In an age of increasing stress, distraction and uncertainty, an ancient spiritual practice centred on the simple act of breathing continues to attract people searching for inner peace and self-discovery.
Spiritual seekers across Trinidad and Tobago will have an opportunity to learn more about Kriya Yoga when internationally respected teachers Swami Purnatmananda Giri and Swami Sahajananda Giri visit the country for a series of free public lectures and initiation sessions from June 30 to July 5.
Though often described as a meditation practice, followers say Kriya Yoga is a complete spiritual path that seeks to harmonise the mind, body and soul through breath control, self-discipline and heightened awareness.
The word Kriya comes from the Sanskrit root meaning action or deed. Practitioners believe that through conscious breathing and mindful living, everyday actions can become a form of spiritual practice. The discipline teaches that true transformation begins within and that mastery of the breath can lead to mastery of the mind.
This philosophy is often expressed in a simple teaching: Breath control is self-control. Breath mastery is self-mastery.
Kriya Yoga traces its modern lineage to the 19th-century Indian yogi Lahiri Mahasaya, who is said to have revived the ancient science after receiving initiation from the legendary Himalayan master Mahavatar Babaji. The practice later gained international recognition through the work of Paramahansa Yogananda, whose influential 1946 book, Autobiography of a Yogi, introduced millions of readers to yogic philosophy and meditation.
According to the tradition, Kriya Yoga combines breathing techniques, meditation, mantra and spiritual discipline to accelerate personal and spiritual development. Practitioners say the techniques help cultivate tranquillity, compassion, clarity and a deeper awareness of the divine presence within.
Swami Purnatmananda Giri has followed the Kriya Yoga path since 1992 and entered full-time spiritual service after joining an ashram in 2005. He previously visited Trinidad and Tobago in 2024 and 2025, initiating local students into the practice and helping to establish a growing community of practitioners.
Organisers say this year’s visit is intended to make the teachings accessible to people from all religious and cultural backgrounds.
The programme begins with a free public lecture on Tuesday, June 30, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm at The University of the West Indies School of Education, Room 219, Agostini Street, St Augustine.
A second lecture takes place on Wednesday, July 1, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm at Krishna Mandir.
The final public lecture will be held on Friday, July 3, from 7 pm to 8 pm at Amarjyoth Sabha Mandir.
For those wishing to deepen their practice, initiation sessions will be conducted on July 4 and 5 at Chinmaya Mission. Participants will receive instruction in Kriya Yoga techniques, guided meditation, practical training and discussions on the benefits of the discipline.
Organisers describe the initiation programme as a rare opportunity to learn a tradition that has been passed directly from teacher to student for generations.
While the public lectures introduce the philosophy behind Kriya Yoga, the initiation sessions provide formal instruction in the techniques themselves.
Supporters of the practice say its appeal lies in its simplicity. In a world where people often search outside themselves for answers, Kriya Yoga teaches that peace, wisdom and spiritual fulfilment can be discovered through conscious breathing and inward reflection.
Those interested in attending the initiation programme can register through the official Kriya Yoga registration page at kriya.com
For many, it may begin with a single breath. For practitioners of Kriya Yoga, that breath is the first step on a lifelong journey of inner transformation.
