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Kriya Yoga

Find guidance to self-realization and inner peace through breath control and meditation. This universal path awakens your dormant spiritual energy, fitting seamlessly into daily life and welcoming both beginners and experienced practitioners into profound spiritual growth.

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What is Kriya Yoga?

Kriya Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice designed to accelerate spiritual growth and achieve self-realization through advanced meditation techniques. It is rooted in the science of breath control (pranayama) and aims to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within individuals. Renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, Kriya Yoga is accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners. This spiritual path does not require painful austerities and can be integrated into the daily lives of practitioners from all backgrounds, making it a universal method for achieving inner peace and spiritual development.

 

Historical Background

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Kriya Yoga was popularized in the modern era by Paramahamsa Yogananda, who introduced it to the West in the early 20th century through his seminal work "Autobiography of a Yogi." However, the practice itself is ancient, dating back thousands of years. It was revived in the modern age by Mahavatar Babaji, a legendary Himalayan yogi, who imparted the sacred techniques to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya in 1861. Lahiri Mahasaya played a crucial role in demystifying and teaching Kriya Yoga to the common people, thus bridging the gap between ancient spiritual practices and contemporary life. The lineage continued through Sri Yukteswar and was brought to global prominence by Yogananda.

 

Core Principles and Techniques

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Kriya Yoga's core techniques focus on the integration of breath control and meditation to harmonize the body and mind. The practice includes:
 

  • Pranayama: Breathing exercises that balance the life force within the body.

  • Dhyana (Meditation): Techniques to deepen meditation and achieve inner stillness.

  • Mantra (Sacred Sounds): Repetition of specific sounds or phrases to aid concentration.
     

These practices aim to calm the mind, reduce mental chatter, and facilitate a profound experience of divine consciousness. By mastering breath control, practitioners gain mastery over the mind and body, leading to physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual awareness.

 

Benefits of Kriya Yoga

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Practitioners of Kriya Yoga report numerous benefits, including:

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  • Mental Clarity: Enhanced focus and reduced stress.

  • Emotional Stability: Greater balance and inner peace.

  • Physical Health: Improved vitality and well-being.

  • Spiritual Awareness: Deepened connection with the divine and a sense of joy and compassion.
     

Kriya Yoga transforms ordinary activities into spiritual practices, fostering a sense of joy and unconditional love in daily life.

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What is Kriya Yoga?
My way to Kriya Yoga

My way to Kriya Yoga

When I was about 20 years old, I read Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda. From that moment, I was captivated by the allure of Kriya Yoga and eager to uncover the secrets of this ancient science of self-realization. Not long after, I attended a seminar by Paramahansa Prajnanananda and was initiated into Swami Hariharananda's lineage of Kriya Yoga. Although the effects of Kriya Yoga were profound, I felt a certain dissonance within me.

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Persistently, I practiced Hatha and Raja Yoga, always on the lookout for a true Guru who could teach me the original Kriya Yoga of Lahiri Mahasaya. Despite nearly 20 years of searching, I had yet to find an adequate teacher. In a moment of deep yearning, I decided to turn directly to Lahiri Mahasaya, praying for his guidance and initiation into Kriya Yoga.

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To my astonishment, Lahiri Mahasaya responded. He entered my body, initiating me from within with the first Kriya. It was miraculous—I began practicing the Kriyas spontaneously. Daily practice and ongoing communication with Lahiri Mahasaya followed.

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A year passed, and I found myself wishing for a teacher in the flesh. Soon after, I was introduced to Janzel Martínez Maldonado (Nandikesha). I shared my story with him, and he warmly welcomed me, initiating me once again into Kriya Yoga in the lineage of Panchanan Bhattacharya through a beautiful Yagya Fire Ceremony.

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In the year 2024, I received Nandikesha's blessing to help others on their Kriya Yoga journey.

