SRF maintains various ashrams, retreats, and meditation centers globally where these practices are shared. Notable locations include: Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters Religious organization Los Angeles, CA, United States Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters , Los Angeles, California, United States, religious_organization
: Traditional Kriya Yoga as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras includes three main parts: : Self-discipline and the "inner fire" that purifies. : Self-study and reflection on one's thoughts and actions. Ishvarapranidhana kriya yoga srf
Unlike other forms of Hatha or Raja Yoga, SRF’s Kriya Yoga is not a physical exercise. It is a highly advanced designed to accelerate spiritual evolution. Ishvarapranidhana Unlike other forms of Hatha or Raja
| Feature | SRF Approach | | :--- | :--- | | | Strong emphasis on devotional love for God (Bhakti) and Jesus Christ alongside technique. | | Structure | A rigid, sequential home-study course (over 160 lessons) with written tests. | | Gurus | Sole lineage: Yogananda -> Sri Yukteswar -> Lahiri Mahasaya -> Babaji. | | Monasticism | Strong monastic order (SRF monks and nuns) setting the standard. | | Access | Very controlled; initiation only after completing preparatory lessons (approx. 6-12 months). | | | Structure | A rigid, sequential home-study
: Surrender to a higher power or dedicating the results of actions to God. The Path to Kriya Initiation
Reality: While Kriya involves breath, it is actually a form of pranayama (life-force control) combined with high-level dhyana (meditation). The breath is merely the handle to turn the wheel of consciousness. The goal is cessation of breath to perceive Spirit, not lung health.
: Students first learn the Hong-Sau technique of concentration and the Energization Exercises to prepare the body and mind.