The Kriya Yoga Podcast

TKYP226 | Don't Waste Your Time Meditating

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore:
The ultimate goal of meditation, according to authentic spiritual traditions, is to foster clarity, wisdom, and a deep connection with the divine. However, many practitioners unwittingly use meditation as a means of escapism. Instead of addressing psychological or emotional wounds, they employ meditation to suppress these issues, akin to putting a temporary bandage over a wound.
For example, individuals might meditate to escape from stress, avoid confronting trauma, or simply to appear virtuous. While such practices may offer momentary relief, they do not lead to the transformative insights that authentic meditation can provide. This misuse of meditation creates a stagnant spiritual experience, where the practitioner remains stuck in superficial states of awareness.
The Role of Discipline and Self-Reflection
A crucial stage in meditation is the development of discipline. Beginners often struggle with restless minds and the inability to focus, necessitating a period of consistent practice. This foundational phase, which may last several years, builds the capacity for stillness and concentration. However,  discipline should not become an end in itself. Beyond the initial stage, practitioners must engage in self-reflection, asking themselves why they meditate and what they aim to achieve.
A critical shift from using meditation as a means of avoidance to treating it as a tool for inner transformation is essential. This involves addressing unresolved psychological complexes, embracing emotional vulnerabilities, and working through past traumas. The analogy of attending to "screaming children" within one’s psyche illustrates the importance of resolving inner conflicts before seeking the higher states of consciousness described in spiritual texts.
Practical Steps for Effective Meditation
Actionable advice for enhancing the quality of meditation:
Set Clear Intentions: Reflect on your motivations for meditating. Are you seeking clarity and transformation, or are you avoiding unresolved issues?
Limit Duration Wisely: Meditate for as long as you can remain fully present. A short, focused session is more impactful than hours of distracted sitting.
Address Psychological Barriers: Seek professional help for persistent emotional or psychological issues. Techniques such as EMDR or internal family systems therapy can complement meditation.
Cultivate Yamas and Niyamas: Practice truthfulness, contentment, and other yogic principles to create a foundation of ethical and emotional stability.
Simplify Your Life: Minimize distractions and overcommitment to create a conducive environment for deep meditation.
Honor the Body: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and ensure adequate rest to support a healthy nervous system.
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline

TKYP225 | Bhakti Yoga with Edwin Bryant

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, I interview Edwin Bryant of Rutgers University. (https://edwinbryant.org/)
Mr. Bryant has written several books, including a commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and its sequel Bhakti Yoga.  Along with being a prolific writer and teacher, Edwin Bryant has been a practitioner of Bhakti Yoga for over 45 years.
Since we don’t spend enough time speaking about Bhakti on this podcast, I felt he would be an inspiring guest to say more about the path of devotion.  I hope you enjoy this interesting and informational conversation as much as I did.
You can find Professor Bryant's books here:
https://sites.rutgers.edu/edwin-bryant/books/
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

TKYP224 | Leaving Your Spiritual Path

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the reasons why one might abandon their spiritual path. We consider the necessity of letting go from traditions that might have once been a profound source of inspiration, and if there is any way to avoid an unnecessary break with an authentic tradition. 
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

Garbhavati | TKYP223

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we speak with Chelynn Tetreault, AyD, LMT. (https://www.chelynnt.com/) Ryan and Chelynn discuss her new book:
Garbhavati: An Ayurvedic Overview of Pregnancy (https://a.co/d/5XBA0nL)
This is a wonderful discussion to understand the feminine energy in spiritual practice and for men to understand the divine expression of the women in their lives.
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Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
If you would like to participate in online live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon.  Also, now available Understanding the Holy Science: A Theoretical and Experiential Study Guide to Sri Yukteswar's Kriya Yoga Practice.
For more information about Kriya Yoga events, courses and online classes please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline-

My Dear Oliver with Roy Thibodeau | TKYP222

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we speak with Roy Thibodeau, a student of Kriya Yoga teacher, Oliver Black. https://www.yogacharyaoliver.com/
Ryan Kurczak and Roy Thibodeau talk about the book "My Dear Oliver", a limited edition book, which is a collection of the letters that Paramahansa Yogananda sent to Oliver Black.
About our guest Roy Thibodeau
Golden Lotus Yoga for Spiritual Awareness (GLYSA) was founded by Roy E. Thibodeau & Mary Ann Thibodeau in 2011.  We have been disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black for over 45 years and GLYSA was founded to assure the continuation our lineage, legacy, and heritage through Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Yogacharya Oliver.   Yogacharya Oliver was one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s most advanced direct disciples, establishing the Detroit, Michigan Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) Center which he ran as an SRF minister from 1951 until 1980’s.  He also established Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat in Northern Michigan which he ran until his MahaSamadhi September 16, 1989.  He remained an SRF Minister, Authorized by Paramahansa Yogananda & SRF to give Kriya Yoga Initiation to qualified candidates until his MahaSamadhi.  You can find out more about Yogacharya Oliver at www.yogacharyaoliver.com.  Because of Yogacharya’s relationship and loyalty to Paramahansa Yogananda & SRF he was never able to authorize any of his disciples to Initiate candidates into Kriya Yoga.
Because of this situation and knowing our destiny to continue our Linage through Yogacharya Oliver we pursued authorization to perform Kriya Yoga Initiations through the help of Roy Eugene Davis another direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and brother disciple to Yogacharya Oliver.  We asked him to ordain us authorizing us to give Kriya Yoga Initiation under Yogacharya Oliver’s authority.  Roy graciously agreed and ordained us under Yogacharya Oliver’s authority.  Because of that we incorporated two names into the name of our organization.
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

