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Along the journey of life comes introspection and searching for meaning. Some people may take the realistic path believing only in things that they can see and touch, but there are those who seek spiritual fulfillment. Spiritual growth is as important for these people as much as their physical growth is, and so they take time to nourish their spiritual needs. You might be one of these people who are seeking for a spiritual meaning to your existence. What are the ways for you to achieve this purpose? There is one path which can take you faster towards the goal of self realization, and that is the path of kriya yoga. What is kriya yoga, you may ask. Kriya yoga was brought to the west by Yogananda in the 1920’s. Yogananda established the Self-Realization Fellowship which is a total yoga experience catering to spiritual and physical aspects, as most western yoga disciplines have focused on. The kriya method is based on the kundalini yoga. Both forms include similar asana and meditation techniques. Some spiritual and esoteric guidelines are added to the kriya. Detractors of this yoga method claim that power from within cannot be drawn out by a person on their own. Rather one needs a teacher or a guru to release their spirituality. Kriya yoga attempts to eliminate the obstacles in achieving spirituality and it questions whether a guru or teacher is the right person to decide when and how these obstacles are removed. That’s why getting into the kriya journey entails that a person has a strong sense of self. They must not allow another person to take control over their self-determination. A kriya yogi mentally moves their life energy around the six spinal centers- the medullar, lumbar, coccygeal, cervical and sacral plexuses. Each of these plexuses relate to the twelve signs of the zodiac. This subtle life energy progresses the evolution of a person. Thirty seconds of doing this yoga technique equates to one year of natural spiritual growth. Combining the kriya along with three other yoga methods is believed to take one faster towards self-realization. These three other forms are the karma, bhakti and jnana yoga. Karma yoga focuses on the movement of the soul and this applies to both the inner and outer actions of the mind. The bhakti method on the other hand is concentrated on achieving peace with all elements of a person’s life through the power of love. Such a state is often known as “cosmic consciousness and oneness with all creation”. Jnana is concerned with intellectual discipline. This effort is said to lead to wisdom gained from spiritual understanding and ultimately gives freedom of the mind. These three methods are joined into a single discipline- it highlights the relationship between breath and mind. Being able to control breath is being able to control the self. Master breath, and one masters the self. Preparation is the first step wherein the body is conditioned through hatha yoga exercises. Then comes preparation of the mind- a person studies their personal conduct and analyzes their overall health, cleanliness and purity. Certain metaphysical principles are also brought into the picture. The next step is the mantras which aims on tuning the mind and the body to a single frequency. In practicing the kriya yoga, remember that you are the master of your own destination. If you decide to take this path, go with your eyes open and your defenses on. Visit the Multivitamins Site for a safe and natural means to attain well-being. About the author
The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose recently published a step-by-step guide on how to lose weight the EASY way and become totally healthy and happy. More info on her life-changing eating habits plan at http://www.FlabAndFatAway.com. | 
