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Date Posted: 08:27:43 02/22/04 Sun
Author: ketch - 19 Dec 2003
Subject: Re: Kriya Yoga???
In reply to: Mystical - 19 Dec 2003 's message, "Kriya Yoga???" on 08:26:39 02/22/04 Sun

A strict vegetarian diet is not usually considered as absolutely essential for Kriya Yoga, but the majority of Kriyabans probably are vegetarian.

Aside from any humanitarian considerations, food is considered in yoga to have an effect upon the mind. Ideally the yogi should eat foods which are "Sattvic" i.e. foods which promote a calm and spiritual disposition. Meats are generally considered as being either "Rajasic" or "Tamasic" i.e. foods which promote mental agitation and distress. As such meat is generally considered as undersirable for the yogi.

The issue of what the requirements are for a Kriya Yogi is an interesting one. It is said that the requirements were once very stict. Initially Babaji gave his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya permission to initiate only those who were prepared to renounce everything in search of the divine. After pleading by Lahiri Mahasaya the strict requirements were lifted. However in "Autobiography of a Yogi" it is said that nevertheless some new requirements were introduced. Most lineages of Kriya will require some initial period of meditation and training before initiation, though some seem to give initiation straight away.

In general you should sincerely wish to learn Kriya, and be prepared to devote a reasonable period of time to the practice (say 1 hour a day initially). Perhaps you should be prepared to try to change an unspiritual lifestyle, e.g. giving up excessive drinking or smoking etc.

On the issue of whether a Guru is necessary, this is a debatable point. A valid lineage and initiation is essential. Kriya should be learned from a genuine source, not from books, or through idiotic internet "Cyber-Ashrams" started by people who know next to nothing about Kriya. It is believed by some that Kriya lacks power if it is not received from a genuine source.

But plenty practice without a living Guru as such. For example the many followers of P Yogananda accept him as a guru even though he is not physically living anymore.

In other lineages some teach Kriya calling themselves "acharyas" that is teachers. They may be empowered to initiate others, and to give advice on how to practice, but they do not consider themselves as Guru's (which means the dispeller of darkness).

Having said that, some form of competant guidance and instruction is essential.

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