The Sanskrit word kriya means "action." Yoga can mean the practice of procedures to facilitate overall well-being and spiritual growth, or it can mean wholeness: the final result of spiritual practice. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a two thousand year old treatise on superconscious meditation, kriya yoga is defined as: disciplined regulation of mental and sensory impulses, self analysis, study of metaphysics, meditation, and surrender of self consciousness (egoism) in favor of God-realization.

Kriya yoga is a concentrated approach to Self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment: awakening to full knowledge of the Infinite and of cosmic processes. It includes the most effective processes of all systems of yoga, with emphasis on wholesome, constructive living and superconscious meditation practice. Superconscious states are clear, refined states of consciousness superior to ordinary waking states and subconscious and unconscious states. The purpose of kriya yoga practice is to restore the practitioner's awareness to wholeness. This is accomplished by acquiring knowledge of one's true nature as a spiritual being; cultivating rational thinking, emotional balance, and physical health; purposeful living; and meditation.

To facilitate the unfoldment of innate qualities and elicit superconscious states, specific meditation techniques are taught and practiced. Beginning meditators are usually taught how to pray effectively and how to use a simple word or sound (mantra) to focus attention. After a period of preparatory study and practice, initiation into advanced meditation processes can be requested.