 

Kriya Yoga Guru Lineage

Mahavatar Babaji

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Mahavatar Babaji, a legendary figure in the realm of Kriya Yoga, remains an enigmatic presence with very few verified details about his life. Known by several names including Mahamuni Babaji, Trayambak Baba, Babaji Nagaraj, and Shiva Baba, he is often shrouded in mystery and revered as a spiritual master of great significance.

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Babaji's historical and biographical details are scarce and primarily passed down through oral traditions and spiritual texts. It is widely believed that he initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in the Dunagiri hills of the Himalayas around 1861. This event marks a pivotal point in the modern revival of Kriya Yoga, a practice said to lead directly to self-realization. Babaji is described as maintaining a youthful and radiant appearance, often depicted as an ageless sage embodying divine qualities.

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The teachings of Babaji, particularly those transmitted to Lahiri Mahasaya, have been instrumental in bringing the esoteric practices of Kriya Yoga to a broader audience, including householders, not just renunciates. His spiritual influence is noted in the transformative experiences reported by his disciples, who have felt his presence during intense meditation practices.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence about his life's specifics, Babaji is often considered a figure of immortality and invincibility, with some followers even viewing him as a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. The core of his teachings revolves around advancing spiritually through disciplined meditation practices, leading to an experience of unity with the divine.

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Babaji's legacy continues to inspire a wide range of spiritual seekers and practitioners around the world, emphasizing universal love, selfless service, and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. His life and teachings, as passed down through generations, underscore the timeless nature of his spiritual message and the profound impact of Kriya Yoga on human consciousness.

Mahavatar Babaji

Lahiri Mahasaya

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Shyama Charan Lahiri, more commonly known as Lahiri Mahasaya, was born on September 30, 1828, in Ghurni, Nadia district of West Bengal, into a devout Brahmin family. He is celebrated for making the profound teachings of Kriya Yoga accessible to householders, not just renunciates, which marked a significant departure from traditional spiritual practices of the time.

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From a young age, Lahiri Mahasaya exhibited deep spiritual inclinations and was adept in several languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali, and English. His life took a pivotal turn when he was employed by the British Government's Military Engineering Department. This job required him to relocate frequently, which ultimately led him to the Himalayas where he had a transformative encounter with Mahavatar Babaji. During this encounter, Babaji initiated him into Kriya Yoga, a moment that profoundly deepened his spiritual practice and destined him to revitalize this ancient technique.

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Lahiri Mahasaya's teachings emphasized the accessibility of spiritual awakening through disciplined practice, irrespective of one's stage in life. He was known for his inclusive approach, initiating people from all walks of life, demonstrating that spiritual liberation is accessible to everyone, not just ascetics and renunciates. He taught that sincere practice of Kriya Yoga could lead to direct experiences of the divine, a message that resonated deeply with his followers.

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Despite his deep spiritual life, Lahiri Mahasaya continued to live a balanced life as a householder, which made his teachings particularly appealing to ordinary people. He left a significant legacy through his detailed commentaries on sacred scriptures, which were meticulously recorded by his disciples, and through the direct instruction of Kriya Yoga to a diverse group of disciples, who continued to spread his teachings.

Lahiri Mahasaya passed away on September 26, 1895, but his teachings continue to influence seekers of spiritual truth worldwide, maintaining a vibrant legacy that bridges the gap between the material and spiritual life. His life remains a testament to the power of integrating spiritual practice with daily life, making the path of enlightenment accessible to all.

Lahiri Mahasay

Panchanan Bhattacharya

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Pandit Panchanan Bhattacharya, a pivotal figure in the dissemination of Kriya Yoga, was born on November 12, 1853, in Kolkata, West Bengal. Despite the early loss of his father and consequent financial hardships, which limited his formal education, Bhattacharya's writings reflect a profound intellect and deep spiritual understanding. His life took a transformative turn when he met Lahiri Mahasaya and was initiated into Kriya Yoga. Originally planning to lead a life of celibate spirituality, he shifted to household life on his guru's advice, illustrating the integration of spiritual practices with daily life.

