Datta Kriya Yoga
The goal of all Yoga is to unite human beings with God. Yoga is the joining of intellect and heart. The paths are many and seemingly confusing. Raja Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Nādopāsana (music), Kundalini Yoga...these are but a few, and only a Master can explain their depths and differences.
Datta Kriya Yoga, the science and practice of controlling the breath (Pranāyāma) is one method that Sri Swamiji teaches to improve health and peace of mind. Sri Swamiji has taught many Datta Kriya yoga classes throughout the U.S. and personally trained Datta Kriya yoga teachers. Datta Kriya yoga classes are currently being taught at all the Datta Yoga Centers and Temples in the U.S. Hundreds of people have taken Datta Kriya yoga classes and received numerous benefits. People that have taken the classes are attracted to the simple explanations and demonstrations of different pranayama techniques. Many people are impressed by the effect of Pranayama in balancing the mind.
What is Datta Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is a science of breath and meditation that strengthens mind and body through the practice of controlled breathing. Focused yogic breathing quiets the mind and directs the flow of oxygen and prana (life force energy) through the entire body.
Prana is the vital life force that sustains and awakens the subtle energy system. Once it is activated, one can enjoy the practical and psychic benefits to body, mind, and spirit.
The ancient yogis believed that a life span was measured in breaths. Science has confirmed that the more quickly one breathes, the shorter the lifespan. Rapid respiratory rate leads to shallow breathing and poor health. Datta Kriya Yoga (DKY) is easily practiced by anyone regardless of their physical condition or lifestyle circumstances. It is easy to learn and can be worked into any schedule. All that is required is a desire to learn and a little effort to practice.
Kriya Yoga is a science of breath and meditation that strengthens mind and body through the practice of controlled breathing. Focused yogic breathing quiets the mind and directs the flow of oxygen and prana (life force energy) through the entire body.
Prana is the vital life force that sustains and awakens the subtle energy system. Once it is activated, one can enjoy the practical and psychic benefits to body, mind, and spirit.
The ancient yogis believed that a life span was measured in breaths. Science has confirmed that the more quickly one breathes, the shorter the lifespan. Rapid respiratory rate leads to shallow breathing and poor health. Datta Kriya Yoga (DKY) is easily practiced by anyone regardless of their physical condition or lifestyle circumstances. It is easy to learn and can be worked into any schedule. All that is required is a desire to learn and a little effort to practice.
What does the practice involve?
In Kriya Yoga, mental focus is placed on breath work. Practitioners concentrate on specific techniques called pranayama to draw oxygen and life force energy into the body, while regulating inhalation, exhalation and at times, retaining the breath. These techniques are taught in a sequence as a daily practice for optimal results. Furthermore, selective use of pranayama through- out the day can become a practical resource for calming the mind, reducing stress, and revitalizing the body. In addition to pranayama, instruction includes various mudras (hand gestures), asanas (seated postures) and meditation. These complementary components maximize the effects of the breathe work. A proper and comfortable seated posture can range from advanced cross-legged asanas to sitting in a chair. One can even practice lying down. Everyone can participate regardless of their physical flexibility.
In Kriya Yoga, mental focus is placed on breath work. Practitioners concentrate on specific techniques called pranayama to draw oxygen and life force energy into the body, while regulating inhalation, exhalation and at times, retaining the breath. These techniques are taught in a sequence as a daily practice for optimal results. Furthermore, selective use of pranayama through- out the day can become a practical resource for calming the mind, reducing stress, and revitalizing the body. In addition to pranayama, instruction includes various mudras (hand gestures), asanas (seated postures) and meditation. These complementary components maximize the effects of the breathe work. A proper and comfortable seated posture can range from advanced cross-legged asanas to sitting in a chair. One can even practice lying down. Everyone can participate regardless of their physical flexibility.
What are the benefits?
Kriya Yoga has been designed to help relieve the tensions of daily modern life. With regular daily practice, DKY can help relieve stress and promote relaxation. On the physical level, increased oxygen supports healthy organs that are less susceptible to disease. The brain responds positively to increased oxygen as well, producing an increase in clarity, concentration, and memory.
Kriya Yoga also explores the subtle body and its subtle energy centers known as chakras, situated along the Sushumna or main channel for this energy. As prana expands, it transmits a dynamic subtle energy known as Shakti that penetrates beyond the cellular level reaching down to the DNA helping to create a deeper level of wellness.
Kriya Yoga has been designed to help relieve the tensions of daily modern life. With regular daily practice, DKY can help relieve stress and promote relaxation. On the physical level, increased oxygen supports healthy organs that are less susceptible to disease. The brain responds positively to increased oxygen as well, producing an increase in clarity, concentration, and memory.
Kriya Yoga also explores the subtle body and its subtle energy centers known as chakras, situated along the Sushumna or main channel for this energy. As prana expands, it transmits a dynamic subtle energy known as Shakti that penetrates beyond the cellular level reaching down to the DNA helping to create a deeper level of wellness.
How is it different from other breath work?
DKY is a yogic system that originated from the culture and philosophies of ancient India. Depending on the teacher, it can vary in style and application. This particular style of Kriya Yoga is a gift of the great yogic master and international teacher, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, of Mysore India. It was designed to offer the quickest and most effective results for the student. Swamiji has intentionally chosen this specific combination of mental and prānic techniques to correct the imbalances of modern life. He has been teaching Kriya Yoga for over 40 years and is now offering it to students around the world.
DKY is a yogic system that originated from the culture and philosophies of ancient India. Depending on the teacher, it can vary in style and application. This particular style of Kriya Yoga is a gift of the great yogic master and international teacher, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, of Mysore India. It was designed to offer the quickest and most effective results for the student. Swamiji has intentionally chosen this specific combination of mental and prānic techniques to correct the imbalances of modern life. He has been teaching Kriya Yoga for over 40 years and is now offering it to students around the world.
How can I participate in a Kriya Yoga class?
Classes are conducted regularly at the JDRC. Classes and workshops are also available for health and educational groups, businesses, community, and professional organizations, and private groups. For more information on upcoming DKY classes and practice sessions, please see our Events page or Contact Us.
Classes are conducted regularly at the JDRC. Classes and workshops are also available for health and educational groups, businesses, community, and professional organizations, and private groups. For more information on upcoming DKY classes and practice sessions, please see our Events page or Contact Us.