What Is Kriya in Yoga? Understanding Shatkriya, Kriya Yoga and Traditional Yogic Cleansing
When people search for kriya yoga, they may be referring to several different practices. Some are interested in traditional Hatha Yoga cleansing techniques. Others are looking for Kriya Yoga as a spiritual discipline, while some are searching for energetic sequences, breathing practices or meditation methods.
Although these practices share the Sanskrit term kriya, they do not all refer to the same system.
Understanding the different meanings of kriya is an important part of studying yoga beyond physical postures. In traditional yoga, kriya can refer to a deliberate action, a specific technique, a purification practice or a broader spiritual discipline.
This article explores the meaning of kriya, the six traditional cleansing practices of Hatha Yoga, the distinction between Shatkriya and Kriya Yoga, and how these practices relate to pranayama, meditation and deeper yogic study.
What Does Kriya Mean in Yoga?
The Sanskrit word kriyā is related to the root kṛ, meaning “to do,” “to act” or “to perform.”
In yoga, the word can refer broadly to a purposeful action or practice. Its meaning depends on the tradition, text and context in which it is used.
For example, kriya may refer to:
A specific yogic technique
A cleansing or purification practice
A structured sequence of physical, energetic or mental practices
Kriya Yoga as described by Patanjali
A practice belonging to a particular spiritual lineage
This is why it is important not to assume that every course or teacher using the word kriya is teaching the same method.
Within traditional Hatha Yoga, kriya is often associated with cleansing practices. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Kriya Yoga refers to a threefold approach involving tapas, svadhyaya and Ishvara pranidhana. Other traditions use Kriya Yoga to describe specific systems of meditation and spiritual practice.
The name alone does not establish which method is being taught.
What Is Shatkriya in Hatha Yoga?
In Hatha Yoga, the term Shatkriya, also written as Shatkarma, commonly refers to six traditional purification practices.
The word shat means six, while karma means action. These practices are described in classical Hatha Yoga texts, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
The six practices traditionally associated with Shatkriya are:
Dhauti
Basti
Neti
Trataka
Nauli
Kapalabhati
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika presents these techniques as part of the wider system of Hatha Yoga. Traditional texts connect purification practices with preparation for pranayama and deeper yogic practice, although the descriptions, classifications and emphasis differ between texts and lineages.
These practices should not be approached as a collection of techniques to perform without preparation. Some are physically demanding or require specialised instruction, and not every practice is appropriate for every student.
The Six Traditional Yogic Cleansing Practices
1. Dhauti
Dhauti refers to a group of purification practices described in Hatha Yoga literature. The term encompasses different methods rather than one single technique.
Some forms are associated with cleansing areas of the digestive tract, while other variations involve different parts of the body.
Because certain dhauti practices can involve significant physical risk when performed incorrectly, they should not be learned from a written description or attempted without appropriate supervision. The exact method, preparation, suitability and contraindications must be considered carefully.
The traditional classification of dhauti also varies between texts, so students should study the practice through a knowledgeable teacher and within a clearly defined lineage.
2. Basti
Basti is traditionally associated with yogic cleansing of the lower digestive system.
Historical Hatha Yoga texts describe different approaches to the practice. However, traditional descriptions should not be interpreted as a recommendation for self-administered cleansing or as a substitute for modern medical care.
Basti is not an appropriate practice for casual experimentation. Anyone studying it should understand the traditional context, potential risks, hygiene requirements and relevant medical contraindications.
In a responsible yoga education, theoretical knowledge does not automatically mean that a student should practise every technique.
3. Neti
Neti is a cleansing practice associated with the nasal passages. One commonly known form is Jala Neti, which uses water to cleanse the nasal passages.
Unlike some of the more advanced Shatkriya techniques, neti is familiar to many contemporary yoga practitioners. Nevertheless, correct preparation and hygiene are essential.
When practising nasal irrigation, appropriate water safety is especially important. Water should be sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled according to established medical safety guidance. Improperly prepared water can introduce serious infection risks.
Students should also learn how to use the equipment correctly, recognise discomfort and understand when the practice may not be suitable.
Neti should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment for sinus disease, allergies or other medical conditions.
4. Trataka
Trataka is traditionally associated with steady gazing and concentration.
