Am I doing Kriya right?

[Magnanimous]

Hey. I've done 2500+ Kriya Pranayama 1 (KP1) since starting one and a half months ago. 

The problem is I think I've been doing parts of it wrong.

1. Is it meant to be done with Uyajji Breathing? One of the instructions in KP1 says you must make a "SHAAAWWWW" sound (First sound made with Uyajji Breathing), and other pranayama types are done with Uyajji breathing. So should I learn Uyajji and incorporate it with KP1?
2. The JC Stevens written instructions say move energy from Muladhara to Medulla, but the illustrations has arrows in the Sushumna where the energy is meant to be directed, which I interpret as: Raise energy from Muladhara to Ajna -> localize energy at Medulla -> send it down back to Muladhara. (I do the Technique Tip of sending warm energy down the backside of the spine rather than through the Sushumna.)

What I do from reading Leo's instructions and JC Steven's instructions/illustrations are: 1. Raise cool prana from Muladhara to Ajna through the Sushumna 2. Continue raising the prana through brainstem and brain, blasting both 3. Localise energy at Medulla 4. Send warm prana down the backside of the spine from Medulla to Muladhara.

 

Am I doing KP1 right?

Finally, I need some reassurance. Even though I think I've been getting some steps wrong, and obviously not being perfect on the correct steps as a beginner, subjectively in my view I'm still getting benefits. 

Those 2500+ pranayama have not gone to waste, right? I've still got benefits?

[Leo Gura]

1 hour ago, Magnanimous said:

The problem is I think I've been doing parts of it wrong.

1. Is it meant to be done with Uyajji Breathing?

Yes, of course Uyajji.

Narrow your vocal chords and breathe in like sucking air through a straw.

1 hour ago, Magnanimous said:

1. The JC Stevens written instructions say move energy from Muladhara to Medulla, but the illustrations has arrows in the Sushumna where the energy is meant to be directed, which I interpret as: Raise energy from Muladhara to Ajna -> localize energy at Medulla -> send it down back to Muladhara. (I do the Technique Tip of sending warm energy down the backside of the spine rather than through the Sushumna.)

What I do from reading Leo's instructions and JC Steven's instructions/illustrations are: 1. Raise cool prana from Muladhara to Ajna through the Sushumna 2. Continue raising the prana through brainstem and brain, blasting both 3. Localise energy at Medulla 4. Send warm prana down the backside of the spine from Medulla to Muladhara.

I simplify it by just going from ass to top of skull.

There are multiple ways and they all work. So don't fret, just pick one.

1 hour ago, Magnanimous said:

Those 2500+ pranayama have not gone to waste, right? I've still got benefits?

You are doing fine, just make minor adjustments and keep the faith.

[Magnanimous]

18 minutes ago, Leo Gura said:

Yes, of course Uyajji.

Narrow your vocal chords and breathe in like sucking air through a straw.

How do you do the exhale?
When inhaling, I've been trying to make the SHAW sound. I just didn't know how to do inhale and exhale the proper Uyajji way.

Edited 1 hour ago by Magnanimous

[Leo Gura]

@Magnanimous Same way, just exhale.

It doesn't have to sound a particular way. You are just narrowing your throat to slow down the breath.

[ExploringReality]

@Leo Gura

I have been doing Satama gamanas instructions. Can you please just give a quick breakdown of your own practice please!!!!? Just cut Straight to the chase and explain what you are doing. How do you practice kriya yoga for a dummy? I don't want to overthink this. Thanks 

Edited 16 minutes ago by ExploringReality

[Leo Gura]

@ExploringReality All I do is pranayama, up the spine, from ass to crown. That's it. The more the better. I try to do 1-2hrs per day, broken up into 30min blocks.

Edited 15 minutes ago by Leo Gura