What Is Yoga
The underlying reason for unhappiness and discontent in people’s lives stems from our attachment to the material plane of existence. Many individuals are dissatisfied and feel a sense of lacking without fully understanding what is missing from their lives. The potential within each of us is far greater than we can imagine. We all have the capacity to tap into different realms of consciousness, but most of us remain confined to the lower planes, oblivious to the existence of higher levels.
To address this unhappiness, the practice of yoga offers various systems such as raja yoga and kundalini yoga, which are widely recognized and practiced worldwide. These yogic systems aim to transcend ordinary states of consciousness and enable individuals to connect with their inner being. One key aspect emphasized in these systems is the importance of concentration. Concentration involves focusing one’s consciousness on a single point, whether it be external or internal, while excluding all other thoughts and distractions.
Concentration is not an easy process due to the natural tendency of our consciousness to wander from one object to another. Attempting to suppress this wandering tendency and forcing concentration often leads to strain, tension, and frustration. It becomes apparent when we try to concentrate on a single thing for a few minutes, as our mind becomes flooded with a continuous stream of thoughts, some related and others unrelated. This state of unconnected thoughts is known as distraction, a limitation of the mind.
Many yoga systems suggest placing an object or visualizing an internal image to aid concentration and delve into the subconscious depths of the mind. While these methods can provide wonderful experiences, they often neglect to address the wandering tendency of our consciousness, making concentration nearly impossible for most individuals. True concentration can only be achieved when the mind and body are deeply relaxed. However, relaxation is a challenge for many, and their minds continue to project an array of different thoughts, hindering concentration.
Asking most people to concentrate becomes an impossible task, and attempting to do so only leads to the suppression of disturbing factors in the mind, resulting in increased tension. Genuine concentration occurs spontaneously in a truly relaxed state of mind and body. Until relaxation is attained, true concentration remains out of reach.
The practice of yoga, with its emphasis on relaxation and various techniques such as breath control, meditation, and physical postures, provides a path towards achieving the necessary relaxation for concentration. Through consistent and dedicated practice, individuals can gradually attain a relaxed state of mind and body, paving the way for genuine concentration and a deeper connection with their inner selves. By transcending the limitations of the material plane and exploring the higher realms of consciousness, unhappiness and discontent naturally dissipate, allowing individuals to tap into their hidden potential and experience a sense of fulfillment and joy in their lives.
To embark on this journey, we must first understand the destination that lies ahead. Deep one-pointed concentration paves the way for the occurrence of meditation, a state that eludes many despite its widespread knowledge. True meditation arises under conditions of almost abnormal relaxation, where both mind and body are freed from the burdens of subconscious worries and fears that often plague our waking and even sleeping moments.
In this state of deep relaxation and heightened alertness, meditation becomes possible, allowing us to experience its transformative power. However, the path to meditation is paved with the practice of concentration. Concentration allows for continuity of consciousness, allowing our subconscious forces and hidden psychological patterns to rise to the surface. It offers us a profound understanding of our being, and the fruits of concentration are indeed substantial.
Yet, many people find themselves grappling with tension and frustration when attempting to concentrate. This is because they often force their consciousness to dwell on a single point, following the instructions of traditional yoga systems. However, what they fail to realize is that these systems presuppose a reasonable level of relaxation, a state that is often elusive in our modern world. Thus, their efforts result in greater tension, leading to the elusiveness of meditation.
Here is where kriya yoga comes to the rescue, defying the conventional rules of yoga. Kriya yoga acknowledges the limitations that most individuals face when it comes to concentration. It recognizes that if one is unable to concentrate, an alternative method must be employed to achieve the same ultimate result.
Unlike traditional methods that emphasize concentration, kriya yoga places a greater emphasis on awareness. It invites individuals to be consciously attentive to their thoughts and external or internal objects, without the need for one-pointedness. The key aspect of awareness is the recognition that one’s attention is focused on a particular place or train of thought, establishing a relationship between perception and the perceiver.
In kriya yoga, there is no need to suppress the constant stream of thoughts that arise, even if they seem unrelated to our intended direction of perception. Instead, we simply allow these thoughts to surface and dissolve, remaining as witnesses to their presence. This approach to awareness eventually leads to one-pointedness or concentration, especially when one reaches a state of deep relaxation in the subconscious mind.
Unlike traditional methods that require withdrawal from external surroundings, kriya yoga embraces the extroverted nature of most individuals today. It does not demand the mind to be fixed on a single point, but rather encourages the rotation of consciousness from one point to another. So, if your conscious perception tends to jump from here to there, there is no need to worry or become frustrated. In kriya yoga, you are invited to carry on with your practices, allowing your awareness to move and explore, without the pressure of strict concentration.
In the realm of yoga, there exists a unique practice known as kriya yoga. Unlike traditional methods of concentration in yoga, kriya yoga sets itself apart through its focus on activity and movement of awareness or consciousness. This practice is not concerned with curbing mental fluctuations, but rather encourages the intentional creation of activity within one’s consciousness.
What is Kriya Yoga
The word “kriya” itself carries multiple meanings, including activity, movement, practical, and preliminary. In the context of kriya yoga, it represents the preliminary practice that leads to yoga, which is understood here as the culmination, union, or final result of the practice, rather than the process itself. The aim of kriya yoga is to harmonize the mental faculties and allow them to reach their fullest potential, while also fostering coordination between the nervous system and the brain.
