FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Any prior experience in yoga is mandatory to learn Kriya Yoga of Babaji?
☞ No, even a beginner can start learn. Prior experience with yoga postures (asanas) is not required.
2. I have many limitations physically; I may not be able to do asanas; Could I still pursue the learning Kriya Yoga of Babaji?
☞ Yes, student is never expected to perform 100% accurately; it is not the goal in fact. The asanas are expected to evolve over a period of time. It is absolutely fine even if student is able to do only 20% or not able to do an asana at all. There are modifications and alternatives in such cases to slowly attune body to the postures.
3. I am not interested in Spirituality, but want to learn for a better life. Could I still learn?
☞ Absolutely, Babaji has designed 144 techniques in this lineage for this modern age householders so that they could benefit both from physical and spiritual standpoint. The aspirants need not be interested spirituality and may learn only for better health and inner peace to lead a happier life among family and friends.
4. How do I know whether I am spiritually progressing or not?
☞ Marshall Govindan Satchidananda Ji has written in his book "Kriya Yoga: Insights along with Path" about several stages of progress in a spiritual journey. We recommend you to read the book, which can ordered from ashram's website HERE
5. What is "Kriya Yoga Initiation"? Should I give up any of my current ideals when I get initiated into Kriya Yoga?
☞ Initiation is a sacred opportunity for an aspirant to attain first experience practicing the Kriyas under the supervision of authorized Acharya of the Order in this lineage. The 144 kriyas given by Babaji are grouped into three initiation seminars - Level1, Level2 and Level3. In each level, you would learn a set of kriyas and practice them as per the prescribed schedule. The initiation process is not detrimental to any of your ideals meaning you do not have to give up anything.
6. I was initiated into Kriya Yoga as part of other lineage? Is it ok to get initiated into Kriya Yoga? If yes, is there anything to be taken care of?
☞ Yes, you could get initiated into Kriya Yoga even if you are initiated by other Guru or teacher of Kriya Yoga. You could practice the kriyas learnt from both lineages, however the only thing to consider is not to mix kriyas learnt from two different lineages in the same practice session as they tend to dilute each others' benefits. You could practice them in different sessions. However, 144 kriyas are more than enough for seeker's enlightenment.
7. Is this lineage associated with any specific religion? Should students be associated with any specific religion?
☞ Babaji has stated that his Kriya Yoga is the practical side of all religions. Kriya Yoga is kind of toolbox which provides tools to live happily in household life and to realize one own's true Self, which is preached in all religions as the real goal of human life. Everyone from all religions are welcome to learn and evolve as long as it doesn't conflict with their past or current ideals, family and the associated community. While practically, Kriya Yoga gives an opportunity to everyone in the world to evolve and be a better self, we seek not to create any such conflict that can disturb the inner peace of an individual, a family and the society as a whole. Our mission is peaceful and happier humanity.
8. After being initiated, will I have enough help to support my practice by clarifying the doubts along with journey?
☞ Satchidananda Ji emphasizes that - "A seeker's doubt can kill the practice entirely; so, it's is essential that seeker translate his doubt into a question and ask the teacher who is authorized to clarify". So, we encourage you to clarify all your doubts with an acharya of the Order from time-to-time to ensure that your practice heads in the right direction.
9. In what ways can I clarify my doubts?
☞ After being initiated, you could always reach out to the Acharya who initiated you or another Acharya from the Order available to you, based on the modes of communications preferred by them like email, text, call etc., If the Acharya needs help, he/she would consult with Satchidananda ji to get the accurate clarification. You could attend Monthly Sadhana Meets conducted by Acharyas to clarify in the Q&A session there. You could also get an opportunity to clarify your doubt with Satchidananda Ji directly as part of the Quarterly Satsang with him; another great opportunity provided by these Quarterly Satsangs is that you could listen to the doubts of many Kriyabans (initiates) which could help you gain more insights and knowledge required to support your practice.
