Is Sudarshan Kriya and
Kriya Yoga same?

Kriya Yoga is a compound word meaning yoga of action and is a lifetime practice, whereas Sudarshan Kriya is a robust breathing technique that is practiced on a daily basis to improve or keep intact - physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health. 

Kriya Yoga as per Rishi Patanjali 

Kriya Yoga is cited in the second chapter of Patanjali Yoga Sutras. The first verse of the second chapter describes it concisely : 

“Tapaha swadhya yeshwarapranidhanani kriya yogaha” 

The above verse roughly translates to Kriya Yoga as tapas (penance), swadhyay (self-study) and bhakti (devotion). These three components that constitute Kriya Yoga are worth understanding in brief.

Tapas, Swadhayay and Bhakti

Tapas is going through the opposite values of life without complaining. Everybody experiences primarily five types of fire:-

1. Bhutagni (fire in the five elements),

2. Jatharagni (ie. digestive fire), 

3. Kamagni (lust and the fire of desires), 

4. Badabagni (fire of criticism), 

5. Jnanagni (fire of wisdom that destroys ignorance 

Going through these “fires” without getting heated or cooling off instantly is tapas! For example, fasting is tapas. 

Self-Study or Swadhyaya is introspection and observing your thoughts and emotions and, by observing, it is not meant judging and interpreting. 

Devotion to God is surrendering your thoughts and feelings and also your good and bad qualities to the divine. 

Kriya Yoga ameliorates miseries and troubles, and brings about equanimity of mind. 

Sudarshan Kriya

Breathing is the first act of life and also the last. Within the breath is the unexplored secret of life. Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful yet simple rhythmic breathing technique. It incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath, harmonizing the body, mind and emotions. The technique eliminates stress, tiredness and negative emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness and depression, leaving the mind calm and focused, and the body energized and totally relaxed. 

Aligns our Rhythm with Nature

Sudarshan Kriya elevates the prana by flushing out more than 90% of toxins every day. Day follows night, seasons come and go, a tree sheds its old leaves to get new ones - This is Nature's rhythm. Similarly, there are biological rhythms wherein we experience discomfort, discontent, and feel upset and unhappy sometimes, and content, happy and peaceful at other times. Sudarshan Kriya harmonizes these rhythms of the body, mind and emotions with those of Nature, making us more equanimous. Being in sync, we experience better health and joy, bringing harmony to our activities and relationships. Studies show that Prolactin, a well-being hormone, significantly increases from the very first session. It is an integral part of the Art of Living programs. 

Multiple Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya

Over 100 independent studies conducted in four continents and published in peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated an extensive range of benefits from practicing Sudarshan Kriya. 

Sudarshan Kriya has 

• been working as an antidepressant,

• worked as a post-traumatic stress reliever in veterans of Vietnam, tsunami and many such calamities,

• improved immune functions,

• helped tobacco addicts,

• helped in cognitive emotion regulation,

• helped in generalized anxiety disorders, whether with or without comorbidities,

• helped improve quality of life in diabetes patients,

• helped in dysthymic disorders,

• helped in other psychosomatic diseases, say various journals, including those of Nimhans and Harvard.

In short, Sudarshan Kriya practitioners have reported better immunity, increased stamina and sustained high-energy levels, greatly improving the quality of their lives. It has benefited millions of people on this planet, making their lives a celebration! 

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Written by : Sugandha Narang