Yoga Meditation Techniques   

Kriya Yoga is one of four meditation techniques first made widely known by Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) in his Autobiography of a Yogi. Written in 1946 and expanded by him in subsequent editions, 'Autobiography' is a perennial best seller, has been translated into 18 languages and has been in continuous publication since it first appeared in 1946. It is widely regarded as a modern spiritual classic. 

Paramahansa Yogananda taught four main forms of meditation which can now be learned through the ‘The Self Realization Foundation’  founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda and at other centers around the world.    

Having reviewed a number of sites about Paramahansa Yogananda, I found the Ananda site to be the clearest, most straightforward and calming (!) site online. 

As a busy, working parent living miles from the nearest yoga studio, I can't make it to a regular yoga class so I practice at home sometimes on my own and sometimes with an online class.

The four kinds of meditation introduced by Paramahansa Yogananda and taught through    ‘The Self Realization Foundation’ are 

 Energization Exercises

 The Hong Sau Technique

 The Aum Technique

 Kriya Yoga

Energization Exercises: 

"A series of exercises developed by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1916 to prepare the body for meditation. Regular practice promotes mental and physical relaxation and develops dynamic will power. The technique enables one to consciously draw energy into the body, purifying and strengthening it, and making it easier to direct the energy inward in meditation."  

The Hong Sau Technique: 

"A simple but highly effective technique that helps to develop one's latent powers of concentration. Through practice of this technique one learns to withdraw thought and energy from outer distractions so that they may be focused on any goal to be achieved or problem to be solved. Or one may direct that concentrated attention toward a deepening perception of the Divine Consciousness within." 

The Aum Technique: 

"A powerful technique of meditation that expands one's awareness beyond the limitations of body and mind, and leads to direct personal experience of that Divine Consciousness which underlies and upholds all life." 

Kriya Yoga: 

"An advanced technique of meditation taught by the Self-Realization Fellowship to eligible students of Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings. (An in-depth explanation of the scientific basis of the Kriya Yoga technique is given in Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi.)"

The first ever online version of the 1946 version of Autobiography of a Yogi is available here

You'll find some Amazon recommendations, specific to Yoga Meditation, in the link below: