Some Kriya Teachings of Lahiri Mahasaya

• Some Kriya Lore
• Further Lahiri Teachings

Some Kriya Lore

A problem may be treated as a challenge,
and then as an opportunity
and now and then as an opportunity of getting wealthy and amass OK karma
if rightly resolved.

Consolidate that
As things go your way.
[Sleka]

Know your Atman (soul) that is beyond Time when there is time -

DON'T DO kriya breathing during pregnancy. However, it is OK to secure one's attention in the area between the eye-brows. Gently and firmly lift your eyes and relax if you find the time. Then, when the body is healthy and active three months or so after the child is born, some kriya can be resumed. [Gle ltr 93, 98]

One is to do much pranayam — But instead of doing 600 pranyams incorrectly for five hours, if you could do just 2 correctly, try to do that. [Gle ltr 53, 81]

Know the Lord within yourself — A life's duty is to remember the Soul in Time. [Gle ltr 68, 47]

I feel that marrying is a good thing . . . but you don't have to marry. [Gle ltr 7]

The Atman (soul) itself is the Eternal, beyond Time, even — One must practice according to the rules — One tall rule is: In tranquillity, do not do any kriya. [Gle ltr 48, 13, 21]

The state after doing kriya is a desirable and peaceful "post state" called kriya paravastha, and in the state after than again, the Krishna state, there is no urge to breathe in and out. That's where one's mind should be. [Gle ltr 70, 76] ◊

Through vigilance should everyone be aware of the coming of death. [Gle ltr 74]

He is telling from the beginning to "be careful and practice Kriya properly. 600 pranayam and 50 mahamudra" daily. Few are they who do that much in SRF, there is reason to guess. [Gle ltr 4]

Continue to be skilful of soul and mind

DON'T BE lacking in any important area — Be very attentive to get skilful from the beginning [Gle ltr 63, T]

Continue to do good and practice kriya. [Gle ltr T]

In deep peace of mind remember life and be good to life as well. [T]

Be skilful and very attentive. Stay carefully tuned in to the soul inside. [Gle ltr 63] ◊

Even after death one can continue to do good. [Gle ltr 56]

The place of Brindavan is one's own body [by metaphor]. [Gle ltr 74]

Bear in mind the highest and best you can do while being careful

ONE FINDS the highest state in the realm of the demigods too. [Gle ltr 54]

Do your work and remember Life. [Gle ltr 71]

Do kriya gracefully even after death. T

Rush not to your proper destination. [Gle ltr 100]

God and gods dwelling in every body should not be discussed with everyone. [Cf Gle, ltr 68]

Do kriya gracefully and according to the rules. That is best — Do only as much kriya as you can without strain. Forcing is not necessary. [Gle ltr 88, 27] (7)

Do not desire to give Kriya to anyone who doesn't have respect (reverence) for it and yourself. [Gle ltr 10]

Astonishing bliss came to someone after sitting for twelve and a half hour of kriya. [Gle ltr 14]

Be very careful and aware of Time [Kala] — One must not be busy with little things. [Gle ltr 47, 29] (8)

You are the Merciful Guru within your One Self. [Gle ltr 45] — However, do not give Kriya to anyone that is unsuitable. [Gle ltr 11]

If one does not keep his own attention, who will perceive Guru's attention? [Gle ltr 29]

One should do what comes easily and without strain. Do not disturb tranquillity by doing lots of kriyas (pranayams). [Gle ltr 20] (9)

Gist

1. Know your Atman (soul) that is beyond Time when there is time.
2. Continue to be skilful of soul and mind where you are or get.
3. Bear in mind the highest and best you can do while being careful.

Marrying can be good and peaceful and vigilant in the face of a coming death. Be skilful and do good, refrain from discussing astonishing kriya, and keep largely attentive and aware if you can and as long as you can.

The crux of very much yoga knowledge is "Remember to breathe wisely as long as you live" - something like that. This is the main thing in yoga pranayama.

Well, well

In 1966 "the quiet Beatle" George Harrison began to study the teachings of the Krishna Consciousness society. One day Harrison drove from France to Portugal chanting "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna" for 23 hours in a row, and claimed to have been guided to his destination after foregoing using road directions.

❖ Foregoing one's road maps and other instructions is not really necessary.

Further Lahiri Teachings

Lahiri says that "in everybody's house, there is a housewife [Hw 132]." — It makes sense if interpreted to mean something like: "In everyone there is his energy to live by." The "house" is where you dwell, your body-mind and so on.

Lahiri says, "Practicing kriya, one can purify the mind . . . Gradually, he will understand himself . . . the Self." [Hw 147] — That looks like inviting expectations of results, but it may be understood as a description only. For "Kriya should be practiced not for benefits but rather abandoning expectations for results." [Hw 132]

He also says, "Do not practice improper Kriyas." [Hw 133]. — A straight spine is held to be essential in it, and much else.

"The physical body is the sign (Linga) of the world." [Hw 145] — "Everything is evolved from . . . the ultimate Self." [Hw 144] — "To do something is also the ultimate Self [Bi 120]."

"Not practicing Kriya is no good. [Hw 134]
      Lahiri also thinks that the realised yogi "performs all works." In another place he says God is the sole doer. He seems to say two things, but heed the ancient teaching, "He who realises Brahman (God), becomes Brahman."

Literature  

Bi: Satyeswarananda, swami, tr. Complete Works of Lahiri Mahasay Vol. II: The Bhagavad Gita Interpretations of Lahiri Mahasay. San Diego: The Sanskrit Classics, 1991.

Gle: Lahiri, Shyama Charan. Garland of Letter. Coll Ananda Mohan Lahiri. Portland, Mn: Yoganiketan, 2004. On-line at www.yoganiketan.net

Hw: Satyeswarananda, swami, tr. The Commentaries' Series Vol. III: Hidden Wisdom. With Lahiri Mahasay's Commentaries. 2nd rev. ed. San Diego: The Sanskrit Classics, 1986.



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