Preparing for Kriya Yoga Initiation - Preliminary Practices

Here is a guide to preparing one's self for Kriya Yoga Initiation. Practices include alternate nostril breathing and sushumna breathing.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

kriya-yoga.teachable.com/p/introduction-to-kriya-yoga-meditation-for-spiritual-growth

[@gordongannon40]

I've just discovered Ryan and this course. 10 years after it was published. Thank you Ryan❤

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Thank you.

[@seetheworld-t7m]

Same here. Nov 2024 Much grateful to you Ryan.

[@AliShah-xe4ic]

For those who have one nostril blocked all the time, you can practice "nasal resonance" with your mouth closed, whenever you can through the day, like when you are walking, when you are in the car, etc. For this, you can mumble hmmm with different pitches for a few seconds and imagine that you are sending sound energy towards your nostrils and sinuses. At first it might be tingly but it worked for me. Also if you have deviated septum you can lie down on the side which is not blocked and make your nostrils balanced for a few minutes, which lets you to practice alternate nostril breathing and as you practice, it will eventually get balanced.

[@gustavepirouet2512]

thank you this will definitely help me...

[@tonythetraveller9759]

I often had right nostril virtually blocked almost every time before I started meditation and laid down on the opposite side for a few minutes to balance the flow of air through nostrils. In the last few months I have preferred to have a 30-40 minutes brisk walk while breathing through the nose before the meditation. And after the walk I do 15-20 minutes of stretching before the meditation. I start my meditation with alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Sodhana) and after that I do Maha Mudra (3 times). If you do the Maha Mudra in the right way, it also further opens both nostrils which is very helpful for subsequent practices and to achieve balance between Ida and Pingala. In addition to the tips you mentioned, I have heard that some people put their feet into cool or warm water to balance the nostrils, depending on which nostril is blocked. I haven't tried that myself yet.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@AliShah-xe4ic]

Also, this might be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2WaqZxoe5iKb8k

[@ISing2]

I just found you, 10 years later! Thank you 😊 ❤

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om.

[@jacquelinethompson2126]

Seekers have braved Himalayan snows to receive these teachings. Lo! Here they are in my hand. Lovely

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

You are welcome. Keep it simple, stay focused and rest in the tranquility generated by the practice.

[@n0desire]

this video really changed my life for the better, thank you Ryan, much love from London

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

So glad!

[@CheyenneHernandezmusic]

Thank you for sharing. I like being given the tools to begin practicing without having to wait and wonder how to get started. I appreciate your guidance. Thank you!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

You are so welcome!

[@paulandrew5791]

Namaste, have been meditating for awhile now and was looking for someone such as yourself who conveys so genuinely this knowledge-Kriya, passsed down through Yogananda and his lineage.. very much appreciated 🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Wonderful!

[@velvetpaws999]

My father taught me alternate nostril breathing when I was five or so... and he taught me to do it without using my fingers, just by closing the nasal passage with the muscles around the air ways in the nose. It works and I can do it all day long if I want, really easily!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Clever.

[@rogeropie]

ryan, thanks so much - your videos are exactly what I needed to begin this practice and appreciate that I can do this at home without needing to find a group, etc. that knowledge in itself is extremely valuable and comforting. thank you!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@withgoddess7164]

I'm dyslexic and for years I have been trying to understand the pattern of breathing. Finally I get it thank you Ryan thank you God

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

YW

[@danguerriero3094]

Thanks for the videos and taking the time to help others on their yoga journey, Many blessings to you.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

OM.

[@danikadwyer4831]

Very well explained. Clear, concise, just like your other videos I've seen. Thanks very much for sharing :)

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@ramashyama123]

That was a nice and clear presentation added with your experiences....thank you so much Ryan.....

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@mickeyp1291]

i came across your videos, i have internal work to do and i am flawed for sure. yeaterday i did ujay using the fingers, i did it 30+ times, its hard for me to concentrate (i have undiagnosed add or adhd, im 46) but the fingers system help a little (i use fingers to focus on tasks and counting in general else i lose count) anyway, i use bettersleep to follow my very bad sleep. yesterday i woke every hour on the hour, and fell back asleep in seconds, peed more than ever yet still got more deep sleep than in the past 83 days. i woke at 10am refreshed and its been a while since i felt so good even though my left nostril woke almost closed i did what ujay i could today, lost count even with the fingers but managed to do at least 20 maybe less idk. but i wanted to thank you i definitely feel your videos were a reaponse to my seeking. they are chock full of small tips and encouragement and i thank you for them. ❤ from israel

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om

[@teresaking4039]

Thank you, very much Ryan. I am going to follow this practice now.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Good.

[@zitamoreira]

Thank you Ryan for bring this teachings This is a beautiful way of connecting with higher Self. 🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Absolutely!

[@spannycat2]

Thank you so much for these teachings!!!!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Thank you Sushumna breathing starts @6:10

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@ericdavis8875]

I am processing some emotions that I doubt the average person could handle if they had the courage (or maybe I under estimate the masses, I do enjoy being mistaken and learning). I started the alternate breathing technique and paused your lesson to experience the result. I have never experienced an easier, more peaceful session. Factoring the bears I'm trying to hug and embrace at this time I find this all extremely encouraging. I feel an emotional release spilling and I know not if it's release from deep betrayals or the wellspring of joy from your gifts here. Be well Ryanji.💜

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om

[@elangovanchellappa2129]

Good job... you are great Most descriptive deliberation on pranayama, sushumna and kiriya yoga

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

ok

[@theresanilsen8524]

Hi Ryan. Thank you for creating these videos. Interesting how I was drawn to this site and these videos about Kriya Yoga. I feel as if it is a little overwhelming or I am not ready.... so I thank you for making these videos, for People just starting to learn. Big Smiles. Theresa Nilsen from Norway

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@Athanael777]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@missygarrison]

I’m so excited to practice this tool

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@kushalshrestha1732]

Pranam guruji.. from nepal🌷🌹🌼🍀🌻🌺🌸

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

TY

[@GolferKP]

Thank you for these practices. I have question however, due to the fact my nose often is quite blocked. Is it possible to do a couple of rounds of kapalbhati/Bhastrika before starting the preliminary practices for the day to clear my sinuses a bit? Best regards

[@jaidev22]

Yes, you can start with that. Do what suits you best.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

! yes

[@carpenterfamily6198]

I’ve found the “ Insight Timer “ smart phone app to be very helpful.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@siawang1959]

Thank you Ryan, I have being looking for Kriya Yoga since I read Paramahansa Yogananda's autobiobraphy 5 times!. thank you for yourvideo which is really help.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Wonderful!

[@daniellelaflamme8689]

This is so good. Very good away of walking us through it.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@Jadadam654-w3u]

Thank you Ryan these practices have been a great help in my journey in Kriya yoga. Could you please do a video on the science and importance of doing the energisation exercises. Jai Guru 🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

I don't have anything to say about them. If an individual has a regular exercise routine (which I advise) these are not necessary. Or simply do 15-20 minutes of mild hatha yoga or Qi Gong before hand. Those work just as well.

[@RupaChaudhuri6969]

Thanks Rayn.. this really helped me

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@sajisebastian8412]

Thank you so much rayan

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

ok

[@hemanthpuppala2908]

Thank you for sharing this 🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Thanks for listening

[@kushagrasingh3119]

You sir are a great help much love and respect

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

TY

[@TheShavarin]

Great Videos Ryan.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@adamrasmussen4297]

Namaste. Blessings. Thank you for sharing

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Welcome!

[@WEATHERORNUT]

Thank you deeply for being here

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@steveshurricaneofgrace]

Thanks Ryan! very well stated!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

TY

[@golftester]

Thank you, thank you, thank you !!!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@sandraachary8127]

🙏 Just know that you are appreciated.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

ok

[@WoodrowWayne]

Love these videos, but IV noticed most alternate nostril breathing videos say to breath in and out of the same nostril, however, you breath in one and out the other and back into it then out the starting nostril, could you possibly help me to find out what's right, my heart believes you are right, but why is everyone doing it different?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

I do it the way I mentioned.

[@HugoPortoFerraro]

Hey, Ryan! :) Well, I can´t breathe through one of my nostrils. What technique can I do instead?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Any other technique.

[@petstudio5555]

Simplicity of video is helping in my journey of Kris yoga. During pranayam technique, do you need to focus on spiritual eye or just on breathing? When you focus on spiritual eye is there some kind of tension arises in your eyes or the eyes while looking slightly up & trying to focus on spiritual eye, should be in relaxed manner? Thanks!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

You are welcome. It is my hope that others will practice and engage this life process fully. (Without too much talking about it, of course. How can people hear when they never be quiet!)

[@ghyogi1]

Hy Ryan.I have a question about spinal breathing.Isn't it necessery to do om jappa as one is doing prana circulation exercise thrue the spine?Please answer.Btw thank you,your content is great.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

@@ghyogi1 if it is helpful for you.

[@kylemurphy4546]

My freind thank you for your videos. I really resonate with you.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@granitabirg7950]

Thank you for sharing this video 💖💖

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@DMalok]

Thank you for sharing! Very helpful

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Thank you.

[@cns6814]

Hello Ryan, I have a question about the sushumna breathing: is it important to release the energy down through the spine? After I pull the cool electric energy up my spine, and when I relase, it seems like it naturally travels down the front of my body, forehead, throat to belly etc. , and not back down my spine. Is it important that it goes down from the spine?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

It has always gone that way for me.

[@Sahasrara1008]

Om shanti brothers and sisters..............

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

thx

[@markgarcia6224]

Excellent explanation thank you

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@thepriestofashes738]

I will need your email to give you your Gurudakshina... you’ve done a wonderful thing. Inside of bring the kriya to the common man in a way for those who seek. Wisdom... I’ve completed my Sadhana now [Raja,Jnana,Bhukti] your lessons helped me.. And I mean breathing helps to keep calm and that’s good stuff ya know... like you can breath a lot of oxygen, get a small high, and it cleans your blood and lymph, man... what’s up. The effort is pretty admirable man... kriya is for all who seek, and eventually... you -[find] your query right?

[@thepriestofashes738]

Excuse my errors I’m minding a lot of thoughts right now.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

!

[@thepriestofashes738]

@@KriyaYogaOnline 9 months later, what it takes for a child to be born. It’s taken a while to map out my DaLlAh of The PyreMander’s Pearlescent Fractal of Fire/Light\Awareness [🔥🔆👁‍🗨] Let me show you my yoga:yoke:Union. [GrahaRaja/BodhiJnana\PavanaBhukti] Atha YOGANUSASANAM All things have sprung forth from One Being who is Unnamed, and Every present... watching from deep inside of each being. People think of things in a wrong way, such as I have been here this whole time but they do not pay attention to where they go when they sleep. For every morning as we wake, we unfold ourselves back into this reality. In order to find the answers you cannot view the different disciplines as separate instead you must read all of them and see where they line up. Then you must think of why would certain actions be taken. Let’s look at the Body Temple complex. The Pineal Gland is said to be a Star gate by New Agers. Well that would mean it must house a singularity which would be a black hole when the Star isn’t active fully. When a black hole collects data eventually it starts to put on a Corona around it. The Star is a Sol. In The Bhagavad Gita Chapter Seven, Krishna lays out the 8 parts of his yoga. When one goes into meditation they sit in silence, but that is only half of Isa, which is the Futhark rune for Stillness, in Sanskrit Isa means to be full of sap and vigor. Shiva, AdiYogi, sits still but he himself is moving incomprehensible fast inside of himself. So in that way while he is still, he generates fire and sings the Song of Isa, The Song of Fire and Ice. Instead of trying to slow down the brain, one should actually speed up what they see... but let go and do not seek to control what you see but see what needs to be shown to you. Jesus said his Father to this day is working. Shiva is constantly moving, the Lord of The Dance... and Shiva means he who is not/naught. Inside of meditative practices... you must build a church: a zone dedicated within yourself to the specific element you’re focusing on. From the Five elements combined with primordial vibration all this emerges that you see before you. So within you, each element needs to have a zone that you go to in order to ponder it. If you walk long enough, your subconscious will build you an avatar of yourself with the qualities of that element, or one of your past lives that embodies that element may step forward to give you a hand. People don’t find their past lives because they don’t wander inside of themselves to allow them to come forward. When you have all the Avatars for your temple, I took the basic five and merged them into One to make a sixth and from their split into light and dark in order to make a seventh once reforged, you climb the ladder within. You want to physically switch to those avatars when you’re trying to manipulate elements, because kids always try to use their powers and being childlike is a requirement. By doing this, letting those personalities emerge inside of your body, you’re creating new neural pathways through out your brain which is important. You’re required to have each Avatar within its zone to operate the energy of that chakra during the ascension of the Kundalini energy up the spine. With all of you singing together as One being, a Gestalt, those different areas of neural circuitry go active forcing the brain to use more of its own capacity, causing it to heat up and produce gamma waves. These Gamma waves sustained through meditation and focus of being on the internal world allows the Pineal a gland, Pinecone, to heat up and pop open. When it pops open you face a final test... to show who your true character is and once you pass you feel a halo around your head and become entangled in AdiYogi’s Dream as your own individual Ego. You have an identification tag by the Sol/ Singularity that has become active in your head. The Mark of the Beast is the closed Pineal Gland because it looks like a dragons egg and the brain system is called the feather serpent when all six brains are activated together. The reptile brain is brought into submission by fasting and reprogramming the gut brain, the bird brain by coming to terms with things and clearing out your heart and the neo cortex becomes balanced between creativity and logic to enter the Illogical aspects of this being a Dream... which is the Original Teaching taught to everyone’s ancestors. Kriyā is the operating system. I’ve always been doing it sitting in my closet as a kid, I just didn’t understand. Your lessons helped to clarify some things to me. I went seeking the answers of how we are all interconnected and I found the logic train. It’s about to get interesting... I can assure you, what I have spoken is true. Check out my page, I’ve been trying to share it with people... things are happening.

[@NEWARK767]

Thank You Ryan🙏🏼

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@Lakshmi235Lakshmi]

Thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

So nice of you

[@RogerMattal-xe6bt]

….Thank you….Ryan…….Peace and Blessings

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Thank you.

[@kedarkedar1520]

7:00

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

OM.

[@Michael12111983]

What, if i've been pratcticing Chi-Gong meditation and breathing ? I am asking , because in inner chigong there is a very Similar inner breathing exercise , Where you would first gather Chi in your lower stomach, and then you would breath it up your spine ( inhale ) and then exhale down your frontal upper body.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Sounds good to me.

[@yogibear564]

Very helpful.thank you

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Thank you.

[@jesusdm]

I didn’t know any of this, and I had the initiation at the kriya center here in Miami. It was very confusing, with several physical postures and I ended up dropping everything.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

There are different branches with different emphasis. Find one that works for you.

[@jamiedavis8794]

The same thing happened to me. It was so complicated and overwhelming so I dropped it. I'm ready to pick it back up thanks to Ryan's books and videos.

[@Dormeca971]

Merciiii 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@semiemregocer]

sir thank you so much for the content..how long do you think is good too wait in silent?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Until the peak experience passes.

[@healthexcellenceconsulting]

Thank you so much, just saw this. How can i see it, if the God idea does not work? I am a literal thinker... Can I just tap in to Awareness?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Consider what the reality of God is, and let go of the idea.

[@junaeja]

Ryan, thank you for doing this series. Much appreciated. I feel sleepy while doing the sushumna breathing. Its almost a switch to fall asleep at any time of the day. Is that normal? Thanks

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

It's the habit of the body. Use your will to train yourself to stay awake.

[@quester172]

Hello sir just an earnest question. I have no adherence to any belief system whatsoever. You can say i am still a seeker. Does the yss program require one to cling to certain beleif systems or ideologies perse?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Only practice is necessary.

[@felipeelmacho8177]

Are these techniques and your advanced techniques to be combined with kechari mudra?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Of course!

[@GANJIMAN123]

while sushma breathing, do I need to keep the concentration on spiritual eye?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

If you can.

[@tenzin044]

Hi Ryan, hi all! My paths went last time to Kriya Yoga and i want be deep in this. Just have a question about this basic breathing. I tried today 12 and 24 breaths. Quick my mind went quiet, because was focus on one thing(breathing) and naturally, breathing was slower and shallower. Question: how should I breath-deep or naturally as it is? Even slower just normally breath just closing nostrils? Thank you for sharing this knowledge for public. Greetings from UK, Tom.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

14 rounds for a while. Breath should be comfortable.

[@tenzin044]

@@KriyaYogaOnline yeah I mean rounds, I said wrong. Thanks.

[@ani-singh]

These warm-cold awereness is in the center or cold awareness on the back side of spine and warm awareness in the front side of the spine?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Just up and down, not front and back.

[@jilljurcago2237]

Thank you 🙏🏻🥰✨

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

thx

[@emperius]

What if one of my nostril is almost completely blocked?(always)

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Figure out why and correct it if possible.

[@sapnaagarwal9680]

Thanks Ryan How can I contact you? Can I start learning Kriya yoga through your online videos. From few days I was following someone n doing brahmamuharat meditation. can I start kriya yoga.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

see the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship course on www.KriyaYogaOnline.com

[@jefton5759]

hey Ryan, thanks so much for your videos. What do you suggest if one of my nostrils is always blocked (due to an old car accident)? Is there an alternative practice to this ?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Imagine the prana flowing in and out

[@jefton5759]

that's what I've been doing, thanks so much!@@KriyaYogaOnline

[@ani-singh]

Question about point of attention. Paramahansa Yogananda ji always used to say to keep the attention on the point between the eye brows. You are telling two points- Kutustha as well as crown. Please advise.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

You can do which ever works best for you. Both are excellent.

[@AmandaK399]

So I am gathering there is no period of breath retention in the alternate nostril breathing? Different than Anulom Vyom?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

You can add a pause if you like. There are many different variations.

[@crazycraver]

Are there fundamental similarities or differences between Kriya yoga and the Kriya’s of Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

No idea.

[@13_Kas]

Do you have to sit in a lotus position?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

No. I sit in a chair

[@bleedingbacteria772]

Thank you for this

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@jackkenny7981]

Shusumna breathing through the nose or mouth?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

nose

[@py2706]

Hello, I have a kriya yoga initiation prepared in a week from now, and I'm excited about this, but wanted to ask you (or this community) about the offerings. This is something I've never heard of or expected. Any thoughts? Perhaps it's my ego, but bringing offerings to a teacher whom I've never met just threw me off. I joined an A Course in Miracles group two years ago, and although it's not a yogic tradition, it is non duality, but nothing has ever been asked of me. And as a child I grew up Chirstian, and nothing was ever asked, although if one desires they may donate to their church, but never on day 1. I will say, these yogic teachers will be spending 2 days initiating me, and that means a lot to me, so perhaps this is an overreaction. Thank you.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Who knows, maybe they have overhead, rent or facility, or travel fees to cover? It is not uncommon to as for a fruit, a flower and a monetary donation to support the ministry.

[@py2706]

@@KriyaYogaOnline Well, thank you for your reply. At the very least, if someone will be spending two days teaching me the basics and initiating me, then an offering is pretty reasonable. I look forward to kriya yoga, and I suspect your channel will be very helpful.

[@newearth9082]

🙏🏻💐🙏🏻💐🙏🏻

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Om.

[@rogerthat9869]

Can I just do the alternating nasal breathing, then meditate instead of doing both breathing methods? I struggle with visualising techniques

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Anything is better than nothing

[@mashiachadonai]

Brother, as you must know, an Initiation is so much more than advanced techniques. You certainly cannot get anything even remotely close to it via a book or whatnot.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Please review other content.

[@mahimarosevalentina]

Came here from The autobiography of a yogi!

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Nice!

[@franc.4002]

Thank you

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Welcome!

[@justinsnodgrass4564]

Glad to have found this. Been meditating for many years, but looking forward to try a different route. Thank you :)

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Wonderful!

[@David-S.]

Hello, how can I contact you privately? Thank you 🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Thanks David. Due to the number of students Ryan has, he is only able to communicate directly with apprenticeship students at this time.

[@spannycat2]

Should I learn So hum breathing first?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

It's a great meditation mantra.

[@shashisinha5403]

Prnam,,🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@kristalslaoz2822]

🙏🙏🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

thx

[@unnatidesai8748]

What about khechari mudra?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Touch your tongue to the soft palate gently while meditating. No extreme practice needed.

[@unnatidesai8748]

@@KriyaYogaOnline thank you so much.

[@edwardkeenanii441]

@@KriyaYogaOnline I have never heard of only doing this as simple as you have instructed here. I was under the impression that the tip of the two tongue must meet and go back even further into the cavity.

[@TheShavarin]

Hi Ryan, possible to have your email?

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

not at this time.

[@Samtastic73]

Thank you.

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

Welcome!

[@pratimasandhyaa5202]

🙏🙏🙏

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

om

[@caseymay5449]

Thank you

[@KriyaYogaOnline]

You're welcome