From The Puran Purush — Sri Lahiri Mahasaya

Generally, it is seen that many people practice Hatha Yoga. They practice different yoga asanas and think that they are practicing yoga. By doing these, there are some benefits to the body but the indwelling Soul can’t be realized, and nor the mind becomes calm. And when the mind is not calm and controlled, spiritual practice can’t be practiced successfully.

For this Raj Yoga is necessary. Also, only calmness of mind can’t attain Self Realization. If the restless mind is controlled, spiritual goals can’t be attained. As long as Self Realization is not achieved, awareness has not been established in Brahmam, God, the Soul Centre, Kutastha Chaitanya, at the mid-point of the eyebrows, till then human life has attained perfection.

The progression of human life has not been successful. For these, a practice of a balanced combination of Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga,
and Laya Yoga is essential. The mind becomes still by the practice of Raja Yoga, the perception of the Soul is attained by Laya Yoga, and the practice of Hatha Yoga removes the tiredness, fatigue, aches, pain, and stiffness of the body. The tiredness and stiffness of the body which occurs by sitting a long time in meditation are removed by the practice of Hatha Yoga.

All these benefits of the practice of a combination of Yoga are achieved simultaneously by the practice of Kriya Yoga.

May God, and Gurus Bless, Guide, Protect, and Inspire you.

With Love and Best Wishes,

Humbly

Paramahansa Atmananda Ji

Originally published at https://kriyayogajagat.com on June 30, 2023.