Mahavatar Babaji appeared more than 5000 years ago. When He was about to leave His own body, 1800 years ago, His sister Mataji intervened, saying, ‘If it makes no difference to you, then please stay in your body until everyone has attained the true purpose of their lives.’
Moved by His sister’s request, Mahavatar Babaji agreed and committed His life to serve humanity on its path toward realisation, both Self- and God-realisation. He is still alive today, residing in the remote regions of the Himalayas.
Over thousands of years of practice, ancient rishis and sages discovered techniques to still the mind, rise above the limitations of the material world and connect with the divinity within. For millennia, this secret knowledge was exclusively passed down from master to disciple.
Kriya-yoga is a spiritual discipline that encompasses various techniques that can lead one to Self-realisation and prepare one for God-realisation. Through consistent practice, practitioners purify their minds, come to know their authentic Self and attain higher states of consciousness. It provides the means to rise above this mundane reality and escape the endless cycle of birth and death that keeps us trapped in this earthly realm.
This knowledge is imperishable, eternal. Once enlightenment arises in you, you will realise that you always had this knowledge inside of you.
— Paramahamsa Vishwananda
Mahavatar Babaji has been the guardian of this secret knowledge and these powerful techniques since His appearance in the world. He is known as the father of all kriya-yoga traditions, and He is the living embodiment of kriya-yoga.
The science of kriya-yoga is actually quite extensive. Throughout the ages, Mahavatar Babaji has given different kriya techniques to many masters in accordance with the needs of humanity at the time.
Over the millennia, only a select few learned kriya techniques directly from Mahavatar Babaji. The techniques were kept secret and hidden from the world until 150 years ago. In 1861, Mahavatar Babaji taught kriya-yoga to His disciple Lahiri Mahasaya, who then made it more well-known and available to householders.
Through disciplic succession, kriya-yoga finally came to the West. Lahiri Mahasaya taught it to Swami Sri Yukteswar, who taught it to Paramahamsa Yogananda, who brought it to America in 1920.
Now, thanks to Paramahamsa Vishwananda, Atma Kriya Yoga is available on a global scale. The practice, with its Shaktipat Initiation, awakens Divine Love and opens the door for yogis to attain Self- and God-realisation.
Mahavatar Babaji first appeared to Paramahamsa Vishwananda when the latter was five years old. Since then Mahavatar Babaji has appeared many more times, taking on the role of the guru (spiritual master), guiding and accompanying Paramahamsa Vishwananda throughout his mission.
Paramahamsa Vishwananda was born knowing all the kriya techniques. So when the time came, Mahavatar Babaji asked Paramhamsa Vishwananda to teach kriya-yoga. Concerned that people were not yet ready, He initially resisted. Then, in 2007, Mahavatar Babaji said it was time, and together, they chose the techniques that are now being taught in Atma Kriya Yoga.
Atma Kriya Yoga means ‘action with awareness of the soul’. It is a full yoga and meditation system that helps you realise and connect with your True Self. Ultimately, it is a practice that gives you a lived experience of unconditional Divine Love and a path to know God. It is not merely a meditation practice; it is a way of living and loving life.
Grace of the Masters
One of the really precious attributes of Atma Kriya Yoga is the Shaktipat Initiation, which means ‘descent of grace’ from the master to the student. The grace given during the initiation protects and guides the yogi during their practice and helps them to rapidly advance on their spiritual path.
Once a student receives Shaktipat, all the Masters are present whenever the yogi sits to do their practice; they are there to guide, bless and support the practitioner. The initiation illuminates the path to help yogis make the ultimate journey out of the mind and into the heart of Divine Love.
Shaktipat Initiation
Shaktipat is not simply a blessing; it is a hands-on transference of Shakti, divine energy. It is the essence of kriya-yoga. It is Mahavatar Babaji and Paramahamsa Vishwananda Themselves. Please note, Shaktipat Initiation does not require, nor imply, a guru relationship with either master.
Kriya techniques are incredibly powerful, and the Shaktipat Initiation guarantees the success of the techniques and the safety of the student. In essence, it is the key in the car that ignites the kriya, unlocks the chakras, and paves the way for one to realise their true Self.
Intrigued? Are you ready to take the next step? Click below to return to the Home Page where you can read more articles, sign up for one of our monthly Atma Kriya Yoga Discovery Sessions, and submit a request to find a teacher near you.