Note that everything, within me and outside me, is connected. And herein, lies the
basis. I depend on everything and everything depends on me.
The spinal cord, which is located in the human spinal column has the
potential to perform external physical functions as well as
the functions of the inner world.
Yoga begins where science ends. ‘Man’ with his insatiable
quest can bring the two together. On either side of the
spinal cord, there is the flow of negative and positive
currents which are respectively called - 'Ira' and 'Pingla'.
In scientific language these currents are called proton and
neutron. Inside the spinal cord there is the flow of 'Sushumna'
which can be termed nucleus. 'Brahma Randhra' is situated within
sushumna. When it is activated, the world, enveloped in divine
light looms into sight. Yogis do not waste their energies on
aimless activities. Instead they conserve the 'fuel', which is responsible
for procreation, and push it upwards to fuse with the concentrated
energy, the 'Kundalini'. There upon, the awakened kundalini enters
the sushumna current. This released energy can either be constructive
or destructive. And its uses solely depend on the yogi. It can
bring a change in the nature of the yogi. This 'changed
nature' has two facets one is 'Gatee' or velocity and the other
is 'Avarodha' or obstruction. The yogis give velocity to the
energy with right emotions and attain the 'Sankalapa'.
I have embraced Kriya yoga in the form of Sankalpa
Yoga. This art is very ancient and is closely linked to
every aspect of nature. In each life time, it has left the
imprint of its effectiveness. The wars of Ramayana and
Mahabharata are apt illustrations of such yoga. It has
been in use since times immemorial.
When a yogi, under the effect of the limited flow of thoughts,
which have been released to achieve an aim, resolves firmly,
he is practising Sankalpa yoga. The principal objective of
which is to generate awareness for Self-realisation.
Yoga can quieten the mind and help in the experience of
the indescribable 'Ananda' or bliss. In ignorance man considers
worldliness as the 'be all & end all' of life. But Ananda
rises from within and is beyond 'Indriyas' or senses.
Yoga suggests a way of life which is simple, comprehensive
and potent. It teaches the right mode of action, its arrangement and
it's effectiveness. Yoga can alleviate painful thoughts and
restlessness. The present day 'yoga' is far removed from its
intrinsic form. The different physical exercises are falsely
projected as yoga, and anyone with the slightest knowledge can
become a yoga teacher.
During the days of Mahabharata, Kriya yoga was used effectively.
Then, slowly as time went by, the interest in Kriya yoga began
to diminish. But today it has once again become an
subject of interest We owe the revival of Kriya yoga to Mahayogi
Yogananda. He received the knowledge of Kriya yoga from
his Guru Yuketeshwar, who in turn learned it from Swami Lahiri Mahashaya.
Maha Avtar Baba (who is the legendary Kripa Charya) is behind the propagation
of Kriya yoga through the lineage of Lahiri Mahashaya, Yuketeshwar Swami
and Yoganandaji.
The ancient sage 'Patanjali' in his creation has given due attention
to Kriya Yoga. He has referred to Kriya yoga as ‘Taph swadhya’ (self
penance) and "Ishwar Pranidhan" (communion of man
and supreme power). In Kriya yoga all the worries cease, and
the mind starts functioning in one direction. The effect of
Kriya yoga occurs with great speed. I have tried to explore
most of the kriyas (acts) of yoga. And have done an in-depth
study of Patanjali's manuscript. Thus, I have the theoretical and practical
knowledge of these teachings. Maharshi Patanjali's yoga demands strict
discipline. But his procedures are not at all complicated. In
a simple, easy way any man can detach himself from the physical
world and obtain the knowledge.