A Step to Mystical Experience | TKYP221

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore a simple pathway to mystical experience. Beyond relaxation and enhanced well-being, the Kriya Yoga Meditation processes create a foundation for mystical communion. This is one reason that the Kriya Yoga Meditation techniques can be implemented by anyone, no matter the religion they follow. In this episode, Ryan Kurczak describes an exercise to encourage an authentic revelation of divine realization. 
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

The Origins of Karma | TKYP220

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, is an excerpt from a Kriya Yoga Alliance Sunday service with Kriya Yoga Teacher, Ray Booker. 
Mr. Booker will be speaking to us on the "Origins of Karma".
Tune in with us every Sunday at 11 AM Eastern Time Zone for a Kriya Yoga inspired class followed by meditation at https://www.kriyayogaalliance.com/.
You can learn more about Ray Booker's offerings and Kriya Yoga practice here: https://vibrationalayurveda.com/new-page-2
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

Focusing Your Spiritual Karma | TKYP219

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the necessity of focus.
Key Points:
Focus and Intentionality in Spiritual Practice: Ryan Kurczak emphasizes that achieving spiritual goals requires focus on actions aligned with those goals and letting go of distractions.
Yoga’s Definition in the Sutras: He references Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, particularly the idea that yoga is about ceasing fluctuations of the mind, allowing connection with the eternal self or "Purusha."
Concentration as a Core Skill: Spiritual practice demands developing concentration, a skill that enables one to transcend life's constant changes and achieve inner peace.
Example of the Sleepless Saint: Kurczak draws on "Autobiography of a Yogi" where the Sleepless Saint describes the extensive meditation required for enlightenment, showing that dedication over decades fosters deep spiritual insight.
Realistic Spiritual Growth: Although intense practice can lead to enlightenment, Kurczak underscores that small, regular meditation also brings significant progress, reducing the fear of death and afterlife anxieties.
Stages of Conscious Growth: Early life experiences, shaped by past karma, lead to conscious awareness, ultimately allowing adults to make mindful choices towards spiritual maturity.
Ego and Identity: Moving beyond personal ego is crucial, as spiritual progress involves letting go of individual identity in favor of unity with the larger self.
Long-Term Commitment: Spiritual growth is rooted in consistent, uninterrupted practice over many years, coupled with respect and devotion, a point supported by both the Sleepless Saint's example and the Yoga Sutras.
Patience and Allowing Natural Progression: Rather than forcing intense experiences, one should allow spiritual progress to unfold naturally, letting each stage build a solid foundation for the next.
Universal Spiritual Lessons: Finally, Kurczak emphasizes that all spiritual work, even minimal, contributes to clarity, inner peace, and alignment with one's spiritual aspirations.
These points underscore the significance of patience, self-awareness, and dedication in spiritual practice, offering guidance for practitioners at any stage of their journey.
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

Becoming More Cosmic Minded | TKYP218

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, is an excerpt from a Kriya Yoga Alliance Sunday Service with Kriya Yoga Teacher, Ryan Strong.
Mr. Strong will be speaking on "Becoming More Cosmically Minded." Tune in with us every Sunday at 11 AM Eastern Time Zone for a Kriya Yoga inspired class followed by meditation at https://www.kriyayogaalliance.com/.
You can learn more about Ryan Strong's Ayurveda, Jyotish, and Kriya Yoga practice here: https://www.stronghealthcenter.org/
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
 

Seven Results of Sattva | TKYP217

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, is an excerpt from class 5 of the Primordial Powers of Creation Audio Course for Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Members. All 6 sections will be available in the Collections section on Patreon by the end of 2024. See: https://www.patreon.com/kriyayoga/collections
"Many people imagine that they can skip to higher stages of spiritual awareness without attending to lower stages. This is not true, and it is likely why so many spiritually inclined people, while well-meaning, don’t actually possess any authentic spiritual experience. Their minds may be filled with accurate descriptions of spiritual experience, from listening to their spiritual teachers or reading helpful spiritual texts, but they have not had the direct experience themselves. If they were to follow the steps, without trying to skip ahead or above their current capacity, they would find a beautiful path ready to nourish their mind and consciousness with uplifting and enlightening realizations.  These realizations would clarify their field of awareness, and they would live and behave in an enlightened manner naturally, without force or strain.
The purpose of this class series is to give you the map in the form of accurate knowledge about the process, and also encourage you to follow the procedures in the order that will result in actual spiritual liberation."
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If you would like to participate in future live sessions consider becoming a member of The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community or applying to the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program.
For continued inspiration and instruction, please read my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover and softback on Amazon. 
Your host, Ryan Kurczak, is a Kriya Yoga meditation teacher and author. He was authorized to teach Kriya Yoga in 2005, by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda.
For more information about this work please visit:
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline