Initiated Meditation

The Kriya meditation system of the Himalayan adept (siddha) lineages utilizes three methods that are combined using stepwise micro-postural movements and mental strikes (mudrā). These three parts include: imbibing light by sun gazing and open-eye meditation (śāmbhavī mudrā) on the sun with internal focus on the mid-point of the eyebrows; perfected internal breathing (ujjāyī) in particular circuits (nādi); and chanting or rumination on the primordial Oṃ sound. Oxygenation is increased in the body by synchronizing the internal breath with rumination on Oṃ.

Breathing and quieting the mind become part of the same effort. The best results are obtained when the Oṃ sound is repeated at about 432Hz or 528Hz. Sun gazing methods and the related mudrā, prānāyāma, and yoga-vinyāsa techniques are collectively known as surya-kriyā, and are practiced in tandem with the sunrise. Open-eye meditation (śāmbhavī mudrā) when the sun is above 15° is practised with great care to avoid any UV damage. All of these special techniques have been systematized and revealed by Tryambaknath (popularly known as Mahavatar-babaji) and can only be undertaken when learnt properly from authentic meditation lineages.

In summary, the techniques of kriyāyoga and its family of related meditation practices use specific ujjāyī prānāyāma techniques that recharge the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid with prāna (vital energy) infused in the correct nādī circuit (energy pathway related to nerves, blood vessels etc.). The group of techniques applies particular mudrā (postures to retain prāna) when the internal mental rumination of the primordial sound syllable is synchronized with the perception of prāna.

Correct practice of kriyā-prānāyāma infuses prāna into the nādī to attain a momentum of habitual engrossment (samāpatti) ultimately bringing about the aftereffect saturation (parāvasthā). The meditator further undertakes subtle mental kriyā exercises during this aftereffect poise. This kriyā-based approach is distinct from other prānāyāma-based meditation practices. Moreover this synchronized practice using breath, light, sound, and subtle feelings (subtle movement sensations) constitutes an internal mindful action that brings about poise and alacrity. This approach is distinct from sitting meditation where one observes and releases subtle desires by minutely watching the breath while bearing through distractions to repose in silence.

His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda offers initiation into four different paths of meditation within the Himalayan Kriyā system: KriyāYoga, KriyāLaya, KriyāMantra and KriyāVinyāsa. Aspiring initiates choose, with the guidance of His Holiness, the path which is appropriate for them. This depends on many factors, such as lifestyle, personal inclinations and commitment to a daily practice.

Based on the degree of preparation needed, elements of the seven levels of the curriculum are advised for study and practice. While these four paths are independent within the overall Kriyā system, they all lead to the same ultimate goal of Self-realization. All meditation techniques are mentioned in the Sanskrit literature and related esoteric texts of the siddha adepts.

KriyāYoga is taught directly as per the system of Tryambaknath and his sister Nāgalaxmi. The techniques are systematized as per Śyamacharan Lahiri’s system for householders and professionals. The original and unchanged KriyāYoga, which has been practised and passed down through the unbroken lineage, is taught to prospective initiates. This kriyā technique practice is definitely rigorous and is distinct from the teachings of kriyāyoga mentioned in the Patañjali yogasutra.

KriyāVinyāsa is an advanced prānāyāma breathwork-based practice that is centred upon Himalayan surya-kriyā techniques including several morning practices synchronized with the sunrise. The KriyāVinyāsa system includes the vinyāsa-krama practices related to surya-namaskārah (sun salutation). This path is more suitable for aspiring yogins who retain a reasonable degree of neuromuscular and joint flexibility.

KriyāMantra is based on the path of devotional connection with a higher god (iṣta). The practice uses root mantra and the vinyāsa sequence of the root mantra, and is verily intricate. The salient features of Vedic whole brain learning are directly invoked by way of the nyāsa system, wherein preparatory techniques use the hands and fingers in tandem to increase retention power, and deposit in the body parts the subtle feelings from the mental rumination. The mantra rumination uses a varnamālā system of the Sanskrit sound partitions that multiplies the power of repetition by a thousand-fold.

KriyāLaya meditation practice begins with a release of emotional disturbance, followed by rumination on the internal sound current, tracing the source of the subtlest internal sound thereby reposing in one’s own awareness, and thereafter focusing on the inner light. The nature of the practice requires knowledge of the subtle heart and the I-sense, but the method is suitable for anyone who prefers to avoid a rigorous or intricate practice and wants to slip into meditation rather quickly. This practice is deemed to be more subtle.

Sanskrit texts promise that the blessings of a realized spiritual teacher (satguru) are an invaluable boon to a devotee on the path of steadily deepening meditation. The Sanskrit heritage further proclaims that the blessings of an exalted spiritual teacher who is part of an unbroken lineage increases the impact manifold. An initiation with a time-honoured lineage may confer the power of all the spiritual masters onto an initiate into a meditation practice. The initiation process with its progressive stages nurtures the aspirant and ignites the power of the meditation techniques. Initiation is said to bring about a release from the bondage of the phenomenal world. No initiation into a structured meditation practice is possible without a spiritual master, and this paves the way for the succession of such masters!

His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is one of the very few ordained teachers who can confer all three types of initiation based on the ancient Sanskrit heritage. These stages of initiation into progressively higher practice of meditation are denoted by the Sanskrit terms: ānavi, śākteyi and śāmbhavi. The discourse entitled Higher Initiation for Deeper Meditation outlines a summary on this topic with insightful commentary on the meditative meaning of relevant Sanskrit verses. Initiation blessings and the meditation techniques are offered to sincere seekers without the condition of payment (except for housing, food and other hosting costs). Initiation depends more on the depth of seeking and commitment to a daily spiritual sādhanā (consistent spiritual practice) using the meditation techniques.

Two higher levels of meditation practices are also offered by way of individual initiations to those who have undertaken prolonged deep study, especially from the aphorisms of Vedānta sutrāṇi and Sāṅkhya sutrāṇi. The Vedānta method begins with contemplation (upāsanā) leading into aham-graha meditation on Brahman. Whereas the Sāṅkhya method begins with repose in the intellect (inner voice) and matures into reflective rumination on the sutra and its purport to unravel the pure truth contained within the aphorism.

His Holiness Swami Hariharananda

Silent contemplation before the Kriya meditation initiation ceremony

Seekers, servers and devotees who are ready to commit to a daily meditation practice may apply with a formal letter of intent via email for approval to take initiation. Aspiring initiates must be approved directly by His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda in order to take initiation. This ensures that an aspirant is fully prepared and ready for daily sādhanā meditation. Before applying for initiation we highly recommend a course of preparatory study, which is often times several months or years long. It is important to understand how a lineage-based meditation practice is handed down. Read below for recommended preparation and study before applying for initiation:

• Attend fellowships and guided meditations in-person as much as possible. Those from out-of-state may arrange to visit or attend a fellowship or guided meditation in California. See our events calendar.
• Participate in monthly livestream fellowships.
• Subscribe and begin studying the audio and video recordings available on our e-learning platform, multimedia.handavedas.org. Practice the guided meditations with regularity and watch or listen to the available discourses and courses.
• Study the set of videos titled “Preparatory Study for Initiation into the Himalayan Kriya System of Meditation” on our Multimedia site.
• Attend at least one Retreat or Workshop. See our events calendar.
• Attend workshops and fellowships directly related to the seven steps of holistic curriculum, understand the concepts, study related reading material, adjust your lifestyle as recommended in the teachings; a sincere study of the Lifeforce Workbook is highly recommended.
• Meet with His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda in-person to receive guidance on your preparedness and readiness for initiation (this step is only fruitful after you have completed the preparation outlined in the bullet points above).