A commonly practised form involves gazing at a fixed object, such as a candle flame, while maintaining a steady and attentive gaze. Different traditions may use different objects or instructions.
Trataka is often discussed in relation to:
Concentration
Steadiness of attention
Visual focus
Preparation for meditation
Awareness of mental activity
The practice should be approached gently. Staring forcefully, ignoring eye discomfort or treating tears as a measure of achievement is not necessary.
The appropriate duration and method depend on the student, the object being used and the instruction provided.
Trataka also illustrates how traditional yoga practices may connect physical actions with deeper mental and contemplative aims.
5. Nauli
Nauli is an advanced Hatha Yoga practice involving controlled movement of the abdominal muscles.
It is traditionally associated with abdominal manipulation and is generally taught only after students have developed an appropriate foundation in related practices.
Nauli requires coordination, body awareness and careful progression. It is not simply an abdominal exercise or a technique that should be attempted after watching a short online tutorial.
Students need to understand preparation, contraindications and the conditions under which the practice should be avoided. People who are pregnant, recovering from surgery or managing certain medical conditions may need to avoid it altogether and seek appropriate professional advice.
Nauli is best approached as an advanced traditional practice, not as a fitness challenge.
6. Kapalabhati
Kapalabhati is included among the cleansing practices in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, although it is also commonly taught today alongside pranayama.
The name is often translated as “skull shining,” but translations alone do not fully explain the practice or its traditional purpose.
Kapalabhati generally involves active exhalations with more passive inhalations. The technique can vary in presentation, and it should not be confused with every form of rapid breathing.
Because the practice changes breathing patterns and can be physically demanding, it is not appropriate for everyone. Students should learn correct technique, preparation, intensity and contraindications from a qualified teacher.
The fact that a technique is traditional does not mean it should be practised without individual assessment or modification.
Why Are Kriyas Practised in Hatha Yoga?
Traditional Hatha Yoga texts place importance on preparing the body and mind for deeper practice.
The cleansing techniques are described in relation to purification and preparation, particularly for pranayama. The underlying framework is not identical to modern concepts of detoxification, and traditional claims should not automatically be presented as scientifically established medical effects.
Within the broader yogic system, kriyas may be understood as practices that support readiness, discipline and refinement.
Their traditional purposes can be explored through several themes:
Preparation for pranayama
Physical cleanliness
Development of body awareness
Cultivation of discipline
Refinement of attention
Preparation for deeper internal practices
However, the purpose of a kriya depends on the specific practice and tradition. It is not accurate to claim that all kriyas have one identical function.
Kriya vs Pranayama: What Is the Difference?
Kriya and pranayama are sometimes used interchangeably in modern yoga classes, but they are not synonymous.
Pranayama refers to the yogic discipline of working with the breath and prana. It includes methods of breath awareness, regulation and, in some traditions, retention.
Kriya is a broader term that can refer to a particular action or technique. In Hatha Yoga, it may refer to cleansing practices, while in other traditions it can describe a sequence or spiritual discipline.
There can be overlap between the two. Some kriyas involve breathing, and pranayama may be included within a wider sequence of practices. However, the terms describe different categories and should be explained according to their context.
Understanding this distinction helps students avoid treating all breathwork, cleansing and energetic practices as the same thing.
What Is Kriya Yoga in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras?
The term Kriya Yoga also appears in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
In Sutra 2.1, Patanjali describes Kriya Yoga through three components:
Tapas: disciplined effort or committed practice
Svadhyaya: self-study and study of relevant teachings
Ishvara pranidhana: devotion or surrender to Ishvara
In this context, Kriya Yoga is not presented as one particular cleansing technique or breathing sequence. It describes a framework of practice that supports the cultivation of yoga.
Patanjali’s use of the term should therefore be distinguished from the Shatkriya practices of Hatha Yoga and from modern lineages that use Kriya Yoga to refer to a particular system of meditation.
The shared name does not mean that all these approaches are interchangeable.
Is Kriya the Same as Kundalini Kriya?
Not necessarily.
In some modern yoga settings, a kriya refers to a specific sequence combining postures, breathwork, mudras, mantra, concentration or meditation. Certain Kundalini Yoga traditions use the term in this way.
