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Section 4

Shat Kriyā and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

The Shat Kriyā’s are considered to be of great importance in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.  These techniques are said to be important to gain perfection (siddhi).  They are preliminary steps to prepare the body for deeper practices.

Kriyā yuktasya siddhiḥ syāda kriyasya kathaṁ bhavet|
Na śāstrapāṭhamātreṇa yoga siddhiḥ prajāyate||65|| 

Perfection (siddhiḥ) comes to the person who is deeply occupied in the action (kriyā) of practice. How might that perfection spring up to someone who does not practice kriya (cleansing actions)? Perfection (siddhiḥ) in Yoga does not emanate by simply studying shastra (scriptures).

Chapter 2 Veres 65 Hatha Yoga Pradikpika   

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika goes on to explains Kriyā as a cleansing action.  The Kriyā’s are used as preparation for deeper sadhana and preparation for Raja Yoga and awakening Kundalini. 

The one...

Kriya Blog #3 - Sanskrit Origins & Its Place in Yogic Text, Classical Yoga & Ayurveda 

Section 3 - Yoga Therapy and Kriya Practices

General Groupings of Yoga Therapy

Before specifically exploring the relationship of Yoga Therapy and Kriya practices first we must clearly define Yoga Therapy in its various manifestations.

Ayurveda: India’s traditional medical system that uses herbs, diet, exercise, detoxification programs, gems, essential oils, and various lifestyle practices to bring balance to the individual. Ayurveda takes into account all life-phases putting the importance on spiritual healing and Self-Realization. Ayurveda has specific suggestions for exercise based on body type.  Ayurveda is considered Yoga's sister science. Today many are sharing therapeutic and spiritual Yoga practices in light of Ayurvedic mind-body theory.  Ayurveda has a comprehensive system of diagnostics based on Vedic Self Revealed Knowledge or Spirit’s...

Kriya Blog #2 - Sanskrit Origins & Its Place in Yogic Text, Classical Yoga & Ayurveda 

Section 2 - Kriyā & Shastra

What is Shastra?

The teachings of Yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, Ayurveda, and all of the Vedic schools have an in-depth tradition of scriptures or text.  Shastra is the word in Sanskrit that translates as scriptures.  Yogic Shastra or Yogic Scriptures are loaded with amazing information about Yoga.  For some, the word scripture might bring up unpleasant memories of Bible school.   Yogic Shastra is based out of profound realizations.  Shastra is an attempt to point towards the enlightened state in writing, which can not be expressed in any words or language.  Yogic texts offer us a view into Self Revlead Knowledge of higher states of consciousness.  This is different than ordinary dogmatic religions.

Cultural Misappropriation - Why Shastra is Needed in the Yoga Marketplace

Is Yoga a form...