By B D Narayankar Bengaluru, Jan 31 (Reporter) In an age of relentless distractions and rising mental unrest, a growing number of seekers are turning to an ancient yet scientifically structured practice - Kriya Yoga. Far from being just another meditative technique, Kriya Yoga has been revered as the 'airplane route' to self-realisation, offering a systematic method to harmonise the body, mind, and soul. Its resurgence today is no coincidence; as material success alone fails to bring lasting happiness, people across the world are looking for deeper answers. Swami Suddhananada Giri, a spiritual master who transitioned from a career in plasma physics to guiding seekers on the path of self-discovery, sees Kriya Yoga as the bridge between modern scientific understanding and ancient wisdom. "Kriya Yoga is not about belief—it is a direct, experiential science. Just as we harness external energy for technological advancements, this practice allows us to generate inner energy for spiritual evolution," he told UNI in an interview. Unlike conventional meditation practices that focus on stilling the mind through passive observation, Kriya Yoga employs precise breathing techniques, concentration, and controlled energy flow to accelerate spiritual growth. These methods were detailed in the 'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda, a seminal work that introduced millions to the transformative power of Kriya Yoga. Swamiji describes it as a systematic approach to higher consciousness. "Our breath is the link between the physical body and the subtle mind. By regulating the breath scientifically, we can influence our mental states and eventually reach a superconscious state," he says. He further explains how Kriya Yoga works at the biological level, enhancing oxygenation of the brain, improving nervous system function, and ultimately stilling mental fluctuations. "The effects of Kriya Yoga are not mystical—they are measurable," he adds. "Neuroscience is beginning to understand how controlled breathing impacts brain activity, emotional regulation, and even cellular ageing. What the Rishis knew intuitively, science is now proving." Despite its profound potential, Kriya Yoga remained a closely guarded secret for centuries. The ancient yogis passed it down only to the most dedicated disciples, fearing that its power could be misused or misunderstood. It was only in the 19th century, through the guidance of Mahavatar Babaji and the mission given to Lahiri Mahasaya, that Kriya Yoga was gradually made accessible to sincere seekers. The most significant turning point came in the early 20th century when Paramahansa Yogananda brought Kriya Yoga to the West, establishing the 'Self-Realization Fellowship'. "This was not just a spiritual movement; it was a revolution in consciousness," Swamiji says. "For the first time, an ancient Indian technique was being taught systematically across continents, bridging the gap between East and West." Yogananda’s teachings resonated deeply with scientists, intellectuals, and visionaries, including Steve Jobs and Mahatma Gandhi. Today, as interest in mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork reaches unprecedented levels, Kriya Yoga stands out as a complete and time-tested path to self-mastery. One of the most intriguing trends Swamiji has observed is the growing interest in Kriya Yoga among the younger generation. "Many young professionals, engineers, and entrepreneurs are realising that despite career success, something is missing. They are turning to Kriya Yoga not as an escape, but as a means to enhance their lives," he notes. At the Dhyana Kendra in Bengaluru, increasing numbers of seekers are enrolling in structured Kriya Yoga training. Some are drawn by its scientific appeal, others by the promise of mental clarity and stress reduction. "The beauty of Kriya Yoga is that it is universal. Whether you come from a religious, agnostic, or scientific background, it meets you where you are," Swamiji says. A central teaching of Kriya Yoga is that renunciation does not mean withdrawal from life but rather an internal detachment from restlessness and material obsession. Swamiji illustrates this with the example of Swami Sri Yukteswar, Yogananda’s guru, who harmonised both Vedantic wisdom and modern scientific understanding in his book The Holy Science. "Kriya Yoga is not about rejecting the world—it is about mastering the inner world so that we can live more fully and meaningfully in the external one," Swamiji explains. He believes this is the key to resolving modern dilemmas, from mental health crises to environmental challenges. "If people become more peaceful within, their actions automatically become more harmonious with the world around them." Despite its growing popularity, Swamiji cautions against reducing Kriya Yoga to an intellectual pursuit. "You cannot understand Kriya Yoga by reading about it—you must practice it," he insists. He encourages seekers to approach it with an open mind and personal commitment, rather than seeking quick-fix solutions. "The path of Kriya is simple but requires discipline. The rewards, however, are immeasurable—clarity, peace, and ultimately, liberation," he says. He believes that as more people experience the inner transformation it offers, the world will see a silent revolution—one where peace is cultivated not through external policies, but through individual awakening. Looking ahead, Swamiji sees Kriya Yoga playing a vital role in shaping the future of spirituality. As science and mysticism continue to converge, the world is beginning to acknowledge that true progress is not merely technological but also spiritual. “The great sages of India have always known that there is no conflict between science and spirituality. Kriya Yoga is the living proof of that. It is a method, a science, and ultimately, a key to unlocking our highest potential,” he says. As humanity stands at a crossroads—between technological expansion and inner crisis—Kriya Yoga offers a compelling solution: a way to master the external world without losing sight of the inner self. And for those willing to take the journey, the promise is nothing less than self-realisation...////...