Levels and steps of Kriya (Omkar Kriya, granthi-bheda)

Kriya yoga has 11 major steps.

On the first introductory level there are 7 techniques. We begin by offering our pranam to our guru, and then we start practicing. First there are two practices for the tongue — talabya kriya and jihva chalan — they help to achieve khechary mudra . Then there is a technique called manasik pranayama — when you have to concentrate on your spine and spinal cord. Then there is shvans sahit pranayama and nabhi kriya. After that — yoni mudra , which enables you to see your immortal substance. Then maha mudra, which prepares your body for very high practices of kriya yoga that will come later. That’s it, the 7 techniques are done, and they have different proportion. They should be learned directly from your guru.

After one has achieved khechary mudra there is a reshuffle in these techniques, and the pranayama in nabhi kriya is introduced. And then some other mudras are introduced, that is called «first level with khechary mudra». After that, when the person who has gone that far and who has been practicing to the best of his ability, advances enough to receive second level of practice that is given in three levels. First is just an introduction, secondly a certain mantra is given to him, and thirdly he is taught certain head movements and certain pranayama. That is the second level. It starts to open the heart knot — hridaya granthi bheda. And it takes the body quite a long time to adjust to this practice.

So after a person has been successfully practicing the second level for some time and has mastered the pranayama in yoni mudra and in nabhi kriya, then he is advanced enough to receive the third level, which is more powerful, than the second level, and develops your mind even more. With these practices the experience in yoni mudra becomes deeper and more mystical.

When the body is fine-tuned and the nervous system is strong enough, the fourth level is given. It is a very-very strong pranayama. It takes quite a lot of time — one or two years — just to be comfortable with it. It is one of the most difficult pranayam and very few people go further.

After that the fifth level is given, and again it is a preparation for the sixth level. It also takes quite a lot of time. It is called dhyan kriya — the kriya for your mind concentration. And from here meditation, or concentration, becomes deeper and deeper. And mind becomes more refined and gives you more ability to concentrate. It will give you the ability to concentrate outside of your body and enable you to come out of your physical body consciously.

So when the fifth level is done completely, a very difficult pranayama is taught, which is called the sixth level pranayama. It opens the knot of vajra nadi, which is inside sushumna, and creates the door for kundalini to arise. I think I have read about almost every system, and there is no direct technique to activate vajra nadi, except the technique of kriya yoga.

After you had mastered these techniques, on the seventh level third pranayama of nabhi kriya is taught, which will enable you to leave your body consciously at the time of death. And that gives you enough power to come out of your physical body consciously and do whatever you want. You can do everything with this pranayama.

Up to the seventh level, is hridaya granthi bheda — it is all going around opening your heart knot.

Then eighth and ninth level are for rudra granthi bheda. And a special technique is taught, which is called omkar kriya. And then the final stage of yoni mudra is taught — that is the ninth level. After that you get a certain mantra and a technique for shambhavi mudra, which enables you to remain in samadhi in your conscious hours. Wherever you want to be, you will always remain in samadhi.

This is a brief introduction to kriya yoga. As you progress, you will learn more and more.

There are 11 levels in the practice of Kriya Yoga, each with its own techniques and teachings.

The first level involves seven techniques, including Talavya Kriya and Jihvachalan for the tongue, Manasik pranayam for concentration on the spine, Shvas-sahit pranayam, Nabhi Kriya, Yoni Mudra to see the immortal substance, and Mahamudra to prepare the body for more advanced practices. The techniques are performed in a specific proportion and must be learned directly from a guru. Once the practitioner has achieved Khechari Mudra, the techniques are rearranged, and the pranayam in Nabhi Kriya is introduced.

The second and third levels involve three stages each, with the introduction of a mantra in the second level, and head movements and pranayam in the third level. These levels help to open the heart knot, known as Hridaya Granthi Bheda, and the experiences in Yoni Mudra become deeper and more mystical with these practices. The fourth level is a strong pranayam that takes time for the body to adjust to, and the fifth level involves Dhyan Kriya, which is the Kriya for concentration of the mind and leads to deeper meditation and concentration.

The sixth level opens the knot of Vajra nadi and creates the door for Kundalini to rise, and in the seventh level, the third pranayam of Nabhi Kriya is taught, which enables one to leave their body consciously at the time of death. The eighth and ninth levels focus on Rudra Granthi Bheda, and include the special technique of Omkar Kriya and the final stage of Yoni Mudra. The tenth and eleventh levels involve the teaching of a mantra and Shambhavi Mudra, which allows the practitioner to remain in a state of samadhi even in their conscious hours.

In conclusion, Kriya Yoga is a path that requires dedication and mastery of various techniques at different levels, leading to a deeper understanding of one’s self and the connection between the mind and body. It is a journey that unfolds gradually, with each level building upon the previous one, ultimately leading to a state of samadhi.

GURUJI ON LEVELS OF KRIYA

when Babaji first appeared You spoke nothing but yoga, on the first meeting?

Guruji: only yoga

and he gave You such a condensed program, which You described perfectly well; people asking about levels- but You said it was full meal lunch, the thali with all the levels in it.

Guruji: everything

then we asked You how You subdivided this, who told You, how much to do?

Guruji: no, I’ve never subdivided- I’m just teaching exactly as he has taught

what I’ m trying to say: for each one, who reaches certain level, there is a next one?

Guruji: yes

but that was never explained by him; he didn’t tell You - give to this person when he reaches; this is Your assumption?

Guruji: no, the level is very clearly marked: if physically he is not matching that level- then nothing. There are criterias: until unless the person achieving this criteria- only then he maybe introduced to further things.

I’m asking because during last year everyone was so much worrying about original teachings; it’s pointless if you not progressing- but it’s important to get original teaching?

Guruji: it is a very tough program, and I’m giving the original teachings which are not so easy.

however, he never told You not to do Omkar Kriya- but You said that You tried it immediately?

Guruji: yes, the same night

did You consider Yourself to be able to do it, when You done it first time - You knew, that You already reached that level?

Guruji: I was enough aware to reach my certain limit, touch the limit and come back; I was already aware of the limitations and he also exactly told never cross beyond the certain limit.

