Scriptural roots of NithyaKriya
NithyaKriya is soundly anchored in the sacred yoga scriptures, including the legendary Patanjali Yoga Sutras, as well as the three classic texts that form the base of yoga – Hatha Yoga Pradipika, GherandaSamhita and Shiva Samhita. Patanjali Yoga Sutras is the foundational text of yoga, written by the father of yoga, the enlightened sage Patanjali. This esoteric yet highly practical text, based on Sankhya Yoga, is said to date back to the 2nd century BC, although it is believed to be far more ancient. Patanjali Yoga Sutras emphasize the value of yoga as a lifestyle through ashtanga yoga (8-limbed yoga).
Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a 15th century Sanskrit hatha yoga text, written by Swami Svatmarama, a disciple of Swami Gorakhnatha. The book is dedicated to Adinatha or Lord Shiva, who is said to have revealed the secrets of hatha yoga to his divine consort Devi Parvati. Hatha Yoga Pradipika contains four major upadeshaas (teachings), which reveal the correct understanding and practice of asanas, pranayama, chakras, bandhas, kriyas, shakti,
nadis, mudras and kundalini.
GherandaSamhita is a highly practical and effective yoga manual said to have been taught by the sage Gheranda to ChandaKapali. GherandaSamhita advocates a sevenfold yoga, including shatkarma (cleansing processes), asana (postures), pranayama (controlled breathing), mudra (finger locks), pratyahara (mind control), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (the fruit of all the above).
Shiva Samhitais a complex text that spans the entire spectrum of human experience, from health to liberation. Starting with a treatise on spiritual liberation, this text goes on to reveal 84 beneficial asanas, pranayama, meditation and visualization techniques, mantras, subtle energy channels (nadis), kundalini and the importance of the guru on the path.
The other texts that NithyaKriya draws from include the KumbhakaPaddhati of Raghuvira, Trisikhibrahmanopanishad, Yogakundalay Upanishad, Yogachudamany Upanishad and Yoga Taravali, JogaPradipika, Yogasana Mala Sachitra, among others.
For more information on NithyaKriyas, please watch the following video explaining the
science of kriyas:
The complete list of NithyaKriyas is available online for free to the world:
,www.nithyananda.org/nithya-kriyas
