Kriya Yoga: Science of Spiritual Living for the Modern Age

SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda shares how the comprehensive science of Kriya Yoga—which includes the specific technique of Kriya Yoga as well as the other meditation techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda—works in a systemic way to “reverse the searchlights of the senses” away from matter so that we can discover the bliss of the Divine within ourselves. As Brother Chidananda states in his talk, “An understanding of the basic principles of this comprehensive science helps a great deal in the practice of not just the Kriya technique proper, but also the Energization Exercises, the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, and the Aum Technique of Meditation, all of which are part of this interrelated science of yoga meditation.” Yoganandaji explains that “the little searchlights of our mind’s attention and of the five senses ordinarily are focused on imperfect matter….Man’s attachment to matter keeps the soul confined to the bodily prison and prevents it from finding freedom with God in the realm of eternal bliss. The ego attempts to satisfy through material channels the soul’s constant, insatiable longing for God.” This talk was recorded at the 2016 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, a year before Brother Chidananda became the fifth president of Self-Realization Fellowship, the organization established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 to disseminate his teachings on Kriya Yoga meditation worldwide. Brother Chidananda points out that progress on the spiritual path begins from the very moment we start to feel what Paramahansa Yogananda described as “the soul’s constant, insatiable longing for God.” Brother Chidananda illustrates the incredible power of the science of Kriya Yoga for mastering the ego-principle, which allows us to realize the innate Joy of the soul—even in this modern age. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn about the SRF World Convocation, please visit: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course from Yogananda that presents his in-depth teachings on the Kriya Yoga science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living, please visit: https://yogananda.org/lessons To learn more about the yoga path and the science Kriya Yoga in particular: https://yogananda.org/path To experience more SRF how-to-live inspirational videos and guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/user/YoganandaSRF If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org