Types of Yoga

1. Kriya Yoga is a part of 'Karma Yoga' (the Yoga of action). It consists of various Kriya-s (techniques of control of Prana) to help ascend 'Kundalini' to the seventh center - 'Sahasrara chakra' leading to Samadhi and finally self-realization. The word Kriya Yoga is a general term used to denote the use of various Pranayama techniques. The eight limb Yoga ('Ashtanga Raja Yoga') of 'Maharshi Pathanjali' that we follow is also Kriya Yoga. A particular kind of Kriya Yoga was taught by Mahavathar Babaji to Shri. Lahari Mahashaya in the mid 19th century which became famous as the 'Kriya Yoga' known today.

2. Yoga is neither fast nor slow. There is no Yoga faster or slower than the other. The speed of attaining to God depends on one's past karma, present efforts and most importantly on the grace of God. Based on one's individual temperament, past karma and mental/physical inclination, a particular path of Yoga appeals & becomes suitable to each. As there is only one God, there is only one Yoga. The approach to this one Yoga through different methods makes it appear as though there are many Yoga-s.

Broadly speaking, there are three methods. One is 'Gnyana Yoga' (Yoga of knowledge), the second is 'Karma Yoga' (Yoga of action) and the third is 'Bhakthi Yoga' (Yoga of devotion to God). The Gnyana Yogi with an intellectual approach makes use of knowledge, reasoning and analysis of 'Atma Vichara' (contemplation of "Who am I" etc...) and reaches Samadhi. The Karma Yogi employs action (through Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga etc...) and reaches Samadhi. The 'Bhakthi Yogi' sings songs of God, cries with devotion to God, dances to please God and praises the Leela's of God and finally attains 'Bhava Samadhi'. He surrenders completely to God. One can choose any path found suitable to proceed in Yoga or form a unique path which may be a combination of the essence of the above paths. A person who has advanced in Yoga in previous births will find it easier to proceed directly to the particular Yoga of his temperament. Others who start afresh may find it necessary to start with 'Hatha Yoga' (to make the physical vehicle called body fit) and then proceed to 'Raja Yoga'.

Whatever be the path, only the 'Nishkama Yogi' (one who performs Yoga without desire for the world and its objects and only for liberation) attains 'Kaivalya' (self-realization). Those who resort to Yoga with desire for 'Bhoga' (worldly, sensual pleasures) do not attain liberation. The aim of any kind of Yoga is self-realization and nothing else. Yoga is not meant to merely offer physical health as is assumed by the west. Physical health is a by-product of Yoga and not the end. 'Asana-s' (physical postures) are the preliminary aspect of Yoga and not Yoga itself. The only purpose of 'Asana' is to make the physical medium fit to act as a foundation for practices such as Pranayama and Meditation. Europeans and Americans wrongly think 'Asana' itself to be Yoga and ignore the Yama-Niyama-s, Pranayama and meditation. This is incorrect. One who only performs Asana-s and not the other 'Anga-s' (8-limbs of Yoga) is a Gymnast. He is not a Yogi. Only he who practices all the eight limbs of Yoga with the aim of self-realization by giving up worldliness is a Yogi.

3. 'Mahavathar Babaji' is considered as an incarnation of the Almighty with a body made of 'light', immune to decay and death (one of the siddhi-s which comes further to self-realization if God so wills). The state of 'Divya Sharira' or divine body (which comes after reaching the state of a complete 'Urdhvarethas' [just before reaching Nirvikalpa Samadhi]) can lead to this body under certain conditions say the scriptures. He is the founder of Kriya Yoga. Nobody knows Babaji’s age, family, place of birth, true name, or other details. He is rumored to be many  thousands of years old and yet looks like a young person. He is said to exist until the end of the world to guide souls towards self-realization. Shri. Lahari Mahashaya wrote that Mahavathar Babaji was Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata.

ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)