I will say another thing here: these physical exercises with weights teaches you to touch your limit. A person, who has never done these weights, he will never know- what is his limit and is he able to touch it or not. That develops your mind from a very different perspective: if you physically are able to touch your physical limit- then your understanding will be different on so many different subjects. I’m sure, he was aware of this.

To touch something; because yoga is a physical thing: the results are spiritual and mental. So if you’re trained physically- you will easily recognise your limitations, and you will be able to touch it again and again. Which I did. That’s why I keep urging to all my students: do physical exercise!

Until unless you will not develop something so gross, flesh and blood, how you hope to develop the mind or spirituality, which are so fine, you cannot even see that? Always start from the basics. And no matter what you’re doing physically - the result will be ultimately mental. Psychological as well as a spiritual. If you’re doing something physically - it will enhance your confidence. Your will power will become very strong: because to do certain physical exercises great will power is needed. For me it’s a spiritual program, even physical exercises.

coming back to the level division thing: this comprehensive teaching is divided based upon certain markers, which he established…

Guruji: yes, already. And another thing I will here like to point out: it is one condense program. It is like alphabet of english: it is one condense program- but we in our ignorance will say that A is the first level, B is the second level, C is the third level. Otherwise it is a condense program. But because we’re human beings and certain things are taught when you are achieve certain level- then they say: oh, I have crossed that first level; but it is just the beginning of learning.

OMKAR AND FREEDOM

Omkar is the very advanced Kriya; it means transference – the transference of your spirit. If you will work hard – you will get it, don’t worry.

it’s like dharana on chakras? Like it’s described in Gorakhbodh?

Guruji: it’s a transference of the spirit. People are taking it if they will repeat Om, - it will be Omkar. But look at the Sanskrit dictionary: omkar literally means “ changing of the place”, transference, transferring.

but you’re alive during it?

Guruji: when you’re practicing – yes; but it is done in the final moments your spirit will go to the real destination. It is the last Kriya.

it is connected somehow with the dharana on elements?

Guruji: no, you’re going through samadhi so many times till you’re able to do that. We’re discussing now results, not technics.

I don’t think any commentary on Gita describes what comes immediately after death.

in Gorakhbodh You described two ways out of the body – through ajna and through sahasrara?

Guruji: from one you can roaming everywhere, every world; through sahasrara you’re already one with everything.

You’re using Omkar while doing it?

Guruji: of course – but you already think before, what you will do. The choice is yours.

What is real freedom? Freedom to quit anything. Freedom to leave.

if we’re omnipresent, going through sahasrara – what we will do then?

Guruji: you will know after that. You may become creator of another Universe – it’s your decision.

to be a creator is not so good idea – so much people will hate you?

Guruji: no, you will have some creativity inside. It’s simply complicated.

As a hindus we’re not worshipping creator: he never told us facts – so how we can worship someone, who is not perfect? And why creator told Adam and Eve not to touch that particular tree? It’s psychological trick: if you forbid something – your mind will keep focus on that.

why he doesn’t draw their attention to the tree of immortality?

Guruji: that brings us to a conclusion that wisdom is more important than immortality. If an idiot will become immortal it’s a dangerous thing. That’s why wisdom is more important.

350 000 MAHAMUDRAS

If you will practice 20736 pranayamas in one time – you will experience samadhi.

how many days it tooks?

Guruji: 12 days and 12 nights continuous.

but physical body will…

Guruji: you will be beyond carrying of your physical body( smiling). So better to go slow.

As you know – I like to boast: we were calculating: in my 40 years of yoga practice – I will complete it in October, 39 years are done; that means I have practiced 350 000 plus mahamudras so far, if we take average 24 every day.

apart from the practice?

Guruji: including practice 350 000 mahamudras are already behind me. We’re not philosophers: if a yogi is teaching somebody – he shows by his own example: it’s not a philosophy, it’s a practical approach.

yes, I remember with mudgars: You were moving them 10, 20, 30 and more – but no fast heart beat?

Guruji: no hard feelings – no hard beatings(smiling). I’m still moving them every day. Actually it is a warriors exercise: when you can do 500 repetitions with mudgars, which I used to do, - you can move the sword whole day without tiredness. Search on google: Iranian wrestlers trains with mudgars: together, in unison, - this is fantastic thing to watch. And they use heavy mudgars. Amazing to see: hundreds wrestlers moving mudgars, together, in harmony, different exercises.

JOURNEY TO THE HIDDEN CHAMBER OF ABSOLUTE DARKNESS

as I understand when you slow down your breathe, you will begin to breathe slower and slower and finally your heart will also beat slower and slower and then stop – it’s simple explanation of the things?

Guruji: no, that is very complicated thing. Khechari is just stepping stone – but very important stepping stone.

You will begin to be aware of your brain working: brain is the seat of the mind. You will become aware of your brain and dormant things – your subconscious mind; so many things you will become aware: that will be the overwhelming experience in the beginning. Then when you have settle down by recognizing the value of the brain – then your attention will go that who is supporting the brain: then your attention will go to the heart. Then you will begin to understand the mysteries of the heart and how it is working, how the life force is working; and the religions says – the god lives in the heart. Also you will realize that the heart is the seal chamber of pure darkness: that means life hides in darkness. Even in bible god said: let it be light! – that means he was in the darkness. Every life is starting from the dark. When you will understood the all mysteries of the heart you will have enough control to slow it down or even stop it. Then you will begin to wonder that how heart was created; then your attention will go to your navel. From your navel the whole body was created. Then after you have understood the mysteries of that – then your attention will go to the earth element: that this is the mother element of all; then your attention will go to the muladhar chakra, which represents earth element. That is the simple journey of Kriya yoga.

it’s in different language how we pierce our granthi?

Guruji: actually when we are saying “bhed” – we can translate it as piercing also, but “bhed” also means a great mystery. That thing is not to exactly pierce – but to unveil the mystery and understand it; without knowing the mystery what you can do? This is about understanding the secret or the mystery. In every religion heart is considered as very important, because god lives inside it. And it the epicenter of prana – god must be there.

interesting that yogis go much deeper than any religion?

Guruji: it looks like it: because all religions say – god lives in the heart, but nobody is trying to find the god in the heart – they are looking towards the heaven or some place to find god. Only yogis know the way how to reach inside your heart and see him face to face. It is very simple in yoni mudra.

even after reaching the heart you have two more options: navel and muladhar…

Guruji: this is yoga: it goes beyond religions – even though it comes from hindus. And I keep saying: what remains after you have seen god and know him? to understand his nature remains. To understand his nature you will need to study the creation he created – only then you will know his true nature. That remains! That is something to pass infinity.

so heart doesn’t stop naturally?

