Kriya Yoga Retreat

“There is no-one on the planet who does not have the capacity to wake up. In every bitter or sweet moment lies our enlightenment. Right there in the upheaval of everyday doubts and chaos lies our own pristine wisdom awareness. Kriya yoga is one of the most accessible and yet profound methods of cultivating this presence with the Self.”

What are the Kriyas?

Kriyas are yogic techniques for awakening. The tools used in the Kriyas the chakras (energy centres), the nadis (energy pathways), mudras (psychic attitudes), bandhas (energy locks) and the breath. Kriyas are well known to awaken deeper levels of perception and lead to enlightenment and self-mastery.

The Kriyas are deeply transformative practices that strike right to the heart of the 'sleeping' kundalini energy, stirring, cajoling and awakening it. If you stay with them and be faithful to the instructions, the Kriyas can add a whole new dimension to your yoga practice.

"Despite ourselves, the Kriyas will draw out our beauty in our very own backyard."

Why is Kriya Yoga so Profound?

Generally, yoga systems and practises emphasise single-focused concentration. However, this kind of one-pointedness can be challenging to achieve without creating tension. The mind often does the opposite of what we want it to do. We are so used to running from discomfort. If we do not like what we are feeling, then we avoid it (by seeking diversions), numb out to it, or lash out with it. This is where Kriya yoga is so profound as it utilises the discomfort - the restlessness - as a direct pathway to a naturally arising meditative state.

Course Outline

This 7-day residential course guides aspirants through twenty traditional Kriyas distilled from an original set of seventy that have been transmitted from Kriya teacher to Kriya  teacher within the Saraswati lineage. In particular, via Swami Sivananda Saraswati of Rishikesh, India. It is different to the Kriya yoga taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and his Self-Realisation Fellowship. Like notes of music, it is important to select and combine the right practices in order to have a harmonious effect. This is why receiving the Kriyas as a transmission from an adept Kriya teacher is important. 

Throughout the week participants will be systematically introduced to the beautiful Kriya sequence culminating in full sessions by the end of the course. This is an outstanding opportunity to learn these practices within the direct teaching environment of the oral tradition of transmission.

In this context, the Kriyas are not widely available and spaces are limited on this course. Be sure to book early.

This is a powerful, advanced set of practices. While not required, it is suggested that you have a regular yoga practice in place before participating in this course.