The Kriya Yoga Alliance is dedicated to making the philosophy and practice of kriya yoga available to all. Our aim is to inspire sincere, spiritual seekers by providing opportunities for growth and creating community where aspirants can come together to learn and support one another.
Our Lineage
Mahāvatār Bābājī
The transmission of the Kriya Yoga tradition in the current era can be traced to an illumined master known as Babaji. The name is a common one, and means “revered” or “holy” father. Little is known about this legendary personage because he prefers to work behind the scenes, communicating directly with advanced disciples and sharing his spiritual radiance with planetary consciousness. Many saints consider Babaji to be a mahavatar (a “great” incarnation). His role is to inspire people who are actively nurturing planetary consciousness, uplifting humanity, and ministering directly to seekers on the spiritual path.
Until well into the present century Babaji has resided in northern India, in the Himalayan Mountain area near Badrinarayan, not far from the border of Nepal. It was here that Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga practices and counseled him to return to society and teach others the sacred science.
In 1893, at a Kumbha Mela, Babaji met with Sri Yukteswar and asked him to write a book revealing the underlying unity of religions. The book was soon published as The Holy Science. Babaji also told Sri Yukteswar that, a few years later, he would send him a disciple who was to be trained to take the message of yoga to the West. That disciple was Paramahansa Yogananda.
Śrī Śrī Lāhīri Mahāśaya
In Bengal, India, Shyamacharan Lahiri was born on September 30, 1828. Lahiri Mahasaya was responsible in family and social matters by day, at night Lahiri met with truth seekers and Kriya Yoga disciples. By so doing, he demonstrated that it is possible to live a natural life and still attain the highest goal of Self-realization.
In 1861, Mahavatar Babaji renewed the guru-disciple relationship with Lahiri which had been established centuries earlier. At Babaji’s touch, Lahiri’s memories of a previous incarnation flooded his mind and he was initiated into the Kriya Yoga teachings and practices.
With Lahiri, the former age-old restrictions concerning yogic initiation were somewhat relaxed, as Babaji agreed that the current era was now more suitable for a wider dissemination of these teachings. Lahiri taught his disciples to live responsibly in the world and to privately attend to their spiritual practices.
Lahiri streamlined and simplified Kriya Yoga methods for ordinary seekers. The fundamental techniques he taught are the basis for regular practice which can awaken latent forces in the devotee and be the means of liberation of consciousness.
Swāmi Srī Yukteśwar
Because of his clear understanding, Swami Sri Yukteswar was often referred to by Paramahansaji as a Jnanavatar (incarnation of wisdom). His monastic name, Yukteswar, means union with Ishwara, the ruling aspect of God in relationship to nature. Born in 1855, his given name was Priya Nath Karar. As an adult, Sri Yukteswar married, and managed properties inherited from his father. He and his wife had one daughter.
This master of yoga was an accomplished vedic astrologer, studied Ayurveda and, while a young adult, attended classes at a medical college. He was versed in the art of prescribing gemstones and metals to be worn for therapeutic purposes and often advised disciples to do this when he discerned that it would be helpful to them. Sri Yukteswar carefully researched the theory of cycles (yugas) and published his findings in several journals. An adept spiritual healer, Sri Yukteswar seldom openly displayed his yogic powers. Gentle, and of quiet demeanor, his devotional nature was usually overshadowed by his practical observations and emphasis on the usefulness of intellectual development.
Sri Yukteswar left his body on March 9, 1935. In keeping with yogic tradition his body was buried in the garden of his Puri ashram.
Paramahansa Yogānanda
Paramahansa Yogananda was born on January 5, 1893, at Gorakhpur, northeastern India. Baptized by Lahiri Mahasaya at the age of one, as he grew older the young Mukunda often visited saints and yoga masters, learning from them of God and being further motivated on the spiritual path. Paramahansaji informed disciples that his mission was to make known the philosophy and practices of Kriya Yoga in the West, and that it was Babaji’s intention that he do so. Few could have borne the strict discipline Paramahansaji endured under the watchful eye of Sri Yukteswar. His training by Sri Yukteswar, who had a keen interest in world enlightenment, provided the needed emphasis and direction for the ministry that was to later unfold. After receiving his college degree, Mukunda Lal Ghosh was initiated into the swami order by Sri Yukteswar, and chose Yogananda as his monastic name.
Adapting himself to modern methods of communication, Paramahansaji was extremely effective in introducing his teachings to large audiences. He always said that he taught both a quantity and a quality message. He was interested in educating new seekers and was ever attentive to recognizing sincere devotees of God to whom he could impart the quality work. During the months preceding his mahasamadhi, Paramahansaji confided to several disciples that his mission had been successfully accomplished. His organization was established on a firm basis and he had prepared his successors to represent the Kriya Yoga tradition. On March 7, he left his body. He assured disciples that his teachings and spiritual influence would continue to benefit seekers of truth for centuries. To those who asked about their future relationship with him, he said, “If you think me near, I will be near.”
Roy Eugene Davis
Roy Eugene Davis was born in 1931 in Leavittsburg, Ohio and grew up in a farming community. In his early teenage years, he frequented the public library, reading books on psychology, philosophy, and yoga.
At the age of 18, Roy left his home to meet the great saint Paramahansa Yogananda. He was immediately accepted for training and life as a monk. After two years of personal training, Yogananda instructed him to "Teach as I have taught, heal as I have healed, and initiate sincere seekers in Kriya Yoga."
For the rest of his life, with great dedication and enthusiasm, Mr Davis followed his guru's wishes and selflessly shared the Kriya yoga practices and teachings for effective living and rapid spiritual growth with thousands around the world.
Asato Mā
ॐ
Asato mā sadgamaya
Tamaso mā jyotirgamaya
Mṛtyormā 'mṛtam gamaya
Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Om
Lead me from Unreal to Real
Lead me from Darkness to Light
Lead me from Death to Immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace