The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga

by Goswami Kriyananda

This fully illustrated book is the most complete text available on the theory and practice of Kriya Yoga. The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga takes the student step-by-step through the eight stages of Patanjali's Kriya Yoga system and contains extensive chapters on hatha yoga pranayama, mantra, meditation and samadhi. Goswami Kriyananda explicitly teaches how specific asanas can be used to balance each of the seven charkas. If you could only have one book on yoga, this would be it!

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

365 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Phineas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, detailed and comprehensive. Good accompaniment to a teacher. Best instruction on the eight stages of yoga I've seen: abstentions, observances, postures, life-force control, sense-withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and contemplation.

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kriyananda provides a solid foundation of Kriya Yoga by delving into the history, philosophy, and principles of this ancient practice. He takes the reader through the various stages of Kriya Yoga, introducing meditation techniques, breath control exercises, and other tools to facilitate inner awakening. The step-by-step instructions and practical guidance make it accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners. The writing is imbued with simplicity and clarity, making it easy for readers to grasp profound ideas and apply them to their own spiritual journeys. His approach is pragmatic and down-to-earth, rooted in the practical application of Kriya Yoga in everyday life. I found this book very informative and useful as a part of my sadhana practice.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Introduction: "The Vishnu Purana, one of the ancient spiritual texts of India, points out that each and every person will know when mankind has entered the Dark Age (kali yuga): 'When society reaches the stage that property confers rank, where wealth becomes the only source of virtue, where passion is the sole bond between man and woman, and where falsehood is the source of success

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent text on the teachings of Kriya Yoga as taught by Goswami Kriyananda, spiritual preceptor of the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. I originally read this book years ago and continue to reflect on the section about the yamas and niyamas as they pertain to the physical, verbal and mental levels.

[Lee Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and detailed information about the kriya yoga tradition.

[Delta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very good, but I take off two stars because the asana section is poorly done. The pictures are not descriptive enough to give any real guidance, and their organization is a bit muddled.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good at what it is - a handbook for yoga. Very clear, very structured, very understandable, and very enlightening. All around good book.