Kriya, Eternal Yoga and Tantra
Kundalini Kriya Yoga, Eternal Yoga,
and the Tantras is what is practiced within the
retreat center, and thus taught to those who are sincere. One of the
graces, within this center, is how it is taught through a balance of
masculine and feminine approach.
Kriyas are meditative techniques, typically using the breath, visualization, posture, and sometimes movement to vitalize and purify our physical and subtle embodiment.
Through
the combination of giving the mind something to do, and then guiding
the mind with the breath, Kriya has the ability to take us wherever
we stand into a deeper and very alive primal experience of
ourselves.
Kriya cuts through intellectual mind and unruly emotions alike. These scientifically applied techniques are tools we can use to develop and maintain clarity. With this clarity, it is much easier to apply ourselves on the spiritual path.
Kriya
can be applied in various degrees of intensity and completeness,
suited to the practitioner, what they need, and how they want to
develop. In its more complete variety, it is not just the hours of
practice, often quite enjoyable, but also the ins and outs of life
that we find ourselves integrating into a spiritual understanding.
For example, our attitudes, diet, ambitions, loves, etc.
While Kriya creates a foundation, it is unlikely that it will bring us all the way on the path. The next step is to further awaken within our buddhic nature. That is, we experience ourselves within the framework of pure consciousness present within the body of oneness, which we call reality. For this, techniques of what we call Eternal Yoga are invaluable.
In
Eternal Yoga we use a
short-cut method of going above our head and connecting directly
with our soul and spirit. This is done in conscious relationship
with the body, and through the instinctual direction of going
within, in a pure sense, developed through our foundational
practices, we further purify and awaken. Without this, a pursuit of
this path can degenerate into getting lost in the endless phenomenal
plays of our illusions. In this stage an appropriate teacher is
very, very helpful.
As
the continuum of subtle and physical embodiment becomes clearer
within the transparent nature of reality and our consciousness
presence, and we have taken the path into ourselves, rather than
projecting it in neurosis, then through a combination of enjoying
the bliss and feeling that bliss in a way of love for others, and
through the blessings from those established in the yogic body of
oneness, we become motivated and fit to practice the tantric path in
earnest.
Tantra is the inner temple, it is the grounding and awakening of the central channel, and without this tantra is only a word thrown around through the desire body. Tantra incorporates life itself, but never in a dull way. It challenges us at our very core to deal with everything we have not dealt with, and it throws it all to the winds of illusion in the cultivation of bliss. It is a living and very real relationship with the masters. It becomes simpler and simpler, expansive, and incredibly exact.
In
Tantra we bring everything we have previously developed into a
sharpening within our core energy. Many people misunderstand the
science and art of tantra as meaning sexual practices and
techniques. Tantra, as part of its embrace, can use the blissful
sexual energy, and for many this is vitally important. But it should
be understood, that without a prior development of purity and energy
control and the ability to draw the consciousness to and radiate
forth from the inner core of our being, as a centering, then it is
impossible to equate sexual experience as a tantric reality. That is
not to deny the beauty, intimacy and value of more ordinary sexual
embrace, but it is important to understand the true potential of
what we are talking about here.
The
higher tantric path develops an ascended body. It is the continuum
of form and consciousness.
We have several books that go into this subject in greater depth. You may want to read an excerpt from Cultivating a Body of Nectar, Kriya Yoga and Tantric Foundations and an excert from Tantra as a Complete Path.
Each of the disciplines and aspects of this school is presented in greater depth through various articles and areas of the site. Click here for more...
Virochana