Techniques of Knowledge

The four Techniques of Knowledge, also known as kriyas may have originated from the Surat Shabda Yoga and other ancient traditions in the Far East. References to similar techniques have been made throughout history. It comprises four techniques taught by a teacher (Guru in the Indian tradition) that helps a person to take his senses and invert them to reach an experience within. Historical references to these techniques can be found in books and poems from many religions as "Light", "Sound", "Name" and "Nectar" or similar names. In Indian scriptures it is often referred as Gyãn (also Jnana) or "Knowledge of the self", as well as Raj Vidya or "King of all knowledge".

The techniques of Knowledge have always been always a prominent part of the teachings of Prem Rawat. See also the past teachings and current teachings of Prem Rawat.

Techniques of Knowledge as taught by Prem Rawat

The four techniques of Knowledge taught by Prem Rawat (known as Maharaji to his students) are of ancient origin and have been taught in various ways throughout history. These techniques are said to help students take their senses and invert them within to experience inner peace, and those who study them often describe the experience simply as "going within." To remove any cultural connotations from simplicity and clarity of understanding, nowadays Rawat refers to them as simply 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th techniques.

The experience of Knowledge is descibed as highly internal and "atomistically" individual. The techniques are to be practiced privately, there being no social structure or hierarchy related to their practice. Although there is no liturgy or social obligation involved, Rawat instructs his students to practice the techniques daily for at least one hour to help in order to experience inner peace and fulfillment. The techniques are universally applicable and their practice has no impact on or relationship to a student's gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status or national origin[1]. Elan Vital also states that practice of Knowledge will not affect a person's religion.

Descriptions of Rawat's techniques have been posted on a website by critical ex-students. These descriptions were purportedly written people authorized by Rawat] to teach the techniques [2]. Current students assert that these descriptions are not accurate and moreover, to be useful the techniques require preparation and mentoring by a living teacher. This article does not contain a detailed description of the techniques because current students find it inappropriate to publish them on the internet.

In a Dutch periodical article written by Haan (who belonged to a critical movement within the catholic church, see references) in 1981, he writes that receiving Knowledge involved a formal initiation that the aspirant had to keep secret. In this article, Haan speculates that the reason for the secrecy is that he saw a direct connection between the techniques, the initiation and the need to live a life a devotion to Rawat. He also speculated that the fact that other groups may also use the same techniques would probably not help to increase the interest in them. Haan did not receive Knowledge and wrote this article based on observations in 1980 until 1981. In concurring with supporters' view, he asserted that the relationship between the disciple and guru is of central importance for the usefulness of the techniques.

The Knowledge Session

In his early days in the West, Rawat himself or his instructors (called Mahatmas in India) conducted these sessions in person with smaller groups. Nowdays, the techniques are taught via a multimedia presentation made by Maharaji. It is available in more than 50 languages (of which he speaks five himself: in English, Hindi, Nepalese, Spanish and Italian. The other languages are dubbed). Maharaji explains the techniques step-by-step, demonstrating them one by one in ample detail, to ensure that these are understood and practiced correctly. The whole process takes 2 1/2 hours, of which one hour is dedicated to practicing the techniques one by one, 15 minutes each. Before the presentation starts, people can hear Maharaji asking for three promises: a) to keep in touch, b) to give Knowledge a fair chance, and c) to not to share these techniques with anyone. He then asks attendees to stay and receive "the gift of Knoweldge" if they agree with these three promises.

The Knowledge sessions are facilitated by a technical operator that runs the multimedia presentation and the AV equipment needed, and another person that ensures the comfort of the attendees and assist them if needed. These people do this as volunteers. Knowledge sessions are available throughout the year in most Western countries mainly during weekends. In India, due to the large number of people, there are Knowledge sessions every day of the year. In special cases such as people in hospitals, or bed-ridden, etc, these volunteers go to were these people are to conduct the Knowledge session at their convenience.

References to the Kryias, Knowledge and the Teacher

Bhagavad Gita - Raj Vidya Raj Guyha Yog, Chapter 9. Available online
The Buddha-karita of Asvaghosha - Book 15 Available online
The Larger Pragñâ Pâramitâ Hridaya Sûtra Available online
Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sohila - Section 04, part 002.
Kabir - In his poems, Kabir makes numerous references to the techniques of Knowlegde (gyiãn) (e.g. Jaise mandir mahi; Hai koi rãm nãm batãvai; Rãm ke nãi neesãn bãgã) and to the importance of a teacher (e.g. K.S.S. p.4:41; K.S.S. p10:117; K.S.S. p.16:9; K.S.S. p.2:14)
Nanak - Numerous poems by Nanak refer to gyãn (Jnana) and the importance of a living master or guru. Available online
Jalalu'ddim Rumi. In many of the poems in his Mathnawi, Rumi refers to the experience within and the love for his teacher. Translation available online
Tai I Gin Hua Sung Dshï - An ancient esoteric Chinese book fom the Kiën Lung period in the 18th century traslated by Richard Wilhelm and discussed on the book "Das Geheimnis der Goldenen Blüte" (The Secret of the Golden Flower) in colaboration with Carl Jung. ISBN 0-1567-9980-4
Upanishads - Mandukya Upanishad, Chapter 3, Adavaita Prakarana.

Other references

Haan, Wim (Dutch language) De missie van het Goddelijk licht van goeroe Maharaj Ji: een subjektieve duiding from the series Religieuze bewegingen in Nederland: Feiten en Visies nr. 3, autumn 1981, edited by Drs. R. Bakker, Drs C. J. G. van der Burg, Dr. Reender Kranenborg, Dr. J van der Lans, and Drs. H. C. Stoffels (The study is mainly based on the Dutch branch of the Divine Light Mission) ISBN 90-242-2341-5