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Kundalini Tantra
This is a totally revised Edition of Kundalini Tantra brought out by Yoga Publications Trust which has been formed as a separate entity exclusively for Publishing the Books brought out by Bihar School Of Yoga.Kundalini Yoga is a part of the tantric tradition. Even though you may have already been introduced to yoga, it is necessary to know something about tantra also. Since ancient times, the wise have realised that mind can be expanded and that experiences do not necessarily depend on the object. This means that if somebody is playing music, I can hear it, and if somebody has painted a picture, I can see it, but I can also see if there is no picture, and I can also hear if there is no music. This is also a quality of man's personality which has been ignored in the last 150 to 200 years. This Book presents a systematic and pragmatic approach to the awakening of kundalini, which arouses greater intelligence from it's sleep and you can give birth to a new range of creativity. This particular edition is brought out to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2013. Includes colour plates,diagrams and charts.
453 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
422 people are currently reading
3163 people want to read
About the author
Satyananda Saraswati
376 books240 followersSwami Satyananda Saraswati was a sannyasin, yoga teacher and guru in both his native India and the West. He founded the International Yoga Fellowship in 1956 and the Bihar School of Yoga in 1963. He has authored over 80 books, including the well-known Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, recognised internationally as one of the most systematic yoga manuals today. Since its first publication by the Bihar School of yoga in 1969 it has been reprinted seventeen times and translated into many languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 22, 2013
Warning- this book makes many assertions that are patently wrong and scientifically illiterate. But take them as metaphors, the topic is quite wonderful, artful and very compelling.
Kundalini Tantra provides a succinct and apt description of human consciousness and meditative practices leading to self-inquiry and greater self-awareness -- ultimately leading to profound realizations of the nature of the mind, and the formation of conscious thought.
If you're interested in inquiring into the nature of thought, where and how thoughts arise, and how to experience the profound state of consciousness when the mind is aware of its own illusions (illusions of self, illusions of duality, etc); or even to learn about various meditation techniques to quiet the mind and relax -- then you'll love this book.
Unfortunately, the author seemed lost in his own metaphors, asserting beliefs as fact and claiming that "modern science" backs up his assertions (it doesn't, but that doesn't matter). In a way, I wish his claims were scientifically true, that a systematic and procedural approach would evolve a persons mind-- e.g., sit in the Siddhasana pose and repeat 30 "anahata" mantras and you'll have a balanced world view and exude loving kindness, etc-- we'd see a lot more enlightened people in the world if all one had to do was follow mechanical steps. Instead, he suppresses criticism of the abundant contradictions, and makes claims of psychic powers that have absolutely nothing to do with the nature of human consciousness, the cessation of suffering, or any of the topics described.
I wouldn't have minded these claims, even the silly psychic ones; but the author insisted on bringing in science... scientific reasoning does not make authoritarian assertions, it's merely a way to embrace uncertainty in the face of contradictory beliefs and find coherence (often through reproducible experiments).
But this book got me thinking: consider the Scientific Revolution, we have as our starting point in modern science a very cruel and strict Judeo-Christian mythology-- a dogmatic religious worldview with totalitarian themes that fortunately has been widely discredited by the very science that it produced.
Consider that modern medical science got it's start in mythologies that described the body as evil and potentially filled with demons. Now imagine a medical science that got its start not with demons, sin, and blood letting- but of the mythology of Kundalini Tantra.
Perhaps a strange twist of luck that the scientific revolution arose from totalitarian Judeo-Christian views; how wonderful it might have been to have a scientific revolution arise from the mythologies of Kundalini Tantra. Science (being science) would quickly disavow the pre-scientific claims, but imagine the ease of research into areas considered taboo or outright ignored (or banned) through the history of western science; consider that we are only now uncovering the physiology of the human mind and the nature of conscious thought; and that we still struggle researching topics concerning sexuality and reproduction. A proper science from a cultural start of Kundalini Tantra, I imagine, would be quite incredible.
Kundalini Tantra provides a succinct and apt description of human consciousness and meditative practices leading to self-inquiry and greater self-awareness -- ultimately leading to profound realizations of the nature of the mind, and the formation of conscious thought.
If you're interested in inquiring into the nature of thought, where and how thoughts arise, and how to experience the profound state of consciousness when the mind is aware of its own illusions (illusions of self, illusions of duality, etc); or even to learn about various meditation techniques to quiet the mind and relax -- then you'll love this book.
