The appearance of Kriya yoga is tributary to a combination of yoga styles such as Bhakti, Jnana and Raja.

The word kriya means to make an effort or to transform. Although introduced to the modern world in the 19th century by master Lahiri Mahasaya, Kryia yoga seems to be much older. It was actually identified in the Bhagavad-Gita which is considered to be more than 3000 years old.

The practice of Kriya yoga demands a daily program of self-discipline of the mind and the body, and, most important than everything, a devotion to God. In order for a student to learn how to do this technique, the presence of a guru is a must-meet condition.

Kriya yoga can influence the existence of people in search of a deeper, more spiritual relationship with their essence. Focusing more on the Kundalini awakening, it is a meditation technique theorized by a series of esoteric principles. Moreover, the stress falls onto the power within oneself and the necessity to be guided by an initiate on the journey inside. There are several aims in Kriya yoga, among which the elimination of the separation line between mind and body.

An analysis of the three styles that meet in Kriya yoga is necessary for an understanding of the history and underlying principles of the practice. Thus, Karma yoga insists on the movement of the soul between inside and outside of the mind; Jnana yoga aims at conquering wisdom, liberating mind through knowledge, while Bhakti yoga centers on love, and how it allows one to come to terms with everything around oneself. By the combined mechanisms of these principles mind and soul purity are achieved. Consequently, Kriya yoga practitioners are certain that they can achieve self-fulfillment through Kriya routine rather than by other disciplines.

There are some stages to go through before practicing Kriya yoga. First of all, the body has to be ready, and Hatha yoga exercises are integrated in the practice for this very purpose.

Then, the mind needs preparation too. Mantras are uttered in Kriya yoga techniques in order to deepen the meditative experience.

It is said in Bhagavad-Gita that the aim of one who practices Kriya yoga is to look for and, hopefully, reach the Supreme Goal (Samahdi), by leaving the external world with its fears, angers and desires out and by controlling the intellect and the sensory mind.