The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga
by Goswami Kriyananda
a review by John Gilbert

"The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga" (ISBN 0-9613099-1-1) by Goswami Kriyananda is published by the Temple of Kriya Yoga, 2414 N Kedzie, Chicago, Illinois 60647.  In this reviewers opinion this is an excellent next book to read after "Autobiography of a Yoga" by Paramahansa Yogananda.  It's also an excellent book even if you haven't read "Autobiography of a Yoga." 

Everything you ever wanted to know about Yoga in general and specifically Kriya Yoga is included in this text.  The first chapter discusses the five abstentions of non-violence, non-lying, non-stealing, non-dissipation and non-greed.  The second chapter discusses the five observances of purity, contentment, austerity, self-study and Centering on God.  Chapter three describes several purification techniques.  All these topics are part of every yoga path.

The next nine chapters are dedicated to Hatha Yoga postures and breathing exercises.  These are also common to the major schools of yoga.  These are all preliminary to centering oneself, called sense-withdrawal, concentration and meditation which are covered in the following chapters.  Only the Hong-Sau Kriya and EE Mantra are peculiar to Kriya Yoga. Everything else applies to all forms of yoga.

Kriyanandaji writes in an easy to understand style and explains each step in complete detail.  This book has become my "bible" for Kriya Yoga.  I use it to review the preliminaries to meditation on a weekly basis.  I use it to review Pranayama exercises and asana positions.  I use it to study the things I need to know to practice and teach Kriya Yoga.  

This book together with the Bhagavad Gita and Autobiography of a Yoga covers just about everything the student of Kriya Yoga needs to know.  These three books cover just about everything any yoga student needs to know.

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