Guruji: only by understanding how it is working you may have some control of it. Forcibly nothing is done. Like this: please lift your right hand: see – it’s friendly way. I’m not saying: you’re my disciple, I’m your Guru and I’m ordering you to lift your hand! – you will have the subconscious stand against it. In a friendly way you just lift it – and that is done. This thing will be apply on your breath – how your breath is working and how your life force or prana is working: in a friendly way.

Tongue is also the muscle – one of the strongest and it can be trained also. So much things are going on for strength result. One of my doctor-disciple asked me: how is your heart? Is it good? I said – it is full of so many desires and imaginations, broken many times and still beating – so it must be good, still working.

JOURNEY OF A YOGI

“Is there a connection between the four ventricles of the Brain and the four chambers of the heart?”

Guruji: Well, I will give you a very different answer here. When you start to practice Yoga, you became aware of the brain’s power and how much mysteries it is carrying inside and it is an ocean of consciousness, which we call mind.

When you are sort of recovering from that big surprise — that so many things are there in the brain.

Then your attention goes to the heart — that what is supporting the brain. Then your attention goes to the heart, and the heart itself might be having its own consciousness.

Because only a conscious thing can support another conscious being, which is in the process of development.

Then after you have understood the mysteries of the heart to a certain level, then you begin to think — how heart was created?

And then your attention goes to the pupok (navel) which sounds hilarious. But everybody knows that our whole body was created through the pupok (navel) when we were inside the mother.

So then the mysteries of the navel are understood, and there might be some consciousness there in the pupok also. The machine which created you is switched off there, and it is still there.

Then your attention goes to what is the mother-matter which created our body - then your attention goes to the earth element, and we said that it is located in the Muladhara chakra, which is representing the earth element.

So that is the journey of a yogi in action.

WHAT II IT OMKAR?

all the obstacles in which chakra is removed by Omkar Kriya; then it is also many times mentioned Omkar Kriya – and the question is: what is this chakra? Is it exact chakra among six?

Guruji: you see, chakra is very widely used word in Hindi; life and chakra – like a circle; a wheel is chakra; it is used in many different meanings. in between of inhale and exhale it is also chakra – Shunya chakra. Remember, whatever is written in Purana Purush is not a manual – it is their language of that time, 150 years before. Whatever they were discussing – it is recorded.

which obstacles can be removed by Omkar Kriya?

Guruji: inability to die consciously: that is the biggest obstacle which Omkar Kriya removes.

it is the exact Omkar Kriya which You are practicing?

Guruji: it’s a very dangerous thing, yes. That’s why not many people have received it.

it exists not so profound variations of it for not so advanced yogis?

Guruji: you’re practicing Kriya. It is the beginning of Omkar Kriya. It cannot be the light version of it. And here I will mention: Omkar literally means transference.

it is the climax of all practice of Kriya yoga?

Guruji: then you are mastering the transference of your consciousness or your spirit or your self to another dimension – wherever you’re focusing. This transference is the exact meaning of the word Omkar. But generally people take it as connected with Om. In Hindi it is said : sthana antahkaran – changing the place, transferring, transmigration – whatever.

so Om and Omkar is absolutely different?

Guruji: the meaning is different, yes. And I maybe the only one who is pointing it out. Nobody talks about it – because nobody knows about it.

JOURNEY OF KRIYA YOGA

what can I do for You, Guruji?

Guruji: that is your problem( laughing)

It’s not a problem to pass the technics – but it’s step by step educational program : look at the situation: you asking the question – I use to find the answer; otherwise how we can progress? It’s very important to discuss with the Guru. When you ask a question Guru can see how much your mind have developed. That’s the level of questions. That’s why my answer can be different from person to person.

When you do it very nicely and at most excellent practice, do khechari: then you begin to see the importance of your brain, which is the seat of the mind and seat of the consciousness as well.

Then when you have explored it for some time: your brain, your mind, your consciousness is developing. Then you begin to wonder: who is supporting the brain?

Then your attention go to the heart. Then you begin to study the mystery of the heart, because it is supporting the brain, it’s very important. Not only supporting: why it is working, how it is working and who is making it work? So many mysteries are there.

When you’re explored enough and you begin to understand the mystery of the whole heart – then you begin to wonder: how it was created? Then your attention goes to your navel. Then you realize, that through the navel the whole body was created – including your heart, brain and everything.

Then, when you have explored the mystery of your navel work – then you begin to understand the importance of the earth element. Then your attention goes your muladhar, which is the main epicenter of the earth element.

This is the journey of Kriya yoga – and I share it.

And there is no sequences in appearances of the Mahavidyas in the practice - They will come from all directions and without any specific hierarchical order?

Guruji: Yes, wherever you’re concentrating or facing. One will travel with Mahavidyas step by step through the practice: starting with Talabhi Kriya or Jivha chalan Kiya.

We connect Kali and Tara with some initial steps in Kriya practice due to physicality of the experiences, but impact of all Mahavidyas flow deeper with every step.

These are mystical powers. Or let’s say – power itself is a mysterious thing.

We all have own different ideas about meaning of power – but nobody understands totality of the Power due to the limitation of the mind.

After 37 years of Kriya practice I arrived to understanding of depth of mystery of Kriya yoga..

We keep practicing for years without full awareness and understanding of the process. It comes much later.

And here I will give a very brief introduction of Kriya Yoga. I’ve read many different versions of Kriya Yoga from all over the world, but I will tell you what my lineage of Guru taught me about it.

Kriya Yoga has 11 major steps.

In the first introductory level there are 7 techniques. We begin by offering our Pranam to the Guru, and then we start practicing. First there are two practices for tongue - Talabya kriya and Jihva chalan - they help to achieve Khechary Mudra. Then there is a technique called Manasik Pranayam - when you have to concentrate your mind on your spine and spinal cord. Then there is ShvansSahit Pranayam and Nabhi Kriya. After that - Yoni Mudra, which enables you to see your immortal substance. Then Maha Mudra, which prepares your body for very high practices of Kriya Yoga, which will come later. That’s it, 7 techniques are done, and they have different proportion. And, here I will say, they should be learned directly from the Guru.

