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    How do I receive instruction in Kriya Yoga?

    Apply for Paramahansa Yogananda’s SRF Lessons

    If you have already completed the first 18 Lessons, you can apply for Kriya Yoga by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. If you are new to the SRF Lessons, continue reading here.

    Self-Realization Fellowship makes the advanced spiritual techniques that it teaches available only to students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course for which all interested persons may apply.

    It is an ancient tradition in India to approach a spiritual teacher with sincerity prior to receiving instruction. By applying for the SRF Lessons, as a seeker of truth you are stating that you are sincere in wanting to learn the Kriya Yoga science of meditation taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.

    Receive powerful techniques from the first Lesson

    Kriya Yoga is indeed an integrated science and way of life, which requires more than just the practice of the specific Kriya technique in order for the seeker of higher consciousness to find success.

    From the first Lesson onward you will receive Paramahansaji's step-by-step instructions for learning to meditate, as well as in-depth guidance on all aspects of living a spiritually balanced and successful life. The basic series of the Lessons consist of 18 Lessons, which are mailed every two weeks. The basic series includes instruction in three powerful techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda — the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, the Energization Exercises, and the Aum Technique of Meditation — as necessary components in the comprehensive spiritual science of Kriya Yoga.

    Why do I have to study the basic series of before getting the Kriya technique?

    This gradual introduction has a purpose. As a mountain climber seeking to scale the Himalayas must first undergo the necessary conditioning and acclimatization, so the seeker needs this initial period to acclimatize his or her habits and thoughts, condition the mind with concentration and devotion, and practice directing the body’s life energy.

    After approximately eight months of preparation and practice, those students who have completed study of the 18 basic Lessons and feel inwardly drawn to SRF as their chosen path to unity with the Divine — the goal of Self-realization — may apply for initiation in the technique of Kriya Yoga and formally establish the time-honored guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of enlightened masters.

    Those who choose not to take the step to apply for Kriya Yoga may still continue their study of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, absorbing the many Lessons in the Supplement Series, which offer additional techniques and guidance from Paramahansaji in a continuous stream of inspiration.

    Whether or not one ultimately decides to request initiation in Kriya Yoga, all who are earnest in their practice will realize for themselves the truth in Paramahansa Yogananda’s assurance that it is possible to reach the highest states of divine consciousness through the other Self-Realization Fellowship Basic Techniques (listed above) — though Kriya Yoga is the fastest and most effective method.

    New Lesson Cover
    Kriya  Yoga  Initiation

    Kriya Yoga is no ordinary breathing exercise: It is the highest known technique of pranayama, by which you can consciously control the life force in the body and thereby attain cosmic consciousness.

    Paramahansa Yogananda
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    Already a Kriyaban? Request the new edition of Kriya Lessons

    As an SRF Kriyaban you can request the new enhanced edition of the Self-Realization Fellowship Kriya Yoga Lessons. This edition, with new Lessons on “Attunement With the Guru” and “Plan of Life for the Kriya Yogi,” includes material that has never been published until now — words dictated by Paramahansaji in the closing years of his earthly incarnation, when he was anticipating a complete revision of the seven-step Lessons and the creation of Advanced Lessons.

    SRF Kriyabans may subscribe to the new edition of the Kriya Yoga Lessons online in the member portal. If you have not yet created a member portal account (or previously verified your Lessons student status) you will need to do so as part of your Kriya enrollment process. You will need your SRF reference number to verify your Lessons student status.

    Kriya  Yoga  Initiation

    To Note: Although Kriya Lesson 4 (“Attunement With the Guru”) and Kriya Lesson 5 (“Plan of Life for the Kriya Yogi”) will be made available to students in the SRF Lessons app after enrolling, the Kriya Lessons that present the Kriya technique are available in print format only. These new Kriya Lessons and are offered for a suggested fee to help cover printing, mailing, and other related costs.

    If as an existing SRF Kriyaban you have not signed up for the basic series of the new Lessons, we recommend that you do so before requesting the new Kriya Lessons, because of the way in which the Lessons have been reorganized and systematically presented. There is invaluable information in the basic series that is extremely helpful for practice of Kriya, as a significant portion of this information was not included in earlier editions of the Lessons. If you do elect to enroll in both the basic Lessons and the new edition of the Kriya Yoga Lessons, you will receive the Kriya Yoga Lessons first.

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    Am I Eligible to Apply for Kriya Yoga Initiation?

    Select the option below that applies to you to determine your Kriya Yoga initiation eligibility.

    I am not an SRF Lessons student (old or new edition).

    Can I apply for Kriya Yoga?

    You are not yet eligible. Before applying for Kriya Yoga, you must be a Lessons student and have completed the basic series of 18 Lessons.

    Learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons and apply online.

    I am an SRF Lessons student but I have not completed the basic series.

    Can I apply for Kriya Yoga?

    You are not yet eligible. You will receive an invitation to apply with Lesson 17. 

    Please watch for the invitation with Lesson 17.

    I am an SRF Lessons student and I have completed the basic series.

    Can I apply for Kriya Yoga?

    You are eligible to apply for Kriya Yoga. 

    Please create an account or login to the Member Portal to apply.

    I studied the previous edition of the Lessons some years ago.

    Can I apply for Kriya Yoga?

    You are eligible to apply for Kriya Yoga if you have completed Step II (through number 52) of the previous edition of the SRF Lessons.

    However, we do recommend that you study the new series of basic Lessons as well. The new edition offers previously unpublished material and has been completely reorganized for clarity and ease of learning.

    Please create an account or login to the Member Portal to apply.

    I am a Kriyaban of the previous Lessons edition.

    Can I request the new edition of the Kriya Yoga Lessons?

    Yes, you may request the new edition of the Kriya Yoga Lessons. 

    However, we do recommend that you study the new series of the basic Lessons as well. The new edition offers previously unpublished material and has been completely reorganized for clarity and ease of learning.

    Please create an account or login to the Member Portal to enroll.

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