The Way of Intentional Living

To realize the truth of our essential nature as spiritual beings and to live in harmony with that truth is the goal of Kriya Yoga.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian

Kriya is a Sanskrit word that means action. Yoga is more than an exercise that most of us are familiar with. Yoga is an ancient spiritual philosophy that comes out of India. The postures that we practice in the yoga studio are a small part of these teachings. The postures were designed to prepare our bodies and help to quiet our minds for meditation practice. The word yoga means wholeness or unity. Kriya Yoga refers to practices and procedures that bring the body, mind and soul into harmony. These teachings were brought to the west in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda. People from many different religions can and do practice Kriya Yoga. Yogacharya O'Brian says "The divine nature of every person is honored on this path. The purpose of spiritual practice is to remove any obstacle that obscures full realization of one's innate divinity and its expression. As all souls are inherently divine, everyone naturally yearns to awaken to his or her innate potential and to live a fully conscious, joyful life. Kriya Yoga provides the way." (csecenter.org/kriya-yoga)