After one has achieved Khechary Mudra then again there is a reshuffle in these techniques, and the pranayam in Nabhi Kriya is introduced. And then some other, say, mudras are introduced - and that is called «first level with Khechary Mudra. After that, when the person who has gone that far and who is practicing to the best of his or her ability, advances enough to receive second level of practice, it is given in three levels. First is just an introduction, secondly certain mantra is given, and on third certain head movements and certain pranayam is taught. That is the second level. It starts to open the heart knot at the same - Hridaya Granthi Bheda. And it takes quite some time for the body to adjust to this practice.

So after a person has successfully been practicing the second level for some time and he has mastered the pranayam in Yoni Mudra and in Nabhi Kriya, then he advances enough to receive the third level, which is more powerful, than the second level, and which develops your mind even more. And experiences in Yoni Mudra become deeper and more mystical with these practices.

Then when the body is fine-tuned and the nervous system is strong enough to take on the fourth level, then fourth level is given. It is a very-very strong pranayam. Takes quite some time - maybe one year to two years - just to, say, be comfortable with it. And one should give body enough time to be comfortable with it. And it is one of the most difficult pranayam and very few people cross over it.

After that the fifth level is, again, a preparation for the sixth level. It takes quite some time. It is called Dhyan Kriya - the kriya for concentration of your mind. And from here the deeper, say, meditation or concentration begins. And mind becomes more and more fine, more refined and it gives you more ability to concentrate anywhere. Even it will give you enough ability to concentrate outside of your body, and it will enable you to come out of your physical body consciously.

So when the fifth level is done completely, then a very difficult pranayam is taught, which is called the sixth level pranayam. Again, I will say, it actually opens the knot of Vajra Nadi, which is inside Sushumna, and creates the door for Kundalini to arise. I think so far I have read almost every system, which is there, there is no direct technique to activate Vajra Nadi, except in Kriya Yoga.

Then when you master these techniques, then on the seventh level third pranayam of Nabhi Kriya is taught, which will enable you to leave your body consciously at the time of death. And that gives enough power to come out of your physical body consciously and whatever you want to do - you can do with it.Up to the seventh level, this is Hridaya Granthi Bheda - it is all going around the opening of your heart knot.

Then eighth and ninth level are for Rudra Granthi Bheda.

Eighth and ninth levels are for Rudra granthi bheda, and a special technique is taught, which is called Omkar kriya. And then the final stage of Yoni Mudra is taught - that is ninth level. After that a certain mantra is given and a technique for Shambhavi Mudra, which enables you to remain in Samadhi in your conscious hours, wherever you want to be, you will always remain in Samadhi.

And also I will say, if you read every book on Hatha Yoga: from Hatha Yoga Pradipika to Gherandha Samhita to anything - they don’t describe much after Khechary Mudra. Even in the fourth chapter of Hatha Yoga Pradipika, not much is written after achieving Khechary Mudra. But after achieving Khechary Mudra there are ten steps in Kriya Yoga. That fact itself makes it the most mysterious practice ever.

Guruji, and what is that ghurni which described like some wind or whirlpool?

Guruji: ghurni is what you’re doing on the fourth level, that head movement. They are talking about it in ancient terms – and I’m also the ancient man.

Guruji: Fire element is the soul or the basis of all elements.

because Kartikeya was born out of the fiery semen he is so powerful?

Guruji: he is the son of Shiva – so he has to be powerful.

who were the mothers of Kartikeya?

Guruji: six Kartikas, Matrikas. They are also called Krittikas. They are like foster mothers, who take care of him. And they live somewhere in heaven.

could we connect the 18 alchemical processes with the Nabhi Kriya?

Guruji: they are already connected. Some scientist came – he is a disciple; he was telling: with all these pranayamas one extra electron is being created in the brain - which is somehow creating more consciousness. In 18 Nabhi Kriyas 18 electrons are moving in your brain and creating some extra consciousness. 1 electron with every Nabhi.

Guruji: everything is the part of awakening the mind. That description of Kriya yoga was good: become aware of your mind, then you become aware of who is supporting it, go to the heart, then how the heart was created, go to the nabhi and then you realize the importance of earth element – go to muladhar.

if person is not practicing – he will not understand?

Guruji: no. first thing – you must become aware of such type of practice. And you must have some understanding and ambition to somehow attracted to this practice. Then your awareness will begin; otherwise they say – never disturb a normal person. No need to disturb its peace of mind.

THE RESULT OF 10 MUDRAS

what does it mean – yogi is not devoured by Time?

Guruji: he is time out.

yogin in samadhi couldn’t be harmed by the weapon or affected by means of mantra and yantra; who has not achieved samadhi yet – could he be put under control of mantra and yantra?

Guruji: very rarely

milk, nectar and amrita: all three are the same?

Guruji: different qualities: milk, yoghurt, butter, ghee. Milk is the first stage and amrita is the last. Nectar and amrita are same.

the taste of amrita changes with the practice or not?

Guruji: what is described in Hatha Yoga Pradipika is valid.

on mudras: by the grace of Guru Kundaliini rises, all the chakras and knots are pierced?

Guruji: by piercing or understanding the mysteries with all the practice it will be done.

what is the real result of practicing 10 mudras?

Guruji: awakening of Kundalini and samadhi, stopping old age and death. They all go together.

so we can avoid old age and death only when we achieve samadhi and rise Kundalini?

Guruji: no, with the practice of all these mudras this result will show on your person. Your ageing will be much slow than an average person. In every mudra they describe this situation: take it as a literal fact. With all these mudras you have learn – this result should be visible on your personality.

If you will practice in one posture 20732 shvasahita pranayamas in one piece – you will experience samadhi. That will take only 12 days and 12 nights of continuous practice. Opening is there!

NABHI

KRIYA AND OMKAR KRIYA,TECHNICAL ASPECTS.

we discussed that yogin leaves the body by Omkar Kriya; but in Bhagavad Gita it is said that yogin leaves the body by own will?

Guruji: this is the effect of nabhi

Kriya with khechari. In Omkar Kriya every day you’ve already gone through

stopping of the heart and your knowledge is different. That will be like attaining

nirvana. With nabhi it will be like in eighth chapter they described. Nabhi

Kriya pranayama is extremely important.

to attain nirvana means you’re dissolving or you’re transferring your spirit somewhere?

