New life
What is initiation in Kriya Yoga?
Initiation means the beginning
It is a conscious step towards a life filled with more love, inner clarity, and divine presence. Initiation is like a spiritual rebirth—the blessing of the Master through the Kriya Yoga teacher (acharya).
What are you starting today?
A new life in which you become increasingly aware of your inner essence, your breath, and the nature of your soul.
What does initiation mean?
In Sanskrit, initiation is called diksha: di – "to give, to bestow" (spiritual knowledge), ksha – "to end, to dispel" (doubts, old habits). Diksha provides practical guidance on how to live a spiritual life and move step by step toward inner perfection (daksha). It is also the beginning of inner purification and a new relationship with the Divine.
Symbolic meaning
Three donations
On the day of initiation, it is customary to bring money, flowers, and fruit. These symbolize:
A monetary donation symbolizes the body
Remember, the body is a gift from God.
Flowers symbolize
the mind
Let’s put our minds together to make it clear and loving.
Fruit symbolizes
the fruits of labor
Act consciously so that the fruits of the future are “worth the sacrifice.”
Practical matters:
- Observe silence and inner calm.
- If possible, arrive on an empty stomach; if you are taking medication, act as necessary.
- Discuss any health issues with your teacher.
Mental hygiene “ticks”:
- Practice every day (even briefly).
- Observe the “tricks” of the mind and return your attention to your breath.
- Speak less and more purposefully.
- Maintain a cheerful spirit and follow your inner changes.
Balance of body, mind and spirit
Body
Maintain a straight, natural posture – don't move constantly, but don't stay in a tense position either. With regular practice, this will become easier and more natural.
Mind
The mind tends to wander and drift away. Your practice gently, patiently, and repeatedly brings it back, training your attention and inner clarity.
Spirit
Regular meditation and conscious self-discipline gradually change not only your feelings, but also your deeper attitude towards yourself and the world.
Your deity (iṣṭa-deva(tā) and mantra
In India, God is worshipped both in form and without form. If you have your own Iṣṭa Devata (e.g., Krishna, Shiva, Mother Kali, a saint, etc.), tell your teacher—he will help you integrate it into your practice and may give you an individual mantra.
About mantras
- A mantra is a prayer/vibration that is chanted or remembered in your mind.
- Om is the first mantra (one syllable). Initiation takes place with Om or the seed mantra (biǰa), depending on your deity.
- In Kriya Yoga, the emphasis is on ajapa gāyatrī – observing the inhalation/exhalation of the breath; the breath is your true mantra.
- When the mind is restless, verbal chanting or even writing the mantra is helpful.
- During moments of breath retention, remember the mantra in your mind.
Three inner divine attributes
Through initiation and regular practice, you gradually learn to recognize and understand three inner qualities that reveal themselves through direct experience.
Sound
At first, it may manifest as the sound of wind, water, humming, or a flute. At the beginning of the practice, it may help to cover your ears, but over time, the sound will be perceived as coming from within.
Light
Light can manifest itself as a milky white, smoky, colorful, or mottled phenomenon. It is not a figment of the imagination, but a real inner experience that becomes more stable, clearer, and easier to recognize with practice.
Vibration
At first, the vibration feels like a gentle pulsation in the body.
As you deepen your practice, it transforms into a subtle, flowing movement of energy in the spine and throughout the body.
This experience manifests itself differently for everyone: some hear it first, others see it, and still others feel it. Don’t worry — continue to practice patiently and with love.
After initiation
What to do next?
Daily practice
Even 10–20 minutes is valuable.
Maintain contact with teachers
Lectures, retreats, books.
Keep it simple
Fewer words, more presence and breath.
Inner attitude
Joy, humility, gratitude.
Frequently asked questions
Can I write down the techniques?
No. Kriya yoga techniques are not written down – they are passed on under the guidance of a living teacher.
What if I can't do it on an empty stomach?
Health comes first – eat/take medication as needed.
What if I already have experience from elsewhere?
Come with a clean slate – leave comparisons aside, at least on the day of initiation.