were ready for Kriya initiation should live as “householders”- in other words, have a family life and work for a living whilst remaining true to their spiritual development through Kriya practice.
Lahiri Mahasaya said that the establishment of organisations and ashrams would endanger the original practice of Kriya Yoga, since it always had to be passed on in person from authorised (and therefore self-realised) Guru to disciple. Therefore, he never allowed disciples to set up an ashram or Kriya Yoga organisation, although many tried to persuade him to do so. Instead, Lahiri Mahasaya, his son Tinkari Lahiri, and grandson Satya Charan Lahiri, hid their spiritual powers from the general public and lived as householders.