10. After learning the Kriyas, I want to teach them in my own yoga classes? Is that allowed?
☞ No, all 144 kriyas must be kept to yourself as access is given to such esoteric knowledge only for your personal benefit. You must promise to Sathguru Kriya Babaji that you will never reveal or discuss any of the techniques learnt to any outsiders. You may discuss about them with other initiates as part of your journey. In order to teach, you must go through the prescribed process in the lineage before being authorized by Satchidananda Ji.
11. What kind of changes should I bring in my life to learn Kriya Yoga? Are there any restrictions?
☞ You do not have to give up anything in life to learn and practice Kriya Yoga. You can continue the same household life with your family, friends and at work. However, the way the practice of yoga yields results to enhance your life, your lifestyle will also have an impact on the practice of yoga. For example, eating 10 times belly-full red meat with alcohol will significantly impact you the practices. We do have some recommendations that supplement the practice. You could choose what works best for you as they are mere recommendations but not restrictions. However, you must practice the kriyas by following the prescribed rules of the road but they are not related to your lifestyle; so, it essentially means that you do not have to give up your sexual life, eating habits etc., as anything related to your lifestyle may be your choice. Remember that this Kriya Yoga lineage is designed by Babaji for householders, not for renunciates. So, you could learn and practice to see how various kriyas could positively impact your life.
12. Should I take any oath to get initiated in Kriya Yoga?
☞ As mentioned in one of the above questions, you must sign the enrollment form that you will not teach or reveal or discuss any of the kriyas with others except other students / initiates as they are meant for your personal benefit only. After practicing the kriyas learnt in Level 1 and Level 2 for an year, you would be obligated to sign the Kriya Yoga Pledge dictated by Babaji himself to V.T.Neelakantan in "The Voice of Babaji, a trilogy" whenever you plan to attend Level 3; so, the pledge which is about an ideal that you would practice kriyas not only for your benefit for the whole humanity, is a pre-requisite for Level 3.
13. What if I cannot practice regularly?
☞ The results of yogic practice is proportional to the sincerity and regularity in the practice. So, if for any reason, there is a break in your practice, you may seek help and advice from Acharya as needed to make a commitment again to resume your practice. Failures are the stepping stones. There is no room for discouraging yourself, but learn from failures and move on to resume your journey again to attain Inspiration and Grace from Sathguru Kriya Babaji Nagaraj.
14. Can I learn only Yoga Postures and a few basic pranayama & meditation techniques to practice them regularly without being inititated?
☞ Yes, you could learn them from classes regularly conducted every weekend in Prosper TX at my residence and there is no need to initiate yourself into Kriya Yoga. Note that these classes are on "Donations are welcome" basis; so, a donation can be made in the ashram's website HERE
15. What kind of precautions should I take before learning the 18 Yoga Postures, their modifications or alternatives?
☞ The underlying principles and instructions will be explained in the first class. For now, it is important to consider that you will consider all your health conditions, if any, like Osteoporosis, Spine issues, significant heart conditions, surgeries done in recent past etc., and consult your personal doctor to see if they recommend you to do asanas. Since, we do not seek and review your health condition, we assume that you take responsibility in learning and practicing at your home, while we focus on teaching carefully so that you have all that you need to safely practice at your home. Please note that you need to respect all underlying principles like practice asanas in stages etc., to keep it safe.
16. How soon can I gain miraculous experiences I am seeking?
☞ Firstly, we encourage all students to learn Kriya Yoga from detached perspective i.e., not attaching to the results as they tend to lead to disappointments and thereby discourage to give up your regular practice. The spiritual experiences are mere bye-products, but not the goal of any yogic practice. Considering the fickleness of human mind, we ensure that students understand this fundamentally at the beginning itself so that their practice is built on very strong foundation to withstand such disturbances.
17. What is age limit for learning Kriya Hatha Yoga (yoga postures) and a basic pranayama and meditation techniques?
☞ The 18 asanas can be learnt from very young age. In fact, there were class summer classes conducted in Prosper TX for kids (5-10 age group) and teens (10+ age group). The fact is that kids are far more flexible at that young age to bend and stretch easily to mould into those yoga postures than elders. The early adoption of yoga postures and basic pranayama and meditation in one's life could become a source of a happier and energetic life ahead, inspiring at every step throughout.
