The word kriya means “action”. Specifically, “an action that leads to a complete manifestation”. It is the same power which allows a seed to sprout, a thought to be made manifest, and a desire to become a commitment.

In Kundalini Yoga, a kriya is most often referred to as a sequence of postures, breath, and mantra that are integrated together as a unique set. Yet as these actions unfold, especially with repetition, they initiate the process by which our inner potential can more fully manifest.

This is why Kundalini Yoga is an ever-renewing process of self-initiation! When you choose to do a kriya, you are activating a universal, initiating power. Life is a “choose your own adventure” kind of story, and these practices are tools to support us on that path.

Each kriya represents a unique aspect of your own potential and being, which you activate more fully by executing those specific actions along with awareness and intention. But a seed cannot be rushed into blooming, so it is best to approach kriya from a place of patience, kindness, willingness to listen to our deeper wisdom, and surrender to the process.

And as we allow our deeper, more subtle Self to inhabit our body, guide our actions, and recontextualize the way we look at our mind and the world, we progressively become a kriya unto ourselves: Potent, unique, and a manifestation of True Being. All of our parts united into one whole: Breath, posture, sound, thought, and soul. Becoming one with the source of right action is also the basis of spiritual service (seva).

Core Concepts