From the Author
The Kriya Yoga Upanishad covers the same eight stages of yoga as does Patanjali's Kriya Yoga Sutras, from the external to the internal practices. It is a good companion volume to Patanjali's text because he does not mention the Chakras, the Nadis, nor the ten Pranas. This Upanishad allots large sections to the discussion of these metaphysical subjects and to the Kriya-kundalini.
The author of this ancient Upanishad, whose name is lost in history, includes the study of esoteric anatomy, which is usually only given verbally to disciples. The esoteric cosmology covers the symbolically important places of pilgrimage inside the yogi's astral body. This Upanishad also indicates what a spiritual pilgrimage is, and where the true river Ganges and the holy city of Varanasi (Benares) are to be found.
This text emphasizes the ideal of devotion to the disciple's personal chosen concept of Reality as a basic prerequisite for advancement into the esoteric yoga practices.
A large number of esoteric Sanskrit terms have been removed from the text, making it more intelligible to the modern reader. However, some words could not be meaningfully translated, and thus remain in it.
The esoteric Wisdom contained in this Upanishad requires study and meditation in order to achieve a true understanding of its vital cosmology.
This Upanishad, the Yoga Sutras, along with my edition of the Gita were written primary for the student who is walking the Path alone, as well as for the student who is preparing his mind for the spiritual future: for when the student is ready the Guru will appear!
This Upanishad was written a long time ago. Be sure to use common sense in your modern everyday living, so as not to cause your family disharmony nor yourself any spiritual discord.
About the Author
Goswami Kriyananda, the founder and spiritual preceptor of the Temple of Kriya, carries the flame of the lineage of Badaji and Paramahansa Yogananda. He has been guiding souls along the pathway toward enlightenment for over 50 years. Kriyananda teaches the ageless wisdom of Kriya with warm humor and deep mystical understanding, offering you a system for experiencing a transformation in consciousness which enriches your life on every level, spiritually, mentally and physically.