Guruji: to beyond this creation. With nabhi

Kriya you will remain inside the creation. That difference is there.

nabhi Kriya second or third level?

Guruji: yes, even then you will remain

within this creation. With Omkar Kriya you will go out of this creation. It’s

just a travelling program. They are saying in Gita: starting of the

journey, in the time of journey. It is a journey.

yogin can leave the body through agya and through sahasrara: in omkar Kriya also?

Guruji: natasya prana utkramanti – that is

the result of Omkar Kriya. This is the highest level of the achievement: prana

will not leave the body, they will just disappear in the source, which is

everywhere even inside you.

Who has

become avadhut or to this level- his prana will never go anywhere: they will

just dissolve in the source of them and as the source is everywhere,

omnipresent – inside you also. It’s a very big thing. It is dissolving with the

source, direct, not leaving the body. And that things are for leaving the body.

It’s a big difference. They say only avadhuts can achieve that.

and during nabhi Kriya…?

Guruji: either from between the eyebrows or

from brahmarandhra – you’re leaving. Agya is also the beginning of sahasrara.

It is more or less same.

could we say that nabhi Kriya is like emergency system?

Guruji: yes, that’s why I say: practice it

well!

it is for not accomplished yogis?

Guruji: only accomplished yogi can use nabhi

Kriya! But in yoga also accomplishment is one thing and to become master of so

many accomplishment: then you will be named as avadhut.

One is

winning Mr.Ukraine, another winning Mr.Universe and another will be winning Mr.

Olympia.

to use nabhi Kriya to leave the body you must be in samadhi?

Guruji: no, even before – that is the power

of this practice.

Kriya works only with the chakras inside the body?

Guruji: yes, we are after self-knowledge,

self- realization. First – self-realization, then outside realization. Charity

begins at home.

KRIYA YOGA

The first level of Kriya yoga is to remove certain limitations from your consciousness and then it begin to expand and flow free. And first thing the yogi noticed after you open this first knot – Brahma granthi – your mind will start work very different point and you will begin to understand suddenly so many things. Maybe for some people it will be very difficult to act with the family or society or it will be difficult for them to exist with you – it is more like, because you will say some things which are beyond their mind and it could create some problem.

You’ll begin to understand so many things about your life, after life and most complex thing in the Universe – human relationship. That will be shocking opening to you when you begin actually understand it. In the beginning it maybe very difficult for you to keep quiet; then after you’ll gone through so many clashes and confrontations – then you will learn to keep quiet. Otherwise most of the relations will be spoiled.

Then the awareness of your opening of the heart knot will come – that is highly technical thing. You will dive deep in the ocean of your consciousness; you will find so many ancient memories, old complexes, old phobias, so many egoistic things – every hurt you will remember which you have been gone through since you have been child. Then you need to analyze them and only then you will be able to pop up with them. Then the memories of past life also come.

why the first knot is called Brahma granthi?

Guruji: brahm is in your head.

why it is connected with tongue?

Guruji: you need the instrument to affect it. How you will do something directly with your head?

Shiva Shankar Bholenath

Guruji: "Om is Shiva Himself."

"Guruji, are Shivji and Shankarji different or one and the same?"

Guruji: "Shankarji is the kailashpati rudra (ruler of Kailash). He lives on Mount Kailash and is the foremost of all rudras. In fact, Kaal Bhairav is also known as Shankar. Shiva is kaal (death, Time) Himself - that's the description we find in the texts as well. He called Shankar His own personification. They are one and the same. One is formless (Shiva) and the other one is with form (Shankar). That's why we say in India, 'Shiva Shankar Bholenath'. And shivalinga is the seat of Shiva. "

[Continuing from an discussion during Vasant Navratri 2003]

Guruji: “It’s an altogether different feeling today. Partly due to the navratri puja celebrations which already gives a high feeling but also because of something else. Today I mastered Shambhavi Mudra.

“It happened this morning. It is the final outcome of Rudragranthi Bheda 1 – the last stage. And just imagine, I had mastered Khechari Mudra almost 18yrs back – even more than that, and it took this long to master Shambhavi Mudra. In the meantime, so many things happened – different experiences, stages to realize..”

Q: “So was it the final frontier, guruji?”

Guruji: “It looked like the final frontier before I mastered it, but today it looks like the beginning of a totally new thing. But yogically, it is supposed to be pretty big. As the texts 2 say, ‘While Veda, Sastra, and purana are like common prostitutes, Shambhavi Mudra is impervious like a daughter-in-law”. And now I have realized that it is not a technique, but actually a result of your practice. Yoga has very profound secrets.

“Today feels like a new beginning. The beginning of Rahu maha-dasha (astrological time period associated with each planet, 18yrs for Rahu) has been good it seems. Since the maha-dasha started, people have been saying that my practice will increase and will touch new heights. Now I feel that the next 18years will pass smoothly in practice.

This must be the first time you have heard somebody saying that they achieved Shambhavi Mudra.”

“Yeah, absolutely! I have never heard it before. I have just read its description in Purana Purusha and realized that it is not a very common knowledge among people.”

Guruji: “Everybody who has read hatha yoga texts knows about it, but experiencing the state is something else. After achieving this mudra, you develop a complete command over the rise and fall of prana (life force).”

Q: “So does this mean you have completed your kriya practice now?”

Guruji: “Completed? I feel it has begun now. There’s no longer a final destination. It’s as if there’s a long road ahead; you walk some and you see some more. Thinking from an normally ambitious point of view, it is a pretty big achievement though. All the books have gone completely silent after talking about Shambhavi Mudra. But those are just the books that have gone silent; I feel the practice continues to go on and builds up new challenges and milestones.

Now I am excited to see what happens next.

“This is the greatest news so far. Congratulations, Guruji!”

Guruji: “Thank you. Yes it’s a great news, with perfect timing with navdurga celebrations. I think it was building up for quite some time, say the last two years. The built up finally lead to its climax today. As soon as I sat for practice after the puja, it happened. Just like that. And I also have a full control of it now.”

Recorded on : Apr 4th, 2003, 11AM IST.

[Later conversation]

“Guruji , I read the description of Shambhavi Mudra in Gheranda Samhita.”