The practices of kriya yoga trace their origins back to ancient times and have gradually evolved through practice and experience. These practices, or kriyas, were eventually documented in numerous tantric texts, primarily written in Sanskrit. However, only a few of these texts have been translated into other languages. The complete form of kriya yoga consists of over seventy kriyas, although only around twenty are widely known.
While kriya yoga has been taught to many individuals worldwide, the benefits experienced can vary. One crucial factor contributing to the effectiveness of the practice is the correct sequence of the kriyas. The different kriyas share a close relationship with one another, and if the sequence is incorrect, the full power of kriya yoga may be diminished. An appropriate analogy can be drawn with music, where the sequence of musical notes determines whether harmonious music or discordant noise is produced. Similarly, the sequence of kriya yoga practices is of utmost importance.
Another vital aspect of successful kriya yoga practice is proper preparation. Many individuals are introduced to kriya yoga as their initial experience with yoga practices in general. However, without the necessary physical and mental readiness, they may not derive significant benefits from their efforts. Thus, thorough preparation is essential and includes achieving body control and sound health through hatha yoga. Body control in this context does not refer to circus-like feats, but rather the ability to perform yogic practices, including kriya yoga, with ease.
Health is paramount for the practice of kriya yoga, as it is challenging to focus on anything else when suffering from disease or pain. Therefore, the primary aim of yoga should be to promote radiant health by eliminating existing ailments and improving overall well-being. Asanas, pranayama (breath control), and various body cleansing techniques are utilized to attain this state of vitality. Once sufficient body control and health have been established, the practices of kriya yoga become more accessible. The individual’s awareness can then flow effortlessly with the kriya yoga techniques, without being constantly disrupted by bodily discomfort or illness. This allows for a shift in focus, directing awareness towards other aspects of the practice.
Proficiency in mudras (hand gestures) and bandhas (energy locks) is crucial for successful kriya yoga practice. These techniques stimulate nerve plexuses, activate endocrine secretions, and awaken bio-energies within the body. Additionally, mudras can symbolically express inner mental or psychic feelings.
Breath Consciousness
Breath consciousness, in its essence, refers to the simple act of being fully present and aware of your breath. It is the recognition and acknowledgement that you are inhaling and exhaling, even amidst the busyness of daily life. This state of awareness can be attained whether you are engaged in conversation, working, or simply sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. It is not limited by time or circumstance, for it can be practiced at any moment.
By cultivating breath consciousness, you simultaneously become aware of your own consciousness. In other words, as you observe your breath, you become aware of the very essence of your being. This awareness allows you to transcend the automatic thoughts and actions that often consume our attention. Instead, you remain grounded in the present moment, connected to your own conscious existence.
It is crucial to remember that breath consciousness grants us a unique vantage point, enabling us to witness our thoughts and actions from a place of detached observation. Consider the distinction between humans and animals. While animals engage in various activities instinctively, humans possess the remarkable ability to be conscious of their actions. With breath awareness, we tap into this innate capacity, becoming observers of our mental and physical processes.
This practice of breath consciousness forms an integral part of kriya yoga, a spiritual discipline that encompasses various techniques to attain self-realization. Within the context of kriya yoga, breath consciousness serves as a gateway to deeper levels of awareness. It opens up psychic passages, or channels, through which our consciousness can flow and expand. One such passage is situated along the spine, running from top to bottom.
To truly grasp the significance of these psychic passages, one must personally experience the flow of breath consciousness within them. With focused attention on the breath, one becomes aware of its movement within these passages. Remarkably, this rotation or movement of consciousness stimulates nerve impulses, triggering psychological and biochemical changes throughout the body. The interconnectedness of these passages with our nervous system and endocrine glands gives rise to a sense of calmness, tranquility, and clarity of thought.
The parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for reducing nervous tension, is activated through awareness of the lower and upper parts of the spine. This activation promotes relaxation of both the body and mind. Please note that while breath consciousness is a vital aspect of kriya yoga, there are additional factors involved in this profound practice, which I will delve into at a later time.
In the past, the transmission of kriya yoga knowledge occurred through an oral tradition, leading to the emergence of myths and misunderstandings. Some have come to believe that kriya yoga is a secret system reserved only for a select few. However, I assure you that kriya yoga is accessible to all individuals without exception.
Adequate preparation is indeed necessary for optimal results, this preparation is no different from any other pursuit in life. Just as one must acquire fundamental principles and techniques to master any skill, the same applies to kriya yoga. It is a path that can be embarked upon by individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Kriya yoga does not advocate for celibacy or the abstention from sexual life. In fact, it arises from the ancient system of tantra, which possesses a deep understanding and acceptance of human sexuality. Tantra acknowledges the naturalness of sexual activity and, under appropriate circumstances, even encourages its utilization as a means for spiritual evolution. However, it is worth mentioning that there is much written on the conservation and sublimation of sexual energy into spiritual power, concepts that are often misunderstood and misinterpreted.
May you find solace and enlightenment as you explore the fascinating realm of breath consciousness and its potential for personal transformation.
In unity,
Moonlady Yoga 
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