Initiations (diksha)
The beginning of the spiritual journey in our tradition happens through an initiation or diksha into the techniques of Kriya Yoga. Techniques such as asanas , pranayamas, dhyanas and mantras , in a total of 144 techniques, were passed from Babaji to Yogi Ramaiah, from the latter to MG Satchidananda and from the latter to the network of Acharyas of which I am an integral part. These techniques are transmitted through progressive initiations:
First Initiation
The moment to receive the basic techniques, in the sense of foundation, essential techniques for the path of transformation. This basic consists of Kriya Hatha Yoga – a system with 18 asanas (physical postures), Kriya Kundalini Pranayama (a powerful breathing technique that activates psychic centers and purifies the entire system and seven Kriya Dhyana Yoga techniques (different meditations for each level of the mind) which dismantles the habitual, conditioned functioning that does not see what is behind apparent reality.
The first initiation is generally transmitted over a weekend, in the form of a seminar and can be done by anyone who truly aspires to enter this path and who recognizes the value of these inner keys, even without prior experience.
Second Initiation
In this next step it is not necessary to master the techniques received in the first initiation, but to know them. In fact, this is a good opportunity to reinforce their understanding. This initiation needs to take place in the form of a retreat, outside the participants' usual place, home, city, etc. In general in nature to ensure silence and reflection.
It is a Retreat of Silence and Initiation into mantras. The purpose here is to integrate Yoga into daily life, integrate the yogic perspective and live from it. New techniques are transmitted in a 24-hour silent retreat that prepares participants to receive the vibrational seed of the mantra.
Third Initiation
It is the entire system. You receive the set of techniques and understand that in previous initiations, you had received important portions, but you had not understood how the entire system works, as the genius of Babaji and the Siddhas is not explicit in them.
There are 144 techniques (you already received 1/3 of them in the two previous initiations), but now their sequence and them integrated into the set bring a new meaning. In nine days of retreat a purification process takes place and it is possible at the end to reach refined states of consciousness.
