Kriya Yoga is a very specific system of Yoga that was revived in modern times by Lahiri Mahasaya. Paramahansa Yogananda brought it into widespread public awareness through his book Autobiography of a Yogi. The system consists of a number of yogic techniques that hasten the practitioner's spiritual development and help to bring about a profound state of tranquility and God-communion. 

History

According to Paramahansa Yogananda, in his Autobiography of a Yogi, Kriya Yoga was well-known in ancient India, but was eventually lost, due to "priestly secrecy and man’s indifference." The story of Lahiri Mahasaya receiving initiation into Kriya Yoga by the immortal yogi Mahavatar Babaji in 1861 is recounted in Autobiography of a Yogi.[1] Through Lahiri Mahasaya, Kriya Yoga soon spread throughout India. Yogananda, a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri who was himself a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, then brought Kriya Yoga to the United States and Europe during the 20th century. Since that time it has spread throughout the world through various Guru lineages, most of which claim descent from Lahiri Mahasaya. 

Lahiri Mahasaya's most well-known disciples were Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, Panchanon Bhattacharya, Swami Pranabananda, Swami Kebalananda, Swami Keshabananda, and Bhupendranath Sanyal (Sanyal Mahasaya). 

Early scripture references

Yogananda says that Krishna refers to Kriya Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita: 

"Offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling breath, the yogi neutralizes both these breaths; he thus releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control."

Also, that Krishna was referring to Kriya Yoga when "Krishna … relates that it was he, in a former incarnation, who communicated the indestructible yoga to an ancient illuminato, Vivasvat, who gave it to Manu, the great legislator. He, in turn, instructed Ikshwaku, the father of India’s solar warrior dynasty."  

Yogananda says that Patanjali was referring to Kriya Yoga when he wrote "Kriya Yoga consists of body discipline, mental control, and meditating on Aum." And again when he says," Liberation can be accomplished by that pranayama which is attained by disjoining the course of inspiration and expiration." 

Kriya Yoga lineagesThere are numerous organizations and teachers that present themselves as teaching the Kriya Yoga of Mahavatar Babaji. Following are some of them, arranged by the Guru lineage from which they descended. 

That trace their source to Lahiri Mahasaya, through various branches

Kriya Yoga Institute, founded by Paramahamsa Hariharananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri.

Kriya Yoga Foundation (various practice groups in most European countries, Russia and India), founded by Swami Shankarananda Giri, a direct disciple of Swami Narayana Giri (Prabhujee) who in turn was one of the closest disciples of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri.

The filial lineage of Lahiri Mahasaya continues in the person of Shibendu Lahiri, the great-grandson of Lahiri Mahasaya.

Yogacharya Dr.Ashoke Kumar Chatterjee is a disciple of Satya Charan Lahiri Mahasaya, grandson of Lahiri Mahasaya.

Sri Shailendra Sharma is a disciple of Shree Satya Charan Lahiri Mahasaya, one of the grandsons of Lahiri Mahasaya.

Swami Satyeswarananda Giri is a disciple of Mahamuni Babaji.

That trace their source to Lahiri Mahasaya through Paramahansa Yogananda

Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Ananda, founded by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Center for Spiritual Awareness, founded by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Self-Revelation church of absolute monism, founded by Swami Premananda, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Song of the Morning Retreat Center, founded by Yogacharya Oliver Black, a direct disciple of Yogananda.

Temple of Kriya Yoga, begun by Goswami Kriyananda, Disciple of Shri Shelliji, direct Disciple of Yogananda.

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