The Kriya Yoga Podcast

TKYP85 - The Obstacle of Fear

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, please enjoy a recording from our November monthly lesson offered to our "Journal of a Kriya Yoga Teacher" Patreon members.
Here we discuss the obstacle of fear.  Fear prevents us from going deeper into our meditation, or making positive changes in our spiritual life.  Fear is a reality, but not a defining factor of who we are. Once this is realized, we can be free of its influence.  This talk is based off the writing in my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover 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

TKYP84 - Questions About Meditation

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, please enjoy a recording from one of our Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Monthly Q&As.
Here we discuss:
Are there masculine and feminine approaches to meditation?
What do I do with odd feelings I experience during meditation?
How is body awareness helpful in meditation?
Is my imagination too active?  Are my dreams and daydreams anything other than a distraction?
Does meditation open you up to demons?
How do I follow my intuition to my higher purpose?
My mind shuts down when I try to read the Bhagavad Gita. Is this a problem?
Will I be able to meditate longer if I practice Kriya Yoga?
Why do we just focus on the upper chakras in some of our meditations?
What is the purpose of the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program?
Which of Roy Eugene Davis’ books are the best to read?
For more inspiration and information on how to practice Kriya Yoga please see my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover 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

TKYP83 - Samadhi

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, please enjoy this excerpt from the Kriya Yoga Discipleship Course, on Samadhi. The talk explores Samadhi and its relation to the eight limbs of yoga, specifically through the lens of Kriya Yoga and how Samadhi naturally occurs through the consistent practice of Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation).
Also, I want to take some time to wholeheartedly thank the supporters of this podcast. This podcast is supported by The Kriya Yoga Online Patreon Community, and the donations from students of the 2-Year Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program. If you would like to support this kriya yoga ministry, consider joining our Kriya Yoga Online Patreon community or applying to the 2-year Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program. If you are inspired by this Kriya Yoga tradition and would like to learn more about any of our events or offerings, please visit us at www.kriyayogaonline.com. 
Thank you for being part of The Kriya Yoga Podcast audience, and without further delay, please enjoy this presentation on Samadhi, an excerpt from the Kriya Yoga Discipleship Course.
For more inspiration and information on how to practice Kriya Yoga please see my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover 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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.
Summary:
Introduction
Topic: This podcast explores Samadhi and its relation to the eight limbs of yoga, specifically through the lens of Kriya Yoga.
Focus: How Samadhi naturally occurs through the consistent practice of Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation).
Understanding Samadhi
Definition: Samadhi is the state of consciousness where fluctuations and changes of consciousness cease.
Process: Achieved through sustained practice of Dharana and Dhyana.
Analogy: Compared to drops of water on a pond, illustrating how focusing on fewer distractions leads to stillness.
Dharana (Concentration)
Concept: Fixing attention to reduce mental distractions.
Practice: Imagining focusing on one drop hitting a pond instead of many, which calms the mind.
Dhyana (Meditation)
Definition: Sustained concentration on a single point of focus.
Outcome: Leads to deeper states of stillness and clarity.
Practical Techniques
Pranayama (Breath Awareness)
Alternate Nostril Breathing:
Focus on the physical sensation of breath moving through the nostrils.
Progress to sensing the subtle flow of prana (life force) through the body.
Practice in stages, starting with physical awareness, moving to subtle sensation, and finally letting the breath happen naturally.
Mantra Meditation
Using a Mantra:
Choose a meaningful mantra (e.g., "Om Namah Shivaya").
Chant out loud for initial focus, then internalize the chant.
Maintain a sense of reverence and devotion while chanting.
Contemplation
Contemplative Practice:
Focus on concepts like omniscience and infinite consciousness.
Use breath as an anchor while contemplating these ideas.
Gradually move from thinking about the concept to feeling and experiencing it.
Importance of Consistency
Repetition: Daily practice is essential for progress.
Patience: Avoid straining or forcing the practice; allow natural growth.
Final Thoughts
Non-Attachment: Practice without attachment to results to avoid frustration.
Curiosity and Enjoyment: Maintain a genuine interest in the practice for it to be effective.
Long-term Perspective: Understand that profound effects come with time and consistent effort.
Conclusion
Summary: The talk concludes by emphasizing the importance of consistent, devoted practice of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi in the path of Kriya Yoga.
Encouragement: Listeners are encouraged to integrate these practices into their daily routine and approach them with curiosity and patience.