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Dedicated to the spread of Kriya Yoga among householders, Bhattacharya was instrumental in establishing the Aryya Mission Institution in Kolkata, which played a crucial role in publishing works related to Kriya Yoga and Lahiri Mahasaya’s teachings. He authored several key texts on spirituality and composed devotional songs that furthered the reach and understanding of Kriya Yoga practices. His spiritual journey and teachings emphasized that true realization is accessible irrespective of one's life stage or social status.

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Bhattacharya eventually settled in Deoghar, Jharkhand, where he continued his teachings and initiated many into Kriya Yoga until his mahasamadhi in 1919. His life and work underscore the principle that spirituality can be pursued effectively within the householder life, making the path of Kriya Yoga accessible and practical for ordinary individuals seeking spiritual advancement. His legacy is marked by his contributions to spiritual literature and the deep impact he had on his disciples, many of whom carried on his teachings, maintaining his profound influence on the spiritual landscape of India.

Panchanan Bhattacharya

Netai Charan Bandyopadhyay

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Sri Netai Charan Bandyopadhyay, born on June 18, 1894, in a devout Brahmin family in Kolkata, emerged as a significant figure in the Kriya Yoga tradition. His father, Bamdev Banerjee, a devoted disciple of Pandit Panchanan Bhattacharya, profoundly influenced Netai's spiritual path. From a young age, Netai was known for his calm, quiet demeanor and a deep inclination towards spirituality, traits that distinguished him from his peers.

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Educated at Wellesley Mission College, now Christian College in Bankura, Netai eventually worked in the finance department of the Bengal Nagpur Railway. His spiritual journey took a definitive turn when, under the guidance of Panchanan Bhattacharya, Netai's father initiated him into Kriya Yoga. This experience deepened his spiritual resolve, and Netai saw Panchanan not just as a guru but as a divine guide.

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Netai's commitment to Kriya Yoga was profound. His practice was so intense and sincere that Panchanan often used him as an exemplary figure for other disciples. Recognizing his advanced spiritual achievements, Netai was eventually granted the authority by his father to initiate others into Kriya Yoga.

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Choosing to resign from his railway job, Netai fully embraced his role as a spiritual teacher and healer. He settled in Shibpur, Howrah, and took up homeopathy, which he practiced as both a livelihood and a form of service to society. His residence became a center of spiritual activity, where he engaged in deep yogic practices and hosted satsangs. Netai was known for his visits to disciples' homes, aiming to spiritually purify their environments and deepen their practices through his presence and guidance.

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Netai Charan Bandyopadhyay passed into Mahasamadhi on February 9, 1979. His life exemplified the integration of spiritual devotion with daily living, and his legacy includes a number of eminent disciples who continued to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga. His approach was not just rooted in deep meditation and yogic practices but also in active service to the community, demonstrating the holistic path of Kriya Yoga that encompasses both personal enlightenment and social welfare.

Nitayi-Charan-Bandhopadhyaya

Maheshwari Prasad Dubey

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Maheshwari Prasad Dubey, born on January 4, 1936, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, grew to be a significant figure in the Kriya Yoga tradition. Coming from a devout Brahmin family, he was deeply influenced by spiritual teachings from a young age. Dubeyji, as he was affectionately known, was a disciple of Netai Baba, from whom he received initiation into Kriya Yoga.

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His spiritual practice was deeply integrated with his daily life as a householder, demonstrating that spiritual progress and family life are not mutually exclusive. Maheshwari Prasad Dubey worked with the Shipping Corporation of India in Kolkata but eventually resigned to dedicate more time to his spiritual pursuits and to live a life centered around meditation and teaching.

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Dubeyji was known for his profound understanding of the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas, and he authored the book "Kriya Yoga Rahasya," which is regarded as a significant text on Kriya Yoga practices. His approach to teaching was very personal and hands-on. He often visited the homes of his disciples to help enhance their spiritual practice and clear negative energies, continuing the guru-disciple tradition of his lineage.

