Original Kriya Yoga
‘For Self-realisation, it is necessary to have the guidance of a living Guru. Kriya is more than just a technique. The Guru-disciple relationship is also important in order to grow on the spiritual path.’
Guruji · Yogiraj Prakash Shankar Vyas
Kriya in the West
Kriya Yoga reached the West with the arrival of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, and spread widely through the subsequent publication of Autobiography of a Yogi in the mid-1940s. As a result, Lahiri Mahasaya soon became a household name in yoga circles as the ‘father of Kriya Yoga’, whilst organisations and ashrams, societies and self-elected gurus sprang up worldwide.
However, Lahiri Mahasaya’s grandson Satya Charan Lahiri observed as early as the 1950s that the original practice had been changed beyond recognition in the West. The source of the practice, Lahiri Mahasaya, had become a secondary figure, and the principles that were passed down from the avatar Babaji Maharaj had been forgotten.
Furthermore, many of the books being published on Kriya Yoga and on Lahiri Mahasaya contained fabricated accounts and exaggerations.
Authorised Masters
After Satya Charan Lahiri passed the authority to give Kriya Yoga initiation out of the family to one of his most advanced disciples Yogiraj Prakash Shankar Vyas (Guruji) in 1985, many practitioners and seekers visiting Guruji have heightened his own awareness of changes and omissions to Kriya Yoga, not just in the West but also in India.
‘Unfortunately, these people have received an incomplete technique: despite sincere efforts, they are trying to unlock a door without having the right key.’
Guruji · Yogiraj Prakash Shankar Vyas
Mahayogi Lahiri Mahasaya1828–1895Mahayogi Lahiri Mahasaya 
Tinkori Lahiri1863–1934Tinkori Lahiri 
Satya Charan Lahiri1905–1987Satya Charan Lahiri 
Yogiraj Prakash Shankar Vyas1956–presentYogiraj Prakash Shankar VyasLiving master
Can I learn Kriya from a book?
These days, you can find books claiming to disclose the full method of practice, whose authors insist the guidance of a Self-realised teacher is not necessary. However, Guruji says that if you choose to learn Kriya from a book written by someone who is not Self-realised, you are effectively accepting that person as your guru. This may be your personal choice; as Guruji says, ‘You get a Guru according to your own nature.’
If you planned to scale Mount Everest, you would take an experienced guide who knows all the techniques, can advise if you are ready for the next base camp, and point out the pitfalls. As the path of the Masters, Kriya Yoga is not so different – if you truly want to make progress.
‘He is your guide, because he has already walked the path, and he can show the way, but you have to walk by yourself.’
Guruji · Yogiraj Prakash Shankar Vyas
The Guru-Disciple Relationship
The original Kriya Yoga as taught by Lahiri Mahasaya is a highly complex meditation technique which, being a scientific method, was never meant to be learned from a book.
The various ‘limbs’ of the method have to be practised and polished under the guidance of a Self-realised master. Correction is essential for progress. The master’s role is also to judge when a disciple is ready to advance in practice, and to provide the next step.
It is very rare indeed that a book is sufficient to make a master in any field, and Kriya Yoga is no exception. As the path of the spiritual masters, it has always been passed on personally from Self-realised spiritual master to chosen disciple (guru-parampara). Another reason for the Guru-disciple tradition is the fact that the Self-realised Guru is aware of the disciple’s previous lives and karma, which determine inner readiness for this path. Not everybody can be initiated. The timing of initiation is also of prime importance, which can only be stipulated by an authorised master. This subject is dealt with in more depth in the book Kriya Yoga: Four Spiritual Masters and a Beginner. In short, there are plenty of reasons why it is advisable to only practise Kriya under the direct guidance of a Satguru, not least for your own protection.
‘Many people are claiming supremacy in Kriya Yoga. They create and run organisations and want to control people’s minds. They have collected large groups of people – but the truth is missing in that. With all these things, you cannot realise Absolute Truth.’
Guruji · Yogiraj Prakash Shankar Vyas
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