What is Tantra Kriya Yoga: Should you give it a try?
Curious about Tantra Kriya Yoga but feeling unsure about what it’s all about? You’re not alone, and this article is here to guide you.
As someone who’s had the opportunity to study yoga directly in India and absolutely loves sharing Kriya Yoga with her students, I’m excited to walk you through what happens during Kriya Yoga and the incredible benefits it can bring to your life.
Let’s dive in!
What is Tantra Kriya Yoga?
No matter what brought you to yoga—whether it’s seeking better health, stronger relationships, or personal growth—congratulations on taking that first step!
Every type of yoga supports both your body and mind, creating space for peace, focus, and self-awareness. Kriya Yoga is a meditation practice that’s a little different from the common meditation types in yoga classes.
If sitting still and trying to quiet your mind feels impossible (we’ve all been there!), this practice offers a gentler approach. Instead of forcing concentration or battling distractions, Kriya Yoga encourages you to let your thoughts flow naturally. Wherever they want to go.
You simply notice them—no judgment, no effort—just bring some awareness. What makes Kriya Yoga unique is its focus on movement. You’re not trying to stop your thoughts or sit in stillness.
Instead, you guide your awareness intentionally from one point to another, creating a sense of purposeful flow. It’s like giving your busy mind a path to follow, which naturally brings focus and calm over time.
This process balances your nervous system and mind, leaving you feeling grounded and in harmony with yourself. The word “Kriya” means action or movement, which sums up the essence of this practice beautifully.
Rooted in ancient traditions and refined over centuries, Kriya Yoga offers a modern, approachable way to deepen your self-awareness. With about 20 core techniques, it’s a step-by-step journey to inner peace and transformation—one movement at a time.
How to get the most out of this practice
Practicing Kriya Yoga can be life-changing, but the magic truly happens when you approach it with the right preparation and structure. While many people find incredible growth through Kriya Yoga, others might feel stuck despite their dedication.
Often, the difference lies in two key things: the sequence of techniques and how ready your body and mind are for the practice. Think of Kriya Yoga like music—each kriya is a note, and when played in the right order, they create a harmonious flow.
But if you skip ahead or rearrange the notes, the melody doesn’t sound good anymore. That’s why it’s so important to follow the proper sequence of kriyas. Each step builds on the one before it, unlocking the practice’s full transformative power.
Preparation is just as important as the sequence.
If you’re new to yoga, think of this stage as a warm-up. Starting with simple practices—like controlling your breath, developing awareness, and improving your posture—lays the groundwork for deeper connection and growth in Kriya Yoga.
To truly experience all that Kriya Yoga has to offer, take it step by step. Follow the techniques as they’re taught, focus on building a strong foundation, and give yourself the time and space to grow into the practice.
When approached this way, Kriya Yoga isn’t just a series of techniques—it’s a powerful path to balance, clarity, and self-discovery.
4 Steps to help you prepare for Kriya Tantra practice
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Prioritize a healthy body
Good health is the foundation of any yoga practice. Kriya Yoga becomes much easier when your body feels strong and comfortable.
Hatha yoga poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and cleansing techniques—help you build the strength and vitality needed. When your body is healthy and pain-free, you can fully focus on the practice without discomfort getting in the way.
2. Learn about mudras and bandhas
Mudras are hand gestures or postures that guide energy and reflect inner awareness. Bandhas are energy locks that activate and balance the body’s systems. Both prepare your body and mind to handle the energy flow of Kriya Yoga.
3. Practice breath awareness
Start by simply noticing your breath: “I’m breathing in; I’m breathing out.” You can do this anywhere—while walking, sitting, or even during daily tasks. Over time, this awareness becomes second nature and helps you connect with your inner self. Breath awareness also builds the focus you’ll need for Kriya Yoga.
4. Familiarize yourself with psychic pathways and chakras
Psychic pathways are channels in your body where energy and awareness flow, such as the one along your spine that connects key energy centers (chakras).
With practice, you’ll learn to feel and guide your breath and awareness through these pathways. This focus is essential for unlocking the deeper benefits of Kriya Yoga.
By following these steps, you’ll create the physical and mental foundation needed to fully experience the transformative power of Tantra Kriya Yoga.