These sequences belong to their own teaching contexts and lineages. Their structure and purpose may differ significantly from the six cleansing practices of Hatha Yoga.
When studying a kriya, it is useful to ask:
Which tradition does it come from?
What text or lineage supports the practice?
What is its intended purpose?
Is it a cleansing technique, a meditative sequence or another form of practice?
What preparation and guidance are required?
These questions help students approach yoga with greater clarity rather than assuming that a shared name indicates a shared method.
Are Kriyas Safe for Everyone?
No yogic technique should be assumed to be suitable for everyone simply because it is traditional or commonly taught.
The safety of a practice depends on several factors, including:
The specific technique
The student’s experience
Physical and medical circumstances
The method of instruction
The intensity and duration
Preparation and recovery
Whether appropriate supervision is available
Some kriyas are relatively accessible when taught correctly, while others are advanced and may carry meaningful risks.
Students should not attempt advanced cleansing techniques based solely on online instructions. Practices involving forceful breathing, abdominal manipulation, internal cleansing or prolonged retention require particular care.
A responsible yoga teacher should be willing to modify, postpone or exclude a practice when it is not appropriate for a student.
Traditional yoga education is not about performing every available technique. It is about understanding the practice, respecting its purpose and applying discernment.
How Are Kriyas Related to Pranayama and Meditation?
In traditional Hatha Yoga, kriyas, asana, pranayama and meditation are not necessarily isolated disciplines. They can be studied as interconnected parts of a broader system.
Kriyas may be used in certain contexts as preparation. Asana can help develop steadiness and body awareness. Pranayama works with the breath and prana, while meditation develops deeper forms of attention and awareness.
The relationship between these practices depends on the tradition and the student’s stage of learning.
A thoughtful progression may involve:
Establishing a consistent personal practice
Learning foundational asana and breath awareness
Studying relevant philosophical principles
Receiving appropriate instruction in specific kriyas
Developing pranayama gradually
Exploring meditation and other internal practices
This does not mean every student must follow one universal sequence. Different lineages organise their teachings differently. The important point is that practices should be studied with context rather than treated as disconnected techniques.
Why Study Kriya in a Traditional Yoga Teacher Training?
For yoga teachers, studying kriya can expand their understanding of Hatha Yoga beyond asana and basic breathing exercises.
It can introduce students to:
Classical Hatha Yoga texts
Traditional purification methods
The relationship between preparation and practice
Yogic terminology
The importance of progression
Safety and individual suitability
The broader structure of yogic education
However, learning about a practice and being qualified to teach it are not necessarily the same thing.
A teacher may study the history and theory of an advanced kriya without immediately practising or teaching it. Practical instruction should depend on appropriate training, experience and the ability to assess students responsibly.
The quality of a traditional yoga education is reflected not only in the number of techniques taught, but also in how carefully their purpose, limitations and context are explained.
Explore Traditional Yoga with Moola Yoga Rishikesh
At Moola Yoga Rishikesh, we approach yoga as a comprehensive discipline that includes asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy and the study of traditional yogic methods.
Our teacher-training programmes explore the relationship between physical practice and the deeper dimensions of yoga, helping students develop a foundation for continued study.
Depending on the programme, students may encounter teachings related to Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, pranayama, meditation, Yoga Nidra, philosophy and traditional yogic practices.
If you are interested in studying kriya more deeply, it is important to choose a course that provides clear instruction, appropriate progression and a genuine understanding of the tradition in which the practice is taught.
You can explore our programmes here:
Final Thoughts
Kriya is not one single practice.
Depending on the tradition, the term may refer to Hatha Yoga cleansing techniques, Patanjali’s threefold Kriya Yoga, a particular sequence of energetic or meditative practices, or another deliberate yogic action.
The six Shatkriya practices of Hatha Yoga offer one important area of study, but they should be approached with preparation, guidance and discernment. They are not techniques to perform simply because they appear advanced or traditional.
Studying kriya in context allows practitioners to move beyond collecting techniques and towards a deeper understanding of how different practices fit within the wider path of yoga.
The value of traditional yoga education lies not only in learning what to practise, but also in understanding why, when and how a practice should be approached.