Guruji: “What does it say?”

“It says that the yogi who masters Shambhavi Mudra is a living Adinath and Brahma himself! And that description has been given only for Shambhavi Mudra”

Guruji: “Yes, that is the description of the result of Shambhavi Mudra. I think I remember the slokas as well ‘नेत्रांजन समालोक्य आत्मारामं निरीक्षयेत ..’.

“It is also true that this mudra forms itself. It is not a technique, but rather a result of the practice. It builds up with regular practice, reaches its climax, and then finally displays itself. The constant high/intoxicated feeling from before has now increased tenfold. It increased since that day only.

“One thing I’m observing is that we practice many techniques to raise the life force up, but after Shambhavi Mudra, the prana stays up on its own. Its an amazing thing.”

“Guruji, what you have written about Rudragranthi Bhedha is that the life force is offered and burnt in itself.”

Guruji: “Yes, and it can be said that this is the result of that, offering prana in the sacrificial fire of itself.”

“Have you heard of anybody else who has achieved this level in recent history?”

Guruji: “I have only heard of Lahiri Mahasaya who achieved Shambhavi Mudra in the recent history. Nobody has talked or discussed about it after that. Only Lahiri Mahasaya had written some comments about it in his diaries. Yogananda Paramhansa reproduced those comments in his ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’. No other guru has claimed experiencing it. It’s a rare occurrence. But I am sure there are other people as well.

“I believe that now, slowly, my disciples will also achieve Shambhavi Mudra. It’s a breakthrough.”

“So the sadhana (practice) will continue after after achieving Shambhavi Mudra?”

“Sadhana is a never ending process. Okay, tell me, does a person stop experiencing new things after he becomes a president? Or after the completion of education, does a person stop learning new things? Something new always keeps on coming up. There is no dearth of levels to achieve.”

[20090802] Conversation recorded on : Apr 4th, 2003 and ” “

Hridaya grandhi bheda is not limited to the single process of the “piercing” of the “heart knot”.

“Bhead” also means a mystery. Discovery of all the mysteries of the heart is not limited to the sentimental memories, stored there. It is the perception of the origin of the heart, the reason for it’s existence and the source of life and discernment of God or Vasudeva, who lives in it; all of it will be explored by the sadhak.

Is “the piercing of the heart’s knot” is somehow connected with Omkar Kriya, given at the higher stages of the yogic practice?

A: Omkar Kriya is beside the step of the Hridaya Granthi Bheda. It is done for the transition, or transference of the consciousness.

This Kriya will be given after yogic experience of the suspended animation. Because only after experience of Samadhi one can realize an exact moment of Death; he will be able to recognize the point or the boundary between the Life and the Death.

You will have to travel through fascinating and dangerous experience of meeting, facing and knowing the Death itself and than travel back to Life.

Allegorically speaking, you arrive to the threshold of Death and pull the knob of the door, which separates realms of Life and Death. You will carefully open this door and peek inside without entering; after observing what lays beyond it, the door must be carefully closed so you can return back to Life.

It is a pretty dangerous Kriya, the yogi should be well prepared to tolerate this experience. Even slight mistake will lead to the collapse of entire nervous system and will shot down the body.

How would you define Omkar Kriya?

A: Omkar means “transference”. Mentally you “see” the “place” where you want to be – and you arrive there. Intense focus on desirable destination results in “teleportation” of the conciseness.

That is a beauty of this Kriya.

At the moment of physical death this will take you wherever you want to be.

That’s why Samadhi is a pre-condition to the practice of Omkar Kriya: in the state of suspended animation you see your future destination. And everything else: where you’ve came from and where you are heading to. The point and reason of your origin and possibilities of your future development, all these answers will come in Samadhi. Focus your mind, concentrate it between your eyebrows – and start the journey.

Omkar Kriya is very delicate practice- you can “be” or, if some mistake happens, you might stop to “be”, cease to exist. You can’t make a mistake in this practice and come back, saying “oops, sorry…”. There will be no one to come back. We are dealing with the Life Force itself while exploring the kingdom of Death. Although this realm called differently there.

So far everything goes safe in my personal practice.

In Gita Krishna does not say “at the time of your death”. Instead He says: “When your journey begins.”.

This transference of the consciousness by the means of Omkar Kriya is just a new beginning.

FIERCE POTENCY, NOT THE TIMING

In the book “Twilight language of Gorakhbodh”, yogic comments to the ancient text by the Nathas, you’ve explained the literal meaning of “Omkar” as a “change of dimension, change of place”, transference of the consciousness.

“The last sacred yogic technique performed before the final departure from the body is called Omkar Kriya. Repeated 3 456 times in each chakra for the duration of one inhalation and totaling in 20 736 pranayama, Omkar Kriya signifies the yogic power of transference of the spirit.

Highly advanced yogis’ practice Omkar Kriya as a method of changing the dimension of the earthly plane, leaving the used physical shells of their bodies and moving on to a different address, knowing exactly their next destination.”

Here is a question: how is it possible to repeat Omkar in one inhalation 3,456 times in each chakra?

How is it possible to perform 20,736 pranayama physically?

A: This calculation is done based on the proportions of the Shvasahita pranayama, a technique of the Kriya yoga, which all of you are successfully practicing already.

It means that one Omkar kriya has the same power as a practice of 20,736 Shvasahita pranayama.

Every next pranayama is 12 times stronger when the previous one – that is a principle of the Kriya technique – and that’s why they are given in the exact numerical proportions and with the gradual increase.

Omkar Kriya is a technique, which carries a potency of 20,736 Pranayama.

Duration of this practice is about 2 minutes.

How come? Given numbers of the pranayama in each chakra should result in several hours of the practice? How is it possible to repeat so many inhales in all chakras?

A: It is the potency and the power of this technique. By the time of learning and performing Omkar kriya a yogi had been in the numerous Samadhis and mastered necessary skills and force for this vigorous performance.

If something goes wrong in the process, it can be dangerous; you are touching the moment of Death itself – and coming back again and again.

Remember, this technique is learned and practiced during your lifetime so the threshold of death could be easily crossed at will. When you take a firm and irreversible decision to leave the body.