The science behind Kriya Yoga
Now, here’s what happens in your body when you practice.
When you focus your awareness on specific points in your body (like the base or top of your spine), it doesn’t just feel calming; it actually triggers nerve impulses that create psychological and physiological changes.
Even after a short time of practicing, many people notice a sense of calm, mental clarity, and overall tranquility.
Why? These main points are connected to your brain and endocrine system. More specifically, they activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your body responsible for reducing stress and helping you relax.
It balances out the sympathetic nervous system, which is what kicks in when you’re on edge or responding to external stressors.
By regularly bringing your awareness to these areas during Kriya Yoga, you can naturally relax your body and mind, improving your ability to stay calm and centered in daily life.
Common myths about Kriya Yoga
Next, let’s talk about a few myths you might have heard about this practice but they’re not true.
1.Kriya Yoga is a secret practice
Traditionally taught privately from guru to disciple, this has led to the misconception that it’s a hidden practice meant only for a select few.
Truth: While it was a more privileged practice before, nowadays, Kriya Yoga is open and accessible to everyone.
2. You need special qualifications to practice Kriya Yoga
Some believe you must follow strict rules, like celibacy or abstaining from certain lifestyles.
Truth: There are no rigid lifestyle requirements; Kriya Yoga is for all, regardless of background.
3. Preparation isn’t necessary
While anyone can practice, adequate preparation is essential for the best results. Just make sure you follow the preparation steps I mentioned above and you’ll be all set!
Think of it like any skill—whether learning to cook or fix a car, starting with the basics is key to mastering it.
4. Tantric Kriya yoga is different from Kriya yoga
Many believe tantra yoga is solely about sexual connection, but that’s only a small part of its broader meaning. Tantra focuses on integrating mind, body, and spirit to expand awareness and embrace life fully.
The truth: At its core, almost all yoga, including kriya yoga, weaves together breath, movement, and meditation into a balanced, transformative practice that can be classified as Tantra Yoga.
Kriya is a practice designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone!
The difference between Kriya Yoga meditation and other meditation types
Kriya Yoga stands out because it doesn’t force concentration—it invites ease and flow. Many meditation techniques that demand intense focus often lead to tension, frustration, and even discomfort.
Ever tried to concentrate so hard that your mind starts wandering even more? That’s a common reaction! With Kriya Yoga, there’s no pressure to “make” your mind do anything. Instead, you simply follow the practices, and your awareness naturally becomes calm and focused.
It’s like giving your mind the freedom to roam, which paradoxically helps it settle down. From this relaxed state, true meditation can emerge—effortlessly. This approach allows you to explore deeper layers of your subconscious.
It’s in these hidden parts of the mind where unresolved fears, phobias, and negative patterns live—the things that quietly influence your mood and mental well-being. By becoming aware of them, you start to release their grip, letting go of what no longer serves you.
As you clear out these mental and emotional "clutter," life begins to feel lighter and more joyful. Tantra Kriya Yoga isn’t just a practice; it’s a path to understanding yourself on a profound level and finding peace within.
Ready to overcome your challenges with Kriya Yoga?
One of the biggest challenges in yoga is learning to relax your mind while staying aware. True mental relaxation isn’t about zoning out or falling asleep—it’s about staying conscious and present as your awareness turns inward.
At first, you might only scratch the surface of your mind, but with consistent practice, you’ll start to uncover deeper layers, even confronting hidden fears or unresolved issues through symbolic insights.
The beauty of Kriya Yoga is that it doesn’t force your mind into submission. Instead of suppressing its wandering nature, it guides your awareness to naturally become more focused.
Without any mental strain or effort, your awareness begins to dive inward, reshaping your thoughts and gradually bringing a sense of balance and tranquility.
If Kriya Yoga resonates with you, I encourage you to give it a try. Follow the practices step by step, stay consistent, and let the journey unfold. It’s not just a practice—it’s a pathway to a clearer mind, a calmer spirit, and a more joyful life.
If you like my approach to this practice and want to join me in Los Cabos, Mexico, I’d be so happy to have you in class! You can find the schedule and all the details right here.
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