In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the power of Kriya Yoga.

Kriya Yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that seeks to bridge the gap between the human experience and transcendence. This podcast delves into the reflections shared in a comprehensive lecture on the power of Kriya Yoga, touching on its transformative potential, philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications. Through the lens of a teacher's journey and insights, we explore the essence of this ancient practice.

Ryan recounts his initial encounter with Kriya Yoga, stemming from a deep yearning for spiritual clarity and understanding. Raised in a Christian tradition that did not fully satisfy his spiritual curiosity, he discovered the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through the seminal work Autobiography of a Yogi. This exposure ignited a quest for enlightenment, leading to years of dedicated practice and mentorship under Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Yogananda.

The transformative journey into Kriya Yoga begins with the premise that life is more than a physical or intellectual endeavor—it is a spiritual progression. Kriya Yoga offers a structured, "scientific" approach to transcendence, emphasizing direct experience over abstract philosophy.

Kriya Yoga is rooted in ancient Indian spiritual traditions, particularly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita. Its philosophy underscores the alignment of mental, emotional, and psychological harmony as prerequisites for spiritual maturity. This discipline demands adherence to ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas) and consistent meditative practice to unveil higher states of consciousness.

Central to the practice is the idea of directing energy within the body along the spinal pathway, engaging chakras (energy centers) to achieve self-realization. By transcending the limitations of the root chakra—associated with basic survival instincts—practitioners progress through higher centers, unlocking creativity, love, wisdom, and eventually mystical insight.

Mr. Kurczak emphasizes the role of action (Kriya) in this process. Transformation occurs through effort and discipline, aligning one's life with spiritual principles and fostering emotional and psychological balance.

One of the most profound aspects of Kriya Yoga is its ability to guide practitioners into a state of "mystical unknowing." Rather than offering definitive answers, it cultivates faith and acceptance of the unknown. This "faith" is not a blind adherence but a trust born from direct experiences of spiritual support and coherence. Life's challenges are reframed as opportunities for growth, providing clarity and resilience through adversity.

Ryan recounts moments of doubt and despair, only to find that persistent practice reveals the intelligence underlying life's difficulties. Meditation and philosophical study serve as tools to decode these challenges, aligning the practitioner's actions and choices with a higher purpose.

Kriya Yoga positions human life as a bridge between primal instincts and divine transcendence. Drawing on the metaphor of the chakras, it describes the evolutionary journey from survival (root chakra) to spiritual illumination (crown chakra). This progression mirrors the transformation of unconscious living to a state of enlightened awareness.

The speaker highlights the importance of personal growth as a foundation for spiritual advancement. Emotional and psychological maturity, cultivated through introspection and therapeutic practices, lays the groundwork for deeper meditation. This interplay between inner harmony and spiritual practice reflects the integrative nature of Kriya Yoga.

Kriya Yoga's teachings extend beyond the meditation cushion. The discipline advocates for a life of integrity, authenticity, and alignment with universal truths. Practitioners are encouraged to live in harmony with the world, adopting sustainable practices, cultivating meaningful relationships, and embodying principles of truth and nonviolence.

Moreover, the speaker underscores the importance of personal effort and commitment. Spiritual progress is not a passive journey but one that requires active engagement with life's challenges and a willingness to let go of outdated beliefs and habits.

Kriya Yoga offers a path to transcendence through a blend of philosophy, meditation, and ethical living. Its transformative power lies in its ability to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, guiding practitioners toward direct experiences of the divine.

As the speaker concludes, life itself becomes a form of divine communion, where every experience—joyful or painful—serves as a teacher. The ultimate goal is to realize the innate coherence of existence and to embody a state of enlightened awareness.

This podcast encapsulates the essence of Kriya Yoga as not merely a practice but a profound way of being, offering a roadmap to spiritual self-discovery and the realization of life's deeper purpose.

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore:

The ultimate goal of meditation, according to authentic spiritual traditions, is to foster clarity, wisdom, and a deep connection with the divine. However, many practitioners unwittingly use meditation as a means of escapism. Instead of addressing psychological or emotional wounds, they employ meditation to suppress these issues, akin to putting a temporary bandage over a wound.

