Kriya refers to a set of practices, mainly breath control techniques and exercises, that are practiced to achieve a specific outcome. The word "kriya" itself signifies the unity of work and worship of activity and divinity. Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama, that is part of a comprehensive spiritual path. It is a simple yet powerful meditation technique that can help reach higher states of consciousness and change ones life by developing mind, body, intellect, and awareness of the soul. Kriya Yoga is non-sectarian, requires no painful austerities, and suits lay practitioners involved in modern daily life as much as it does those who meditate in the quiet caves of Himalayan peaks.

Kriya Yoga was described by its practitioners as an ancient yoga system revived in modern times by Lahiri Mahasaya, who claimed to be initiated by a guru, Mahavatar Babaji, circa 1861 in the Himalayas. The Kriya yoga system consists of a number of levels of pranayama, mantra, and mudra, intended to rapidly accelerate spiritual development and engender a profound state of tranquility and God-communion. The Kriya technique helps the practitioner to control the life force by mentally drawing it up and down the spine, with awareness and will. According to Yogananda, one Kriya, which takes about half a minute, is equivalent to one year of natural spiritual growth.

Kriyas are specific sets of exercises, breathing techniques, and sound mantras used to unlock energy channels or chakras in the body. The sequence of each kriya is meant to enable subtle and direct changes in the body and mind of the practitioner. Kriyas have long been known by yogis to be beneficial, and many Kriyas are now becoming much more popular in the West. However, some Kriyas are ill-advised without proper supervision and guidance.

In summary, Kriya is a set of practices, mainly breath control techniques and exercises, that are practiced to achieve a specific outcome. Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama, that is part of a comprehensive spiritual path. The Kriya technique helps the practitioner to control the life force by mentally drawing it up and down the spine, with awareness and will. Kriyas are specific sets of exercises, breathing techniques, and sound mantras used to unlock energy channels or chakras in the body.