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Maheshwari Prasad Dubey passed into Mahasamadhi on July 17, 2004. His life and teachings continue to inspire many, and his presence is still felt by practitioners during their meditative practices. Among his notable disciples were Dr. Sudhin Ray, Arun Mukherjee, and several others who continue to spread his teachings and the practice of Kriya Yoga.

Maheshwari Prasad Dubey

Ashok Kumar Singh

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Ashok Kumar Singh, born in 1940 in Patna, Bihar, India, has made significant contributions to the spiritual practice of Kriya Yoga, rooted in a tradition passed down from Lahiri Mahasaya and Panchanon Bhattacharya. After completing his engineering degree in India, he moved to the United States where he furthered his education with a Master's in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California.

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His spiritual journey began early, influenced by discussions with his uncle about existential questions, which sparked a deep interest in spiritual enlightenment. This quest led him to be introduced to Kriya Yoga through family connections back in India, though he initially joined the Self-Realization Fellowship in California for formal training in the yogic disciplines.

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Ashok's practice deepened significantly in 1998 when Maheshwari Prasad Dubey, a direct disciple from the Kriya Yoga lineage, stayed with him in California for seven months, during which time Ashok received comprehensive teachings on the Kriya techniques. Dubeyji authorized him to initiate others into Kriya Yoga in 1999, a role Ashok took to heart, dedicating himself to teaching and guiding others on a path to self-realization.

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He continues to work in his engineering field while also focusing on his spiritual teachings, emphasizing that Kriya Yoga encompasses Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), and Gyan (knowledge) Yoga, leading practitioners towards a direct communion with God and realization of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss). Ashok Kumar Singh represents the modern householder guru, who integrates profound spiritual practices with everyday life, continuing a lineage that makes the ancient science of Kriya Yoga accessible and relevant in today's world.

Ashok Kumar Singh

Janzel Martínez Maldonado (Nandikesha)

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Janzel Martínez Maldonado, born in 1977 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, embarked on an extensive spiritual journey early in life. His quest led him to explore various spiritual traditions, including Gnosticism, metaphysics, Buddhism, and Sufism, before discovering yoga in 1992. The following year, he received initiation into Kriya Yoga through the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), an organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.

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After completing his studies in arts and earning a degree in Sciences (Physics and Mathematics) from the University of Puerto Rico, Janzel joined the monastic order of the SRF. He spent ten years as a monk before being expelled due to ideological differences.

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In 2013, Janzel met Ashok Kumar Singh, who initiated him in the Kriyas from the lineage of Panchanan Bhattacharya. Recognizing his progress, Singh authorized him to teach others in 2018. Additionally, in 2015, Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati initiated Janzel into the path of Kali Tantra and bestowed upon him the spiritual name Nandikesha.

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Nandikesha now dedicates himself to working with people from various walks of life, sharing ancient tools from the Vedic tradition. These tools help individuals focus their minds, balance their emotions, and explore and realize their human and spiritual potential.

Janzel Martínez Maldonado (Nandikesha)

Nandikesha & me on Kriya Yoga initiation day

Nandikesha and Dan Lexow

Learn the original Kriya Yoga of Lahiri Mahasaya in the tradition of Panchanan Bhattacharya

Receive personal training and guidance from Dan Lexow in learning and applying the practices of the first kriya of Lahiri Mahasaya's Kriya Yoga, lineage of Panchanan Bhattacharya.

 

Kriya Yoga training is always one on one.

 

You will learn:
 

  • Talabya kriya

  • Khechari mudra

  • Guru pranam

  • Mahamudra

  • Nabhi kriya

  • Kriya Pranayama

  • Yoni mudra

  • Om japa

 

I earn money independently of teaching yoga. In Kriya Yoga usually there is a one time donation asked, which serves as a sign of sincerity, life long commitment and bond between you and me and to the practice of Kriya Yoga.

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Students who advance in the practice of the first Kriya will learn additional techniques accordingly to the tradition. The lessons will be held via video call.

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The schedule to learn the core techniques will be agreed upon individually. 

 

If you want to have a call first to get to know each other, please feel free to send me an email.

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