So, it is not the duration of the inhales, not the count of time of the air intake, but the potency of this pranayama, called an Omkar kriya, which allows your mind “to cross over”

I will give a simple example, based on the power-lifting sport: one guy is bench-pressing, say, 50 kgs. In one repetition. Another accomplished sportsman is bench-pressing 500 Kgs in one take.

The effect, the impact on the body will be very different for each one of them.

Ability to bench-press 500 kg in one go will take a lot of preparation and training and strength.

They do the same exercise, but their results will be different. The same is with this practice, which culminates in itself all the skills, acquired in the years of yogic preparation.

It is a concentrated and fierce power of the perfected performance, not it’s duration, which will lead you to the highest results.

After, a long time, by the inspiration of Shri Guru, a summarized introduction is given for the benefit of all true seekers. There are four major steps of this Yoga.

The First Step - Untying the knot of tongue (practicing Khechari Mudra and achieving it).

The Second Step - Opening the knot of navel (Untieing the silver chord which binds the astral body to the physical body through the navel.

The Third Step - Opening the knot of heart (going higher and seeing Lord Krishna face to face and gaining control over life force)

The Fourth Step - Untying the knot in Mooladhar (realizing the essence of all creation as Time - the force behind the life force and seeing Lord Shiva face to face)

All these steps can only be learned from the Guru. But still, I indicate the practice for the seekers of truth.

The First Step - In the first course of opening the tongue knot, for achieving the Khechari Mudra, seven special techniques are taught which are practiced in proportion to each other. Some special Pranayams are taught in this first course of Yoga.

The Second Step - By Hard Practice the Yogi achieves the Khechari Mudra and by mastering the mystic Pranayam, his consciousness expands beyond his physical limits and he is able to establish some control over the natural inspiration and the expiration. Then he qualifies to receive the special Pranayam to untie the navel knot, which enables him to achieve a certain degree of control over the silver chord which binds the astral body to the physical body, and with the help of the second Pranayam he is able to move the center of silver chord from the navel to between the eyebrows. In the language of mystics this is called untying the navel knot. The Yogi who is practicing the Yoga with a single minded purpose is now ready to receive the third course of this practice for opening his heart knot and going higher and seeing the Lord Vishnu or Vasudev face to face.

The Third Step - There are three major sub steps of this very high practice. In the first step there are three techniques. After completing them successfully, the Yogi receives the first Pranayam of this practice. By the power of this Pranayam, the Yogi is able to concentrate and bring his life force from his forehead to his heart. The successful Yogi becomes qualified to receive the second Pranayam of this course. From here the practice becomes even more difficult. By the result of this second Pranayam, the Yogi is able to maintain his life force fully concentrated inside his heart and enjoys periods of breathlessness, when the breathlessness becomes habitual, he receives the last teaching of the third step. The last course has two steps. By their ardent practice, the Yogi's pulse and heart beat begin to cease, without his physical death. And in that stage, he beholds Lord Vasudev in his four armed most beautiful human form face to face.

The Fourth Step - Treading the path of this mystic Yoga, the Yogi who is successful in opening his heart's knot after seeing the Lord Vasudev face to face, now receives the last teaching from his Guru, to know the essential universal form, the essence of Time, the light of all lights - Lord Shiva as the time itself. There are two steps in this last technique. By the practice of this last Pranayam, the great man who has come this far, now experiences the universal form of Lord Krishna as effulgence of all effulgence, the light of all lights, the tremendously intense light and sees Lord Shiva as the all pervading, omnipotent time and knows his essence and becomes liberated and becomes one with the Time.

Q: when the lotuses will be formed?

Guruji: in the need time you are practicing lotus are also forming; everything is going together.

But Brahma – also literally means the mind. Brahma granthi bhed is the first step in Kriya yoga; when you are doing khechari mudra, that means you connect your plug in, your mind starts open up and energy comes down to anahata chakra. When you open the heart – it goes down to your navel. Then you open it also – up to muladhara. And because the path is clear – kundalini will rise without any obstacle.

In this yoga practice, there are four stages – Arambha (the
beginning), Ghatam (when it is happening) , Parichaya
(knowing), and Nishpatti ( becoming one with the
experience).

With the piercing of Brahma Granthi, the feeling of bliss
arises from the Void, and wondrous, tinkling sounds and
the un-struck sound are heard within the body.
Piercing of the three knots – Brahma Granthi, Vishnu
Granthi, and Rudra Granthi – is the main goal of Kriya
Yoga. Now the great yogi Swatmarama begins to describe
the process. It is only in Hatha Yoga Pradipika that we find
a detailed step-by-step description of how to do it.
”

The body of the yogi, who experiences the beginning or
Arambha in the void of the heart, becomes lustrous, bril-
liant with a divine fragrance, and free from all diseases.
These are the physical symptoms which appear after a
successful piercing of Brahma Granthi.
”

When the second state comes (Ghata Avastha), the vayu
goes into the middle, and being fixed in his asana
(Siddhasana), the wise yogi becomes akin to a divine being.
After a successful piercing of Brahma Granthi, piercing
of Vishnu Granthi takes place, or let’s say, when the first
step has been taken successfully, the second step follows
naturally.
When the Vishnu Granthi is pierced, the greatest bliss
is experienced. Then from the pure Void, Atishunya, the
sound of the kettledrum comes.
”

In the third state, there is experience of the sound of the
drum. Then, there is a great Void and one enters the place
of total perfection or siddhi.
When the natural bliss of the mind is attained, spontane-
ous ecstasy arises. All the doshas (flaws), pain, old age,
disease, hunger, sleep are overcome.
Ghata Avastha and Parichya Avastha are the two main
steps of the piercing of Vishnu Granthi. After successful -
ly completing them, the yogi is ready for piercing of the
Rudra Granthi or entering into Nishpatti Avastha.
”

If Rudra Granthi is pierced, the fire moves to the place
of Ishvara (Shiva). Then, in the stage of Nishpatti or
consummation, the tinkling sound of the flute is experi -
enced, resonating like a veena.
This is called Raja Yoga – when there is one element in
the mind, the yogi becomes Ishvara, being the creator
and the destroyer at the same time.

Whether there is liberation or no liberation, there is
extreme satisfaction. That bliss arising from the laya is
Raja Yoga.
Only Hatha Karma (the process of Hatha Yoga) leads to
the knowledge of Raja Yoga. Those who practice other
methods receive no fruit from their efforts.