TKYP82 - The Puzzle of Enlightenment

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, please enjoy a recording from our August 14th, 2022 Online Sunday Service offered to Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Students and "Journal of a Kriya Yoga Teacher" Patreon members.
Here we discuss how to put the puzzle of enlightenment together. This talk is based off the writing in my new book, An Essential Guide to Kriya Yoga Practice. Now available in hardcover 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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

TKYP81 - The Yogi’s Way with David McGrath

This episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast is an interview with, Kriya Yoga teacher,  David McGrath from Ireland.  David and I explore his new book The Yogi's Way.
David  McGrath is a Kriya Yoga Meditation Coach, living in Ireland. He has  spent a considerable amount of time at Center for Spiritual Awareness,  where he received instruction and initiation from Roy Eugene Davis.  During this time, Mr Davis ordained and authorized David to teach Kriya  Yoga.
CONTACT:
Email: kriyayogameditationcoach@gmail.com
DavidMcGrath | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

TKYP80 - Transcending the Material World

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, please enjoy a recording from our August 28th, 2022 Online Sunday Service offered to Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Students and "Journal of a Kriya Yoga Teacher" Patreon members.
Here I discuss what you need to do if you want to transcend the material world.  We explore the reasons why existing in Astral and Causal realms is not simply a matter of escaping from the material plane.
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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

TKYP79 - Living with Inspiration and Detachment

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, please enjoy a recording from our August 7th, 2022 Online Sunday Service offered to Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Students and "Journal of a Kriya Yoga Teacher" Patreon members.
Here I discuss how to live an inspired life of purpose while maintaining the yogic philosophy of detachment from the Bhagavad Gita. "The Yogi is entitled to action only, not the fruits of their actions."
As it happens, we are more likely to live an inspired purposeful life if we live without attachment to the results of that life.
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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

TKYP78 - An Interview with Kriya Yoga Teacher Priya Friday-Pabros

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, I interview Rev. Priya Friday-Pabros. Our topics include:
What is the value of having an embodied (living) Kriya Yoga teacher?
Can you make spiritual progress even without a teacher?
How can we energize our spiritual practice?
What is the feeling of OM, and how can we work with OM?
How can we tap into OM?
Does Kriya Yoga give us a problem free, perfect life?
Can Kriya Yoga help us relate to the world better, or make the world a better place?
How can one still meditate well, even when disturbed by all the troublesome reporting in the news?
https://www.meditateandthrive.com/
Meditate & Thrive is a meditation practice community rooted in the Kriya Yoga tradition. We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization serving sincere spiritual seekers by promoting health and mental well-being through instruction in the practices of meditation and conscious living. The guiding principles found in the spiritual philosophy of Meditate & Thrive adhere to time-tested, universal, moral standards which contribute to overall wellness and progressive spiritual growth.
Meditate & Thrive exists to share the life-transforming teachings of Kriya Yoga, an integrated spiritual path that brings together the most effective elements of all systems of yoga. 
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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

TKYP77 - A 2-Hour Kriya Yoga Guided Meditation

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we have a 2-hour guided Kriya Meditation practice.  This is an excerpt from our 2022 Kriya Yoga Online Solstice Retreat. 
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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.

TKYP76 - Swami Nirvananda

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, I interview Swami Nirvananda. Our topics include:
Swami Nirvananda describes his service working with leper communities.
Swami discusses how he became a Swami, and his path to Kriya Yoga.
Initiated by Swami Hariharananda.
Meeting Kriya Yoga Teacher, Roy Eugene Davis.
What is the difference between the Kriya lineages from Lahiri Mahasaya,  Sri Yukteswar and Yogananda?
Did Lahiri Mahasaya give the same Kriya technique to everyone?
The Gayatri Mantra.
How can we become more devotional?
How to be of service, even when we are struggling ourselves?
Advice for beginner’s of Kriya Yoga.
How to stay engaged in the practice for Advanced Kriya Yoga?
How to trust yourself spiritually.
"A swami is a monk who renounces worldly pursuits in favor of a spiritual life of simplicity and service. Merging the teachings of Kriya Yoga with the devotional aspect of Bhakti Yoga and the charitable path of Karma Yoga, Swami Nirvanananda expresses unity in the diversity of many paths and religions, all leading to the same goal: Universal Love and Oneness with Spirit."
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:
https://www.patreon.com/KriyaYoga
A community of Kriya Yoga practitioners engaged in supporting this work.
https://kriyayogaonline.com/
Blog posts, books and information on the Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Course.
Kriya Yoga Online Ashram (teachable.com)
A Year Long Kriya Yoga Introduction Course
https://www.youtube.com/user/KriyaYogaOnline
Hundreds of hours of videos related to Kriya Yoga and spiritual growth.