Kriya Yoga Gurus
Kriya Yoga has been passed down through history, starting with its revelation by God to King Manu in ancient times. Throughout the ages, it has been taught by the gurus of Lord Rama Chandra and Lord Sri Krishna, and more recently by Mahavatar Babaji and Yogiraj Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya, as well as their succession of teachers.
Mahavatar Babaji, developed Kriya Yoga for a more specific and systematic approach, in the 19th century he summoned Lahiri Mahashaya to his Cave Ashram in the Dronagiri Mountains, near Ranikhet, India, where he imparted all the techniques of Kriya Yoga to him over a period of several days.
Mahavatar Babaji refined and organized the practice of Kriya Yoga in the 19th century, and imparted its techniques to Lahiri Mahashaya during a prolonged stay at Babaji’s Cave Ashram in the Dronagiri Mountains, near Ranikhet, India.
Lahiri Mahashaya had a significant disciple in Sri Yukteswar, an Indian scholar and yogi who possessed extensive knowledge in astronomy and astrology and greatly impacted the development of these areas of study. Sri Yukteswar, a notable disciple of Lahiri Mahashaya, is the author of the book “The Holy Science.” This book was written at the request of Mahavatar Babaji, who appeared to Sri Yukteswar during the Kumbha Mela in Allahabad. The purpose of the book was to demonstrate the underlying unity of all religions, and it was published in 1894.
Sri Yukteswar imparted the teachings of Kriya Yoga to multiple students, with one of his disciples, Paramahansa Yogananda, becoming a well-known figure in the promotion and dissemination of the practice. Yogananda eventually traveled to the United States to spread the principles of Kriya Yoga globally. His goal and mission were to spread clear and certain, scientific techniques to realize the personal perception of God among all people from all countries/ nations. His book “Autobiography of a Yogi” has inspired millions of people.
Swami Narayana Giri was a devout and dedicated student of Sri Yukteswar, having served him for nearly two decades. He was responsible for initiating many individuals into the practices of Kriya Yoga and had established an Ashram, complete with farmland and a monastery school, at Bhisindipur, West Bengal, India.
Swami Satyananda Giri, a well-known follower of Sri Yukteswar, eventually made West Bengal his home base for serving the community after residing in various places in India. He had a large number of disciples and held leadership positions at the Yogoda Karar Ashram in Puri, Odisha and the Ranchi school in Jharkhand, India.
Paramahansa Atmananda, a monk and a neurologist, has a deep devotion to God and has been practicing Yoga since childhood. He was inspired by spiritual leaders such as Advaita Guru Totapuri, Swami Sivananda Saraswati, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, and other great saints. Prior to dedicating his life to spirituality, he was a highly accomplished medical doctor and lived as a householder.
Paramahansa Atmananda Ji, formerly known as Dr. S.S. Chand, is a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Physicians of India, the Indian Medical Association, and the Indian Association of Occupational Health. His background in internal medicine and neurology, which deals with the study of the brain and nervous system, has greatly aided in his understanding and teaching of Kriya Yoga as a scientific method for realizing the self and attaining spiritual enlightenment.
According to Paramhansa Atmananda Ji, the purpose of life is to live it in a healthy, positive, happy, loving, helpful, and harmonious manner. He advocates for improving the quality of life through daily practice of Kriya Yoga, starting as early as possible. He emphasizes that one is never alone, as God is always present and available as a source of ultimate help.
