Kriya Yoga

Kriya yoga is a meditative style of yoga designed to connect the practitioner with the cosmos. Unlike power yoga or hatha yoga (the most common styles of yoga in the west), Kriya yoga does not emphasis physical stretching or strengthening. Kriya yoga is a meditative yoga practice which channels the latent energy of the spine in order to expand one's consciousness to the ultimate goal of enlightenment. A better definition (detailed in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras - a 2000 year old treatise on superconscious meditation) describes Kriya Yoga as: disciplined regulation of mental and sensory impulses, self analysis, study of metaphysics, meditation, and surrender of self consciousness (egoism) in favor of God-realization.

Although 'kriya' means 'action,' very little is done in the way of physical action. Practitioners may do a light routine of traditional asanas (postures) which are only done to facilitate the greater goal of self-realization.

So, if enlightenment is your goal, Kriya yoga may be just right for you. If you are only looking for a good workout, or at the very least a less lofty goal, try Hatha or Power Yoga to quench your thirst.