The Kriya Yoga Podcast

By: Ryan Kurczak
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  • Summary

  • Exploring Kriya Yoga meditation, lifestyle and Self-realization philosophy for the 21st century yogi. Hosted by Ryan Kurczak, a student of Roy Eugene Davis.
    Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
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Episodes
  • TKYP227 | The Power of Kriya Yoga

    TKYP227 | The Power of Kriya Yoga
    Mar 8 2025
    In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, we explore the power of Kriya Yoga. The Power of Kriya Yoga: An Exploration of Self-Realization and Transcendence Kriya Yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that seeks to bridge the gap between the human experience and transcendence. This podcast delves into the reflections shared in a comprehensive lecture on the power of Kriya Yoga, touching on its transformative potential, philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications. Through the lens of a teacher's journey and insights, we explore the essence of this ancient practice. A Journey of Discovery Ryan recounts his initial encounter with Kriya Yoga, stemming from a deep yearning for spiritual clarity and understanding. Raised in a Christian tradition that did not fully satisfy his spiritual curiosity, he discovered the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through the seminal work Autobiography of a Yogi. This exposure ignited a quest for enlightenment, leading to years of dedicated practice and mentorship under Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Yogananda. The transformative journey into Kriya Yoga begins with the premise that life is more than a physical or intellectual endeavor—it is a spiritual progression. Kriya Yoga offers a structured, "scientific" approach to transcendence, emphasizing direct experience over abstract philosophy. Philosophy and Practice Kriya Yoga is rooted in ancient Indian spiritual traditions, particularly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita. Its philosophy underscores the alignment of mental, emotional, and psychological harmony as prerequisites for spiritual maturity. This discipline demands adherence to ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas) and consistent meditative practice to unveil higher states of consciousness. Central to the practice is the idea of directing energy within the body along the spinal pathway, engaging chakras (energy centers) to achieve self-realization. By transcending the limitations of the root chakra—associated with basic survival instincts—practitioners progress through higher centers, unlocking creativity, love, wisdom, and eventually mystical insight. Mr. Kurczak emphasizes the role of action (Kriya) in this process. Transformation occurs through effort and discipline, aligning one's life with spiritual principles and fostering emotional and psychological balance. The Mystical Unknowing One of the most profound aspects of Kriya Yoga is its ability to guide practitioners into a state of "mystical unknowing." Rather than offering definitive answers, it cultivates faith and acceptance of the unknown. This "faith" is not a blind adherence but a trust born from direct experiences of spiritual support and coherence. Life's challenges are reframed as opportunities for growth, providing clarity and resilience through adversity. Ryan recounts moments of doubt and despair, only to find that persistent practice reveals the intelligence underlying life's difficulties. Meditation and philosophical study serve as tools to decode these challenges, aligning the practitioner's actions and choices with a higher purpose. The Human Journey Kriya Yoga positions human life as a bridge between primal instincts and divine transcendence. Drawing on the metaphor of the chakras, it describes the evolutionary journey from survival (root chakra) to spiritual illumination (crown chakra). This progression mirrors the transformation of unconscious living to a state of enlightened awareness. The speaker highlights the importance of personal growth as a foundation for spiritual advancement. Emotional and psychological maturity, cultivated through introspection and therapeutic practices, lays the groundwork for deeper meditation. This interplay between inner harmony and spiritual practice reflects the integrative nature of Kriya Yoga. Practical Implications Kriya Yoga's teachings extend beyond the meditation cushion. The discipline advocates for a life of integrity, authenticity, and alignment with universal truths. Practitioners are encouraged to live in harmony with the world, adopting sustainable practices, cultivating meaningful relationships, and embodying principles of truth and nonviolence. Moreover, the speaker underscores the importance of personal effort and commitment. Spiritual progress is not a passive journey but one that requires active engagement with life's challenges and a willingness to let go of outdated beliefs and habits. Conclusion Kriya Yoga offers a path to transcendence through a blend of philosophy, meditation, and ethical living. Its transformative power lies in its ability to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, guiding practitioners toward direct experiences of the divine. As the speaker concludes, life itself becomes a form of divine communion, where every experience—joyful or painful—serves as a teacher. The ultimate goal is to realize the innate coherence of existence and to embody a state of enlightened awareness. ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • TKYP226 | Don't Waste Your Time Meditating

    TKYP226 | Don't Waste Your Time Meditating
    Feb 22 2025

    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:

    1. Set Clear Intentions: Reflect on your motivations for meditating. Are you seeking clarity and transformation, or are you avoiding unresolved issues?

    2. 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.

    3. Address Psychological Barriers: Seek professional help for persistent emotional or psychological issues. Techniques such as EMDR or internal family systems therapy can complement meditation.

    4. Cultivate Yamas and Niyamas: Practice truthfulness, contentment, and other yogic principles to create a foundation of ethical and emotional stability.

    5. Simplify Your Life: Minimize distractions and overcommitment to create a conducive environment for deep meditation.

    6. 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
    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • TKYP225 | Bhakti Yoga with Edwin Bryant

    TKYP225 | Bhakti Yoga with Edwin Bryant
    Feb 8 2025

    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/

    -

    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
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins

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Profile Image for Sara

just amazing

How beautiful Ryan explains things. He has a way of being honest with the audience which makes his words sinks in so beautifully.

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