The Anuttara Lineage
Anuttara Yoga is deeply rooted in a sacred lineage that bridges East and West, transcending time, culture, and tradition. At its heart lies the philosophy and practices of Kashmir Shaivism, a non-dualistic tradition that celebrates the supreme consciousness—Anuttara—as the infinite essence of all existence. The lineage we honor is also intricately connected to the Self-Realization Fellowship, a spiritual path dedicated to self-mastery and unity with the Divine. This lineage includes a constellation of enlightened masters whose teachings illuminate the transformative practices of Anuttara Yoga.
Jesus Christ and Bhagavan Krishna
Our journey begins with two universally revered figures—Jesus Christ and Bhagavan Krishna—whose lives and teachings embody divine love, wisdom, and spiritual liberation. Jesus represents the eternal light of compassion and the ultimate surrender to the will of God. His life reminds us of the transformative power of grace, forgiveness, and selfless service. Bhagavan Krishna, the charioteer and guide of the Bhagavad Gita, embodies the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, teaching the path of dharma (righteous action) and devotion. Together, they symbolize the unity of spiritual truths across cultures, inviting seekers to transcend duality and find the Divine within.
Mahavatar Babaji: The Eternal Guru
Known as the deathless yogi, Mahavatar Babaji stands as the silent cornerstone of this lineage. Often described as the guiding force behind the modern revival of Kriya Yoga, Babaji’s presence transcends physical boundaries, appearing to select disciples to awaken their spiritual potential. His teachings emphasize the direct experience of God through disciplined practice, breath control, and meditation. Babaji’s timeless wisdom is a reminder of our inherent divinity and the infinite possibilities of spiritual awakening.
Lahiri Mahasaya: The Householder Saint
Lahiri Mahasaya, a disciple of Babaji, serves as a beacon of hope for those walking the spiritual path while fulfilling worldly responsibilities. As the householder saint, he demonstrated that one need not renounce daily life to achieve spiritual liberation. Lahiri Mahasaya’s systematic revival of Kriya Yoga made profound spiritual practices accessible to the modern world. His gentle yet unwavering dedication to self-realization inspires practitioners to integrate spirituality into every aspect of life, from family to work.
Swami Sri Yukteswar: The Jnana Yogi
Known as the “Gyanavatar” (incarnation of wisdom), Swami Sri Yukteswar represents the synthesis of spiritual and scientific knowledge. As Lahiri Mahasaya’s disciple and Paramahansa Yogananda’s teacher, he played a pivotal role in transmitting the teachings of this lineage. His insights into astrology, cosmology, and scripture illuminated the profound interconnectedness of the universe. Sri Yukteswar’s disciplined and analytical approach to spirituality inspires practitioners to balance devotion with inquiry, using discernment to peel away the layers of illusion and uncover the ultimate truth.
Paramahansa Yogananda: The Bridge Between East and West
Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, is the most widely recognized figure of this lineage. He carried the teachings of Kriya Yoga to the West, uniting spiritual seekers across cultures through the universal truths of love, meditation, and self-realization. Yogananda’s vision of “a worldwide temple of truth” reflects the inclusive spirit of this lineage, emphasizing that all paths lead to the same ultimate reality. His teachings continue to inspire millions, illuminating the path to spiritual freedom.
Anuttara Yoga: The Embodiment of Lineage
In the context of this sacred lineage, Anuttara Yoga emerges as a modern expression of timeless wisdom. Guided by Yogacharya Philip Christodoulou and shaped by the teachings of these enlightened masters, Anuttara Yoga integrates the profound truths of Kashmir Shaivism and the Self-Realization Fellowship into a cohesive practice. The word “Anuttara” means “supreme” or “unsurpassed,” reflecting the ultimate goal of this path: to realize unity with the infinite consciousness that transcends all duality.
Anuttara Yoga emphasizes practices that awaken this realization, including Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Nada Yoga. Hatha harmonizes solar and lunar energies, Raja leads practitioners inward through surrender and stillness, and Nada uses the vibrations of sound to attune the mind and body to higher frequencies. Together, these practices honor the sacred principles of this lineage, offering a path to spiritual transformation and liberation.
Honoring the Lineage in Practice
At Anuttara Yoga Shala, the lineage is not just a historical framework—it is a living tradition. Each class, meditation, and breath is infused with the wisdom and grace of these masters, guiding practitioners toward self-realization. By embracing this lineage, we invite practitioners to transcend the boundaries of individual identity and reconnect with the supreme essence within.
This lineage reminds us that spiritual awakening is not confined to a single path or practice. Whether through the teachings of Jesus Christ and Krishna, the silent guidance of Babaji, or the scientific wisdom of Sri Yukteswar, the journey to self-realization is universal. Anuttara Yoga honors the diversity of these teachings while celebrating the unity of their essence—a timeless call to awaken, transform, and unite with the infinite.
As you step into the sacred space of Anuttara Yoga, you are stepping into a tradition that spans centuries and connects hearts across the globe. Here, the lineage serves as both guide and inspiration, reminding us that we are all on the path to the same supreme reality.