Science of Kriya Yoga?

2 months ago By Yogi Anoop

What is the Scientific Basis of Kriya Yoga?

The scientific foundation of Kriya Yoga is established in two ways. It is a combination of visualization and pranayama. Generally, in Hatha Yoga, the purpose of practicing pranayama is therapeutic. It is used as a healing technique to address various ailments through breath control. However, in Raja Yoga, pranayama is described as a practice that helps transcend thoughts and enter a deep meditative state. Here, pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga).

However, in modern times, most pranayama techniques taught by contemporary teachers incorporate sattvic imagination (pure visualization). Similarly, meditation practices today also involve techniques that include an element of imagination.

Difference Between Asana and Visualization

First, it is important to understand the difference between asana (posture) and visualization. When a person practices an asana, the actual physical stretch experienced in the body does not require visualization.

For example, when the spine is stretched, the sensation of stretch is a real experience that can be felt even with closed eyes. This experience connects the mind with the specific area of the body, increasing awareness and enhancing the healing process of that particular region.

However, in modern times, practitioners often practice asanas while immersing themselves in an imaginary world, believing that their body is healing merely through visualization. The same principle applies to pranayama, where there is a distinction between real experience and visualization-based practice.

Kriya Yoga and the Movement of Neurons

To understand the scientific foundation of Kriya Yoga, we must examine how it influences neural activity. In Kriya Yoga, visualization is used along the spine, creating a sense of energy flowing up and down within it.

When this energy movement is slowed down, it automatically slows and calms the activity of neurons. This can be verified by observing that during this practice, the mind enters a state of prolonged thoughtlessness. The brain enters a deeply tranquil state, leading to a natural reduction in neural activity, which marks the beginning of the healing process for both the body and the mind.

Impact on Chemical Processes in the Body

As neural activity slows down through the practice of Kriya Yoga, there is an increase in serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for stability and peace. This stability further helps in balancing happiness-enhancing hormones, and it also increases the possibility of melatonin balance, which is crucial for sleep and relaxation.

This process can be compared to a form of engineering, where the electrical energy and chemical processes of the body are regulated through a specific technique.

When compared to Gyan Yoga (Path of Knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion), we can see distinct differences:

• In Bhakti Yoga, emotions are awakened to experience joy.

• In Kriya Yoga, bodily electrical energy is regulated to create inner stability.

• In Gyan Yoga, the intellect and wisdom enhance the ability to control neural processes in the brain.

From my personal experience, each branch of yoga—Bhakti, Karma, Gyan, and Hatha Yoga—develops the ability to control neural functions. This mastery helps in managing various diseases effectively.

Scientific Perspective: Brain Waves and Yoga

From a scientific perspective, the practice of yoga creates significant changes in brain waves, such as Alpha, Beta, and Theta waves. When a practitioner gains control over their thought processes and brain functions through yoga, it leads to noticeable alterations in these electrical brain waves.

The ultimate purpose of all these practices—whether through pranayama, meditation, or yogic techniques—is to calm the mind and regulate the speed of brain waves. This internal transformation serves as the foundation for the spiritual journey.

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