Unfortunately, the author seemed lost in his own metaphors, asserting beliefs as fact and claiming that "modern science" backs up his assertions (it doesn't, but that doesn't matter). In a way, I wish his claims were scientifically true, that a systematic and procedural approach would evolve a persons mind-- e.g., sit in the Siddhasana pose and repeat 30 "anahata" mantras and you'll have a balanced world view and exude loving kindness, etc-- we'd see a lot more enlightened people in the world if all one had to do was follow mechanical steps. Instead, he suppresses criticism of the abundant contradictions, and makes claims of psychic powers that have absolutely nothing to do with the nature of human consciousness, the cessation of suffering, or any of the topics described.
I wouldn't have minded these claims, even the silly psychic ones; but the author insisted on bringing in science... scientific reasoning does not make authoritarian assertions, it's merely a way to embrace uncertainty in the face of contradictory beliefs and find coherence (often through reproducible experiments).
But this book got me thinking: consider the Scientific Revolution, we have as our starting point in modern science a very cruel and strict Judeo-Christian mythology-- a dogmatic religious worldview with totalitarian themes that fortunately has been widely discredited by the very science that it produced.
Consider that modern medical science got it's start in mythologies that described the body as evil and potentially filled with demons. Now imagine a medical science that got its start not with demons, sin, and blood letting- but of the mythology of Kundalini Tantra.
Perhaps a strange twist of luck that the scientific revolution arose from totalitarian Judeo-Christian views; how wonderful it might have been to have a scientific revolution arise from the mythologies of Kundalini Tantra. Science (being science) would quickly disavow the pre-scientific claims, but imagine the ease of research into areas considered taboo or outright ignored (or banned) through the history of western science; consider that we are only now uncovering the physiology of the human mind and the nature of conscious thought; and that we still struggle researching topics concerning sexuality and reproduction. A proper science from a cultural start of Kundalini Tantra, I imagine, would be quite incredible.
August 6, 2012
Mais um episódio de Tudo que você sempre quis saber sobre a vida... Esse livro facilmente poderia ser considerado como bíblia do Tantra, não dá pra ser mais completo no assunto do que foi colocado num âmbito geral aqui.
Plus: Essencial para aqueles que estão abrindo chacras ou despertando a kundalini e precisam se tranquilizar quanto a possíveis crises psicóticas ou de esquizofrenia. Não se preocupem, os sintomas são normais.
Plus: Essencial para aqueles que estão abrindo chacras ou despertando a kundalini e precisam se tranquilizar quanto a possíveis crises psicóticas ou de esquizofrenia. Não se preocupem, os sintomas são normais.
May 1, 2022
Excellent resource on chakras. I picked this up in order to learn more about the concept of kundalini and the chakras. There are practices to work with each chakra and scientific research into the chakras.
I never took a kundalini yoga training or anything tantra specific, so I am coming at this from a bit of a blank slate. Although I am familiar with the concepts, I still feel introductory, and wanted to dive deeper into this area. I've read a few titles by the Bihar School of Yoga like their volume on Surya Namaskar, and they can be dry texts, meaning that the language isn't motivational or inspirational. Thus, it can be hard, at times, to keep focused. I have read some awful books on chakras that should have stayed as private journal entries, rather than published books, so I'm glad to have this in my book collection.
I never took a kundalini yoga training or anything tantra specific, so I am coming at this from a bit of a blank slate. Although I am familiar with the concepts, I still feel introductory, and wanted to dive deeper into this area. I've read a few titles by the Bihar School of Yoga like their volume on Surya Namaskar, and they can be dry texts, meaning that the language isn't motivational or inspirational. Thus, it can be hard, at times, to keep focused. I have read some awful books on chakras that should have stayed as private journal entries, rather than published books, so I'm glad to have this in my book collection.
March 3, 2012
dense with vivid details of comprehensible experience-driven descriptions of a system of energy and thought that is necessary to advance the West into a sustainable way of life, mindful, self-aware, and constructive rather than the current self-destructive policies.
December 24, 2017
This is one of the best books on practical Dakshina Tantra I've got in touch with aiming for the development of a healthy sense of unit between the physical body, the subtle body (emotions) and the mind as a bridge between our individual sense of consciousness and the Universe.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati first explains what is the so-called kundalini, as the driving energy that creates the human experience and how we can perceive it inside our body as the dormant force that as soon as awakened can lead us to our own fulfillment and cosmic understanding.
Subsequently, he approaches related topics such as the pros and cons regarding the practice of Kundalini Tantra as a way to help us reach this goal, mentioning the need for the tantric yogi to become a vegetarian and avoid dangerous substances and behaviors prior to his engagement within this realm of activity, among other prescriptions.
The book is divided in four parts: the first one regards the philosophy of Tantra and the different ways to understand it, focusing on the requirements for one to step upon it; the second part illustrates the mechanisms of the chakras, exercises for their activation and all the symbolic aspects that might help us get in touch with our psychophysiological functioning; the third part explores twenty kriya practices that should only be approached whenever the yogi feels that his body has been properly purified; and the last part brings a discussion with the swamis from the Bihar School of Yoga, aiming to elucidate doubts about the kundalini, the nadis, psychosis, diseases, awareness etc.
Obviously, this book should only be held as a guide by experienced yogis or practitioners of Tantra, otherwise one should ask for the guidance of a guru or a master to start engaging on what it points out, if not reasonably attend a school of Yoga. But, in a general way, I can say that this book is very accurate about what it explores, so if you have the maturity and responsibility to dig it, you'll find a special treasure that is going to make you improve your practice and bring a profound sense of connection with patience and effort.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati first explains what is the so-called kundalini, as the driving energy that creates the human experience and how we can perceive it inside our body as the dormant force that as soon as awakened can lead us to our own fulfillment and cosmic understanding.
Subsequently, he approaches related topics such as the pros and cons regarding the practice of Kundalini Tantra as a way to help us reach this goal, mentioning the need for the tantric yogi to become a vegetarian and avoid dangerous substances and behaviors prior to his engagement within this realm of activity, among other prescriptions.
The book is divided in four parts: the first one regards the philosophy of Tantra and the different ways to understand it, focusing on the requirements for one to step upon it; the second part illustrates the mechanisms of the chakras, exercises for their activation and all the symbolic aspects that might help us get in touch with our psychophysiological functioning; the third part explores twenty kriya practices that should only be approached whenever the yogi feels that his body has been properly purified; and the last part brings a discussion with the swamis from the Bihar School of Yoga, aiming to elucidate doubts about the kundalini, the nadis, psychosis, diseases, awareness etc.
Obviously, this book should only be held as a guide by experienced yogis or practitioners of Tantra, otherwise one should ask for the guidance of a guru or a master to start engaging on what it points out, if not reasonably attend a school of Yoga. But, in a general way, I can say that this book is very accurate about what it explores, so if you have the maturity and responsibility to dig it, you'll find a special treasure that is going to make you improve your practice and bring a profound sense of connection with patience and effort.
July 18, 2013
Definitely the best practical book on feeling and awakening the chakras, raising the Kundalini and kriya yoga you will ever need.
October 17, 2015
I started yoga about seven months ago and this book helped me understand some things that were going on with my body. I'm still not ready for many of the practices here, but explanations were clear and detailed enough to give a a foundation on which to build.
August 7, 2015
I would recommend this as mandatory reading for any serious aspirant of kriya yoga. It provides detailed practical guidance in addition to explaining the esoteric symbology and philosophy of the tantric path.
January 16, 2008
you might want to get some help learning from this knowing that its potent.
December 25, 2012
Straight, simple and exhaustive
May 1, 2024
Fascinating insight into achieving a higher consciousness - and the power of the higher Shakti within as the body is capable of functioning with the higher voltage of kundalini
- kundalini is described as coming out of a coil- snake like in form . However the real origin of the word is from kunda- a pit where all homas begin . The snake like kundalini has 3 coils - one for each mantra of 🕉️ , one for the 3 Gunas sattva rajas and tamas, one each for the 3 states of waking sleeping and dreaming , and for the 3 types of experience - subjective sensual and absence of experience . The bald coil represents transcendence: so the 3 and half coils signify all experiences of the universe and the experience of transcendence
- the seven chakras or vortices of psychic energy - mooladhara, swadishthana ( controls the unconscious / sacral nerves ) Manipur ( digestion and assimilation) , anahata ( heart lungs and organs) , vishuddi ( thyroid gland) agnya ( pineal gland) and finally sahasrara ( pituitary ) . Agnya is connected to both mooladhara and sahasrara . Mooladhara is the last chakra or highest form of animal evolution and the first of human evolution . Bindu at the top back of the head is a point above the chakra system .
- Nadis are not nerves but channels for flow of consciousness - Pran ( vital Force ) and Manas ( mental force ) . The 3 