( Spiritual Scholar) : International Yoga Day (International Yoga Day 2024) has become an integral part of the global calendar, however its real significance lies in our souls. Yoga simply means union with God. Most people around the world still know yoga as physical exercise, yoga asanas, etc., but in reality, yoga is much more, which needs to be understood and practiced.

The spiritual yoga guru Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the famous spiritual text 'Yogikatamrita', traveled the West to teach truth seekers about the true meaning of yoga. Paramahansaji's emphasis on the practice of meditation as an integral part of the plan of action for those seeking the true meaning of life was both timely and timeless.

Yogananda advocated spiritual endeavour as the only way to achieve the highest goal of life, self-realisation, i.e., union (yoga) with God. His own guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, famously said, 'If you are making spiritual efforts now, everything will improve in the future!'

According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is the highest form of Yoga. He emphasized on following this specific scientific path to attain communion with God. Kriya Yoga consists of certain specific scientific techniques that enable the practitioner not only to improve his physical and mental health, but more importantly, it also enables the yogi to ultimately attain true peace and bliss, which is a clear indication of the presence of God within us.

Yogananda told his followers that everyone can practice the path of Kriya Yoga and that this path is definitely the gateway to the highest realm of existence. He has also explained in detail some preliminary techniques as well as the ideal-life philosophy, which is a necessary step to lead to the highest door of Kriya Yoga meditation.

Lord Krishna has also mentioned Kriya Yoga twice in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita in very beautiful words. Millions of people have been inspired to adopt Kriya Yoga as their way of life. Lahiri Mahasaya, the guru of Swami Sri Yukteshwar Giriji, emphasized that the real benefit of Kriya Yoga lies in its practice. The golden gateway to the higher levels of our existence is opened through meaningful and regular practice of the Kriya Yoga technique.