Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga (yoga of action) is a tantric yoga system emphasizing ritual action, purification, and mantra practice.
Overview
Kriya Yoga (Sanskrit kriya yoga, “yoga of action”) is a tantric system of yoga that emphasizes the practice of kriya (ritual action) — specific sequences of postures, breathing techniques, mantras, and mudras designed to purify the subtle body and awaken kundalini energy. It is distinguished from raja yoga (which emphasizes meditation) and bhakti yogaopic/bhakti) yoga (which emphasizes devotion) by its focus on transformative action.
Philosophical Context
The Gheranda Samhita (chapter 1) and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (chapter 2) describe the six shatkarmas (purificatory practices): dhauti (cleansing of the digestive tract), neti (nasal cleansing), nauli (abdominal churning), basti (colon cleansing), trataka (candle-gazing), and kapalabhati (skull-shining breath). These practices purify the physical and subtle bodies, preparing the practitioner for advanced yoga. The Yoga Sutras (2.1) also use the term kriya yoga to refer to the threefold practice of tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara pranidhana (surrender to God).
Interpretations
In tantra tradition, kriya yoga is the practice of kriya (ritual action) that transforms the practitioner’s energy. In kundalini yoga, kriya yoga refers to specific sequences of practices designed to awaken kundalini. In modern yoga, kriya yoga has been popularized by Paramahansa Yogananda and his Self-Realization Fellowship, which teaches a specific set of kriya practices for spiritual awakening.
Verification Notes
- Gheranda Samhita chapter 1 on the six shatkarmas; Hatha Yoga Pradipika chapter 2 also lists them.
- Yoga Sutras 2.1-9 on kriya yoga as austerity, self-study, and surrender.
- Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi on kriya yoga.
- Audited against Wikipedia and yoga references (September 2026).