18. What is age limit for initiating into Kriya Yoga?
☞ To really appreciate, we recommend an age limit of 15 years. However, there could be some exceptions approved by Satchidananda Ji.
19. I have heard of and seen some videos which makes Kundalini awakening perceived dangerous. Is it safe to practice the relevant kriyas in this lineage?
☞ Kundalini Shakti is our true potential and a seeker should not approach to it the way we usually approach in physical world to gain something quickly and easily with shortcuts. There are no such shortcuts in this lineage of Kriya Yoga of Babaji. The seeker can safely practice without any such side effects as long as all the rules-of-road explained in initiation are followed while practicing at home.
20. I like meditation a lot and want to practice only relevant kriyas. Is it ok?
☞ Kriya Yoga of Babaji is uniquely designed to be a five-fold path for a great reason that a seeker's spiritual growth must be in all five planes together. Meditation is one of those five paths. If a seeker practices kriyas belonging to one path only like meditation then even his enlightenment will remain incomplete at the end and thus he/she must evolve again in all other planes in the same birth or subsequent. So, it's is important to recognize the significance and uniqueness of the five-fold path designed by Babaji and practice all of them together to the extent possible with a balance and evolve in an integrated manner - for this reason, Kriya Yoga of Babaji is also referred to some times as The Integral Yoga. Satchidananda Ji always talks about the balance in the practice of kriyas.
21. If I get initiated into Kriya Yoga, will it be kind of betrayal to my current ideals or deities or guru or saint or worship or customs etc.,?
☞ No, Babaji never imposed any restrictions to the seekers in that perspective but only one thing to keep in mind is - the seeker's initiation into Kriya Yoga of Babaji should not be detrimental to any of the ideals or deities or guru or saint or worship or customs he/she has followed in past or currently following. So, the access is open to everyone just an opportunity to evolve and help the humanity - which is the goal of Sathguru Kriya Babaji. So, while you get initiated and learn kriyas, do not conflict with anyone, any ideal but take everything constructively for your own spiritual benefit and help humanity based on the dharma in your life.
22. I belong to a different location outside Texas. Will you be able to conduct an initiation in our location to prevent multiple aspirants from travelling?
☞ Yes, we could work together to plan accordingly. Reach out to us. Also, note that this lineage works globally; do let us know if you have any specific questions in that regard.
23. My body limitations do not allow me sit on the floor or on yoga mat to learn and practice meditation and yoga postures, but I am interested to learn and practice. Will you be able to help me?
☞ Yes, you need not worry about such limitations. In fact, one should respect any body limitation. We could work together as there are work arounds. We will talk more about it in relevant class or initiation.
24. What kind of lifestyle suits the practice of Kriya Yoga?
☞ We will talk in detail in relevant class or initiation.
25. I am usually busy in my daily schedule. Will you be able to help in creating a roadmap after I am initiated to keep up my practice?
☞ Yes, we will provide you a roadmap / schedule after initiating. The help and support is always there to clarify any of the doubts you have as explained in relevant question above.
26. I am of opinion that spirituality is for old people and thus I could wait till I cross 60 years or so. Is that correct?
☞ Unfortunately, that is a misconception. While we recommend anyone in the age group of 15 or above, it is a good approach to utilize and balance the energy in younger age to achieve the best in one's life. For example, as age grows, the process of degeneration starts and eventually cause the weakening of muscle tissues all over the body and thus we often observe that older people start feeling weak and become insensitive in normal physiological functions. So, obviously there could be significantly a lot that an individual can achieve in younger age than in the older age, which in turn affirms that the said opinion is mere a misconception and thus - the early the better to get introduced to yoga life.
27. Does an individual become uncaring, selfish because one may start receding from the world following yogic practices in the context of spirituality. Does it impact any of my personal, work life negatively?
☞ The yogic practices in the context of spirituality doesn't let an individual recede from the world and go away from it, but rather it makes the individual a better individual in every walk of life with calmness and conscious actions that can always reflect positively and constructively. Spirituality never teaches to isolate yourself but to expand your narrowed self to experience the true love. So, the true meaning of spirituality will make you a better person at home, work and wherever you go in the world.