What is "kriya"

n. (context Yoga English) a technique or practice within a yoga discipline, also the outward physical manifestations of awakened kundalini

Kriyā (in Sanskrit "action, deed, effort"(in Tamil Kiriyai)) most commonly refers to a "completed action", technique or practice within a yoga discipline meant to achieve a specific result. Another meaning of Kriya is an outward physical manifestation of awakened kundalini, such as a spontaneous body movement related to Kundalini energy flow. O Kriya Shakti is "a power of thought" said to be greatly studied by yogis.

Kriyā may refer to:

• Kriyā Yoga (of Patañjali), one of two paths mentioned in the Yoga Sutras, introduced in the second chapter as three pillars: discipline (tapaḥ), spiritual study (svādhyāya) and devotion to God (iśvarapraṇidāna) (PYS, II:1)
• Kriyā (action), a "completed action", technique or practice within a yoga discipline meant to achieve a specific result; also used as an alternate name of the shatkarmas (karma=kriya).
• Kriya Yoga, the ancient yoga system revived in modern times by Mahavatar Babaji through his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya, c. 1861.