For example, individuals might meditate to escape from stress, avoid confronting trauma, or simply to appear virtuous. While such practices may offer momentary relief, they do not lead to the transformative insights that authentic meditation can provide. This misuse of meditation creates a stagnant spiritual experience, where the practitioner remains stuck in superficial states of awareness.

A crucial stage in meditation is the development of discipline. Beginners often struggle with restless minds and the inability to focus, necessitating a period of consistent practice. This foundational phase, which may last several years, builds the capacity for stillness and concentration. However,  discipline should not become an end in itself. Beyond the initial stage, practitioners must engage in self-reflection, asking themselves why they meditate and what they aim to achieve.

A critical shift from using meditation as a means of avoidance to treating it as a tool for inner transformation is essential. This involves addressing unresolved psychological complexes, embracing emotional vulnerabilities, and working through past traumas. The analogy of attending to "screaming children" within one’s psyche illustrates the importance of resolving inner conflicts before seeking the higher states of consciousness described in spiritual texts.

Actionable advice for enhancing the quality of meditation:

Set Clear Intentions: Reflect on your motivations for meditating. Are you seeking clarity and transformation, or are you avoiding unresolved issues?

Limit Duration Wisely: Meditate for as long as you can remain fully present. A short, focused session is more impactful than hours of distracted sitting.

Address Psychological Barriers: Seek professional help for persistent emotional or psychological issues. Techniques such as EMDR or internal family systems therapy can complement meditation.

Cultivate Yamas and Niyamas: Practice truthfulness, contentment, and other yogic principles to create a foundation of ethical and emotional stability.

Simplify Your Life: Minimize distractions and overcommitment to create a conducive environment for deep meditation.

Honor the Body: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and ensure adequate rest to support a healthy nervous system.

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, I interview Edwin Bryant of Rutgers University. (https://edwinbryant.org/)

Mr. Bryant has written several books, including a commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and its sequel Bhakti Yoga.  Along with being a prolific writer and teacher, Edwin Bryant has been a practitioner of Bhakti Yoga for over 45 years.

Since we don’t spend enough time speaking about Bhakti on this podcast, I felt he would be an inspiring guest to say more about the path of devotion.  I hope you enjoy this interesting and informational conversation as much as I did.

You can find Professor Bryant's books here:

https://sites.rutgers.edu/edwin-bryant/books/

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the reasons why one might abandon their spiritual path. We consider the necessity of letting go from traditions that might have once been a profound source of inspiration, and if there is any way to avoid an unnecessary break with an authentic tradition. 

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we speak with Chelynn Tetreault, AyD, LMT. (https://www.chelynnt.com/) Ryan and Chelynn discuss her new book:

This is a wonderful discussion to understand the feminine energy in spiritual practice and for men to understand the divine expression of the women in their lives.

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Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

If you would like to participate in online live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon.  Also, now available Understanding the Holy Science: A Theoretical and Experiential Study Guide to Sri Yukteswar's Kriya Yoga Practice.

For more information about Kriya Yoga events, courses and online classes please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline-

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we speak with Roy Thibodeau, a student of Kriya Yoga teacher, Oliver Black. https://www.yogacharyaoliver.com/

Ryan Kurczak and Roy Thibodeau talk about the book "My Dear Oliver", a limited edition book, which is a collection of the letters that Paramahansa Yogananda sent to Oliver Black.

About our guest Roy Thibodeau

Golden Lotus Yoga for Spiritual Awareness (GLYSA) was founded by Roy E. Thibodeau & Mary Ann Thibodeau in 2011.  We have been disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black for over 45 years and GLYSA was founded to assure the continuation our lineage, legacy, and heritage through Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Yogacharya Oliver.   Yogacharya Oliver was one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s most advanced direct disciples, establishing the Detroit, Michigan Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) Center which he ran as an SRF minister from 1951 until 1980’s.  He also established Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat in Northern Michigan which he ran until his MahaSamadhi September 16, 1989.  He remained an SRF Minister, Authorized by Paramahansa Yogananda & SRF to give Kriya Yoga Initiation to qualified candidates until his MahaSamadhi.  You can find out more about Yogacharya Oliver at www.yogacharyaoliver.com.  Because of Yogacharya’s relationship and loyalty to Paramahansa Yogananda & SRF he was never able to authorize any of his disciples to Initiate candidates into Kriya Yoga.

