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What is the significance of the Kriya Yoga lineage and how is Swami Kripalvananda a part of it?

The Kriya Yoga lineage holds great significance in the world of yoga and spirituality. It is a lineage that has been passed down from ancient times, with its roots in the Himalayas. This lineage is believed to hold the key to unlocking the highest levels of consciousness and spiritual growth.

Swami Kripalvananda, also known as Bapuji, was a renowned Kriya Yoga master who played a significant role in continuing and spreading the teachings of this lineage. He was born in 1913 in the state of Gujarat, India. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in spirituality and spent most of his time in meditation and self-study. In 1930, he met his guru, Swami Shri Yukteswar Giri, who initiated him into the Kriya Yoga tradition.

The Kriya Yoga lineage is believed to have originated from Lord Shiva himself, who passed it down to his disciple, Adi Shankaracharya, and then to other great masters like Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar Giri. Swami Kripalvananda was a direct disciple of Sri Yukteswar Giri, and he received the complete teachings and practices of Kriya Yoga from him.

Swami Kripalvananda dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Kriya Yoga, and he established many ashrams and centers around the world. He also wrote several books and gave numerous lectures, sharing the wisdom of this ancient lineage with seekers from all walks of life.

One of the significant aspects of Kriya Yoga is its emphasis on the practice of pranayama, or breath control. This practice is said to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within us and lead us towards self-realization. Swami Kripalvananda was a master of pranayama and taught it to his disciples, helping them to experience the transformative power of this practice.

Another essential aspect of the Kriya Yoga lineage is the concept of guru-disciple relationship. Swami Kripalvananda emphasized the importance of having a true guru in one's spiritual journey and the need for surrendering to the guru's guidance. He himself was a living example of this, as he followed his guru's teachings with utmost devotion and dedication.

In conclusion, Swami Kripalvananda was an integral part of the Kriya Yoga lineage, and his contributions have played a significant role in preserving and spreading the teachings of this ancient tradition. His teachings continue to inspire and guide seekers on their spiritual journey, and his legacy lives on through his disciples and followers.