Shivyog Kriyas --- Part 1

Shivyog Kriyas are simple exercises developed scientifically to improve the quality of mind, body and soul by ancient Siddhas and Yogis so that we can learn to live in harmony. These Siddhas and Yogis were greatly influenced by their natural surroundings. They observed the animals around them and tried to understand their abilities and skills. As a result they created 84 Kriyas based on the observation of animals and nature. Thus we have Kurm (Turtle) Kriya, Manduk (Frog) Kriya, Sarp (Snake) Kriya, Simh (Lion) Kriya etc.

Babaji talked about two main secret Kriyas at his Houston Shivir, Pran (vital force energy) Kriya and Kurm Kriya (Tortoise pose). Everyone should practice these before Sadhana (Meditation) to calm the mind and attain Turya Avastha (State of consciousness).

Pran Kriya

• Sit straight and place your hands on your knees with palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your attention in-between your eyebrows.
• Take a deep breath while inhaling, and then exhale slowly. While inhaling feels that you are inhaling Tranquility and infinite healing with every breath, while exhaling feel that you are giving unconditional love to the universe. Do this 5 times.
• Bring your attention to the tip of your nose, then inhale and exhale speedily. Do this for as long as you can comfortably. Then pause and repeat the deep breathing step.
• Repeat whole process three times.

Kurm Kriya

• Sit straight and place your hands on your knees with palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your attention in-between your eyebrows.
• Take a deep breath while inhaling, and then exhale slowly. While inhaling feels that you are inhaling Tranquility and infinite healing with every breath, while exhaling feel that you are giving unconditional love to the universe. Do this 5 times.
• Place the fingers of your left hand on top of the fingers of your right hand. Extend both thumbs to form a triangular shape. Now keep them below your navel so that the naval should come in the center of triangular.
• While breathing in from the nose, bend your head backward (as far as you can) and mildly press your back with the end of head. While exhaling from the mouth, bend your head downward (as far as you can) and mildly press your chin with the chest. Do this 15 times.
• Repeat this process three times. The first two times with moderate speed, and the third time in slow speed.

Benefits

1. These Kriyas completely heal the Sthul Sharir (Physical body), Prana Sharir (Vital body) and Sukshma Sharir (Astral body).
2. It increases life span
3. It increases Prana (Vital life force energy)
4. It calms down thoughts
5. It purifies Nadis (Blood channels)
6. It helps to strengthen the spine and shoulders

Babaji says if you want to live a long and healthy life you must practice these Kriyas daily.