Because of this situation and knowing our destiny to continue our Linage through Yogacharya Oliver we pursued authorization to perform Kriya Yoga Initiations through the help of Roy Eugene Davis another direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and brother disciple to Yogacharya Oliver.  We asked him to ordain us authorizing us to give Kriya Yoga Initiation under Yogacharya Oliver’s authority.  Roy graciously agreed and ordained us under Yogacharya Oliver’s authority.  Because of that we incorporated two names into the name of our organization.

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore a simple pathway to mystical experience. Beyond relaxation and enhanced well-being, the Kriya Yoga Meditation processes create a foundation for mystical communion. This is one reason that the Kriya Yoga Meditation techniques can be implemented by anyone, no matter the religion they follow. In this episode, Ryan Kurczak describes an exercise to encourage an authentic revelation of divine realization. 

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, is an excerpt from a Kriya Yoga Alliance Sunday service with Kriya Yoga Teacher, Ray Booker. 

Mr. Booker will be speaking to us on the "Origins of Karma".

Tune in with us every Sunday at 11 AM Eastern Time Zone for a Kriya Yoga inspired class followed by meditation at https://www.kriyayogaalliance.com/.

You can learn more about Ray Booker's offerings and Kriya Yoga practice here: https://vibrationalayurveda.com/new-page-2

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the necessity of focus.

Key Points:

Focus and Intentionality in Spiritual Practice: Ryan Kurczak emphasizes that achieving spiritual goals requires focus on actions aligned with those goals and letting go of distractions.

Yoga’s Definition in the Sutras: He references Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, particularly the idea that yoga is about ceasing fluctuations of the mind, allowing connection with the eternal self or "Purusha."

Concentration as a Core Skill: Spiritual practice demands developing concentration, a skill that enables one to transcend life's constant changes and achieve inner peace.

Example of the Sleepless Saint: Kurczak draws on "Autobiography of a Yogi" where the Sleepless Saint describes the extensive meditation required for enlightenment, showing that dedication over decades fosters deep spiritual insight.

Realistic Spiritual Growth: Although intense practice can lead to enlightenment, Kurczak underscores that small, regular meditation also brings significant progress, reducing the fear of death and afterlife anxieties.

Stages of Conscious Growth: Early life experiences, shaped by past karma, lead to conscious awareness, ultimately allowing adults to make mindful choices towards spiritual maturity.

Ego and Identity: Moving beyond personal ego is crucial, as spiritual progress involves letting go of individual identity in favor of unity with the larger self.

Long-Term Commitment: Spiritual growth is rooted in consistent, uninterrupted practice over many years, coupled with respect and devotion, a point supported by both the Sleepless Saint's example and the Yoga Sutras.

Patience and Allowing Natural Progression: Rather than forcing intense experiences, one should allow spiritual progress to unfold naturally, letting each stage build a solid foundation for the next.

Universal Spiritual Lessons: Finally, Kurczak emphasizes that all spiritual work, even minimal, contributes to clarity, inner peace, and alignment with one's spiritual aspirations.

These points underscore the significance of patience, self-awareness, and dedication in spiritual practice, offering guidance for practitioners at any stage of their journey.

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, is an excerpt from a Kriya Yoga Alliance Sunday Service with Kriya Yoga Teacher, Ryan Strong.

Mr. Strong will be speaking on "Becoming More Cosmically Minded." Tune in with us every Sunday at 11 AM Eastern Time Zone for a Kriya Yoga inspired class followed by meditation at https://www.kriyayogaalliance.com/.

You can learn more about Ryan Strong's Ayurveda, Jyotish, and Kriya Yoga practice here: https://www.stronghealthcenter.org/

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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.

For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 

Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.

For more information about this work please visit:

A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.

https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga

Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.

https://kriyayogaonline.com/

A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course

Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)

Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline