannot be bound, filed, and 

forgotten, in the manner of theoretical inspirations. Continue ceaselessly on 

your path to liberation through Kriya, whose power lies in practice. 

—Lahiri Mahasaya

 

The Power of Practice

 

K

riya Yoga is a philosophy and spiritual practice to 

support the illumination of consciousness and 

allow realization of our oneness with God. It is a way of 

life, a way to live a spiritually balanced, wholesome life 

in harmony with God’s will. Yoga is a spiritual path, not 

a religion. It is a way of spiritual awakening that can be 

utilized by seekers from all faiths. 

While the Sanskrit word “sadhana” is generally translated as spiritual 

practice, its meaning has a deeper significance.  It means, “to go straight to 

the goal.” To be successful in our spiritual practice, it is necessary to under-

stand why we do what we do, or what the goal is. For practitioners of Kriya 

Yoga, the ultimate goal is liberation of consciousness. Liberation refers to 

freedom from the tendency to identify one’s essential nature, which is pure 

being, with mental or emotional states or external circumstances that are 

changeable and limiting. 

The purpose of Kriya Yoga practice is to remove anything that obscures 

our ability to realize our true nature as spiritual beings. Spiritual practices 

such as meditation are not done to become more spiritual. It is not possible 

to enhance our essential nature because we are already spiritual—indi-

vidualized, pure expressions of the single, infinite Reality.  As the body and 

mind are purified through the practice of superconscious meditation, clear 

thinking, and wholesome living, the inherent radiance of the soul becomes 

apparent. When the body and mind are illumined by the light of the true 

Self without distraction, we can see clearly how to make wise choices and 

live in harmony with divine will or the highest good. 

Spiritual practice is best undertaken in a systematic, calm, and 

committed way. The most useful practice is one that is steady and not taken 

to extremes. Meditating for thirty to sixty minutes every day is generally 

more beneficial than occasional long sessions without practice inbetween. 

Daily, intentional, superconscious meditation has a cumulative beneficial 

effect on the body and mind. It reduces stress, purifies the mental field, 

enhances awareness and awakens vital force in the system. There is power 

in practice.