What is so special about Kriya Yoga? Is it different from other yoga and meditation systems?

Kriya Yoga is the only Yoga that is mentioned and defined In the most ancient treatise on Yoga, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It is the most ancient form of Yoga that encompasses complete development of an individual. Paramahamsa Yogananda, one of the greatest Yogis who popularised Kriya Yoga in the West said that by the practice of Kriya Yoga it is possible to transform a human being with animal traits into a human being with divine traits. Paramahamsa Hariharananda said that it is the fastest means of spiritual evolution known to mankind.

Kriya Yoga is the first system of Yoga from which all other forms were derived and therefore it is unique and superior to all other systems of Yoga. The meditation system of Kriya Yoga involves no difficult practices and anybody practising the techniques can experience a high level of mindfulness and bliss. In a very scientific way, the restless mind is transformed from a state with many thoughts to a state with one or no thought. Meditation is a state of mind where there is no thought.