Y ogi Swatmarama, who wrote this book, says: "In my
opinion, concentration or dhyana between the eyebrows
leads to Unmani (Samadhi) soon. This is the best method
for attaining Raja Yoga even for those who are not so
wise. The laya attained through the nada gives an imme -
diate experience."
There is an ever-increasing bliss in the heart of the great
yogi who remains in Samadhi through the exploration
of nada. The bliss, which is unequalled and beyond any
description, is known only to Shri Gurunath.

The first course of this yoga which a beginner yogi practices for liberating his consciousness from physical limitations is known as Brahma-granthi-bheda or jivha-granthi-bheda. This consists of mastering the khechari posture and an act of special pranayam in which the natural moves of prana and apana are restrained and prana is oblated into apana and apana is oblated into prana to bring them into equilibrium. During this course, when a yogi is able to do khechari, which means his tongue, folded backwards, enters the palate and stands erect towards the bhrumadhya, and, simultaneously pran and apan become level, he rises above the physical limitations and proceeds towards his establishment in the immensity. At this stage he is qualified for the second course of this ancient yoga.
The second course is called as hridaya-granthi-bheda or Vishnu-granthi-bheda. This includes two extraordinary pranayamas. The first one consists of sitting in khechari posture and raising apana to station it in the heart and to lower the prana from the heart and station it at the place of apana. A special act of the head and the neck is performed with this pranayam. In the second pranayam of hrdaya-granthi-bheda a yogi practices to silence both prana and apana together with a special act of the head and the neck. A yogi who is successful at this stage can have a direct darshan of Lord Vasudev, who is so called because he resides in the heart of all the creatures and contains the entire corporeal world. A yogi is then established in the consciousness of the all-pervading Void, an embodiment of Vishnu himself. When successful in hridaya-granthi-bhed, a yogi becomes fit for the practice of Rudra-granthi-bheda or muladhar-granthi-bheda. It is so called, because a yogi, through the medium of death, can directly perceive the ultimate truth, the Time, which is called Muladhar because it is the basic support of all the supports.

Only those yogis become successful in this practice who have succeeded in achieving hridaya-grathi-bheda as they are already established in the consciousness of Void and can easily quieten their heart-beat. In this final course of yoga that causes a direct perception of the unmanifest Time, prana is oblated in prana by sitting in the posture of yonimudra. This pranayam is called as ‘Omkar kriya’. As a result of this, the yogis have a direct darshan of the Time, the ultimate Supreme Being, and thereby know Its true character. This ‘Omkar kriya’ even enables them to forsake their body by yogic strength at the end of their life.

Oh Kurushreshtha! Those who are blessed with amrit – the produce of the yajna, attain the Eternal Brahma. For those who are without yajna, there is not even this world, then what is there of the world beyond?

Yogis awaken their entire consciousness by practicing this great yoga and realize the true character of death and having crossed the physical limits, they are established in the Eternal Brahma. Those who cannot do this, remain bewildered and with their limited consciousness they get consumed just for nothing in this world. When death presents itself they are verily frightened because they have no knowledge of death.

Many yajnas of this kind emanated from the mouth of Brahma; consider them all as assigned karma. In this way you shall be emancipated.

Three main stages giving step by step knowledge of this ancient yoga were enunciated by the knowers of the Brahma. These are practiced with a firm determination by the seekers of absolution after receiving advice from great persons who have realized the Brahma. Thereby they liberate their consciousness from the physical limits. They become Sthitaprajana by knowing the true character of death and become free from the big obligation of taking birth.

He, who has the same feelings for the kind-hearted, friends, enemies, the indifferent, mediators, and the despicable as well as for brothers, sages and also the sinners, is a great person.

When his consciousness gets liberated from physical limitations by the practice of the first stage of yoga i.e. Brahma-granthi-bhedan, a yogi begins to perceive Vasudev, who is so named because he resides in the heart of all the creatures. By beholding Vasudev in the heart of all the creatures he beholds everybody at par.

Living a solitary life, self-controlled and without equipage, a yogi should perfect himself incessantly.

By crossing the physical limitations, or to describe in yoga parlance, when the practice of Brahma-granthi-bheda is perfected, a yogi proceeds to perform the practice of hrdaya-granthi-bheda, or Visnu-granthibheda, to know the true nature of Vasudev who resides in the heart of everybody. Bhagavan ShriKrishn now narrates that splendid practice.

Living at a holy place, neither a hill nor a dale and seated upon a carpet of grass, deer skin and cloth with a focused mind and all physical and mental activities duly controlled, a yogi should take the seat and then practice yoga.

When a yogi qualifies for the practice of hrdaya-granthi-bheda, he is graced by the guru with the advice of this secret practice and while living alone at a holy place that is neither at a mountain top nor quite close to the sea level, he should prepare his seat by laying a grass carpet, cover it with deer skin and then cover it with a silk cloth. Seated upon this, he should practice this special expedient of yoga to know in Its entire immensity, the immensity of Time prevailing in the heart which is named Vasudev.

He, who closes all the exits, holds his mind into the heart, places his prana at the head, is established in deep concentration, repeats the monosyllabic mantra Om and forsakes his body by recalling Me, attains that Ultimate Destination.

He, who, by closing the nine exits of the body by yonimudra (this applies to a yogi whose heart has become sushumna due to his capacity to stop heart-beats after achieving hridaya-granthi-bheda), by conveying the mind along with the prana into the state of sushumna and by placing the prana at the middle of the eye-brows (bhrumadhya), gets a direct darshan of the unbearable brilliance of the Time, and who when firmly placed in it, can performs 20736 (Twenty thousand seven hundred and thirty six) Omkar kriyas in one breath for forsaking his body, he attains the ultimate destination by uniting with the unbearable brilliance of that Time.

Oh Parth! I am easily available to an ever-devoted yogi who always recalls Me with an undivided mind.

It is easier for those yogis who have been doing a valorous practice of yoga all their lives to directly perceive the immense brightness of Time by means of this last stage of yoga.

The great souls, who have achieved ultimate accomplishment, attain Me, and do not avail of rebirth that is transient and is a home to the pains.

The Time-Conscious great souls established in the results of yoga are established in the immense brilliance of the Time and are never again trapped in physical limitations.