What Are the 6 Types of Kriya? Exploring Kriya Yoga in Mornington, Australia

In the tranquil coastal town of Mornington, Australia, many seekers are turning to ancient yogic practices to discover deeper dimensions of self-awareness and holistic well-being. One such practice gaining steady popularity is Kriya Yoga—a system of spiritual development designed to elevate consciousness through precise, time-honoured techniques. Central to this practice are the six types of Kriya, which serve as foundational elements for inner transformation. But what are the 6 types of Kriya, and how do they play a role in one’s yogic journey, particularly in places like Mornington where wellness culture is thriving?

This article delves into each type of kriya in detail, aligns them with the broader philosophy of Kriya Yoga, and highlights their local relevance in the context of Australia’s growing spiritual and wellness communities.

✅ Understanding Kriya: The Backbone of Yogic Discipline

The Sanskrit word “kriya” comes from the root “kri,” meaning “to do” or “action.” In yogic philosophy, kriya refers to specific techniques or inner actions that purify the body and mind, creating the conditions necessary for spiritual awakening. While there are many forms of kriyas, classical Kriya Yoga—as revived by Mahavatar Babaji and brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda—is a comprehensive spiritual system integrating meditation, breath control (pranayama), mantra, and disciplined lifestyle.

In both traditional and modern Kriya Yoga teachings, six core types of kriya are identified, each playing a unique role in spiritual purification and energy elevation.

🌟 What Are the 6 Types of Kriya?

Each kriya technique is designed to awaken different aspects of human consciousness while detoxifying the energetic and physical layers of being. These kriyas are often taught during Kriya Yoga initiation or advanced workshops, including some now available through yoga studios like Bikram Yoga Mornington in Mornington.

1. Shatkarma Kriya (Cleansing Techniques)

The first step in Kriya Yoga is physical and energetic purification. Shatkarma refers to six cleansing processes:

• Neti (nasal cleansing)
• Dhauti (digestive cleansing)
• Nauli (abdominal massage)
• Basti (colon cleansing)
• Trataka (concentration through gazing)
• Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath)

These practices are still used by modern practitioners in Mornington wellness centers to eliminate toxins and prepare the body for higher yogic practices.

2. Pranayama Kriya (Breath Control)

Breath is the bridge between body and mind. Pranayama kriyas involve advanced breathing techniques that regulate the prana (life force). Some common types include:

• Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
• Ujjayi (victorious breath)
• Bhastrika (bellows breath)

In Mornington, where coastal living offers clean, fresh air, practitioners find pranayama especially rejuvenating. Studios such as Bikram Yoga Mornington incorporate pranayama into daily practice for stress relief and inner calm.

3. Mantra Kriya (Sound Vibration)

This kriya involves chanting sacred mantras or seed syllables (bija mantras) to harmonize the vibrational field of the practitioner. Common mantras include:

• Om (the universal sound)
• So Hum (I am That)
• Aham Brahmasmi (I am divine consciousness)

Many local practitioners in Mornington’s spiritual communities incorporate Vedic chanting or kirtan events as part of their group kriya sessions.

4. Mudra Kriya (Psychic Gestures)

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures or body positions that lock and direct subtle energy (prana) within the body. Important kriya mudras include:

• Khechari Mudra (tongue lock)
• Shambhavi Mudra (gaze fixation between the eyebrows)
• Jnana Mudra (gesture of wisdom)

Mudra kriyas are taught in many Mornington-based yoga teacher trainings, especially for advanced students looking to deepen their practice.

5. Bandha Kriya (Energy Locks)

Bandhas are internal locks that prevent the dissipation of pranic energy and redirect it up the spinal column. There are three main locks:

• Mula Bandha (root lock)
• Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock)
• Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock)

In Mornington’s more intensive Kriya Yoga retreats, these bandhas are introduced as part of kundalini awakening protocols, always under the supervision of experienced teachers.

6. Dhyana Kriya (Meditation Techniques)

The final kriya type is dhyana, or meditative absorption. This involves focused awareness, usually on a chakra, breath, or mantra. Techniques may include:

• Inner gazing (antar drishti)
• Visualizations of light or deities
• Kriya meditation (Hong-Sau technique)

Local meditation groups in Mornington, often hosted in wellness centers or community spaces near Main Street, integrate dhyana kriyas into guided sessions aimed at cultivating mental clarity and transcendence.

🧘‍♂️Local Relevance: Kriya Yoga in Mornington, Australia

The quiet charm of Mornington Peninsula offers a natural sanctuary for deep spiritual work. With its combination of beaches, bushland, and boutique wellness centers, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors alike are exploring Kriya Yoga. The presence of Ayurvedic spas, holistic health clinics, and meditation hubs has made the area ideal for both newcomers and seasoned yogis.

Studios such as Yoga Tree in Mount Eliza, Soma Wellbeing in Mornington, and retreat-style offerings in Red Hill have embraced kriya-based sessions that blend Vedic wisdom with modern healing.

🔗Final Thoughts: Embarking on Your Kriya Journey in Mornington

If you’ve ever wondered, “What are the 6 types of kriya?”—the answer is both intricate and enlightening. These six pillars—Shatkarma, Pranayama, Mantra, Mudra, Bandha, and Dhyana—are not just techniques; they are gateways to transformation, allowing individuals to connect with their inner being and the universal life force.

For residents of Mornington or anyone visiting Victoria’s scenic coast, there’s no better place to explore this ancient tradition in a serene and supportive setting. Whether you’re looking for spiritual depth, mental clarity, or energetic balance, the path of Kriya Yoga holds timeless wisdom waiting to be uncovered—one breath, one mantra, and one kriya at a time.