The Kundalini Kriyas

In the book "Kundalini Tantra", Swami Satyananda introduces the Kundalini Kriyas of Kriya Yoga as follows:

The following tantric kriyas provide what is possibly the most efficient method for systematically evolving man's consciousness that has ever been developed. They are said to have been the teachings for the transcendental sadhana which Lord Shiva gave to his disciple and wife, Parvati.

Before beginning to learn the Kriyas, it is essential that the previously discussed Beginner and Advanced courses have been completed, and the student has attained a state of good physical, mental and spiritual health. If this is not the case, then it is entirely possible these Kriyas will result in physical illness, mental imbalance and/or psychic dislocation. These Kriyas are very powerful and adequate preparation is critical for a successful practice.

The following table lists the 20 Kriyas taught by Swami Satyananda. The student should first master all 20 Kriyas at the reduced number of rounds, then if time permits, gradually start practicing at the full number of rounds.

	Kriya	Full	Reduced
1	Vipareeta Karani Mudra	21	11
2	Chakra Anusandhana	9	9
3	Nada Sanchalana	13	5
4	Pawan Sanchalana	49	11
5	Shabda Sanchalana	59	11
6	Maha Mudra	12	6
7	Maha Bheda Mudra	12	6
8	Manduki Kriya	1-3 min	1-3 min
9	Tadan Kriya	7	7
10	Naumukhi Mudra	5	5
11	Shakti Chalini	5	5
12	Shambhavi	11	5
13	Amrit Pan	9	9
14	Chakra Bhedan	59	11
15	Sushumna Darshan	-	-
16	Prana Ahuti	~1 min	~1 min
17	Utthan	2-3 min	2-3 min
18	Swaroopa Darshan	2-3 min	2-3 min
19	Linga Sanchalana	2-3 min	2-3 min
20	Dhyana	-	-

I will briefly describe each Kriya over the course of 20 future posts, but for an immediate full description of each Kriya please refer to either of my two favorite yoga books.

Update on February 14, 2012: Links to the description and video for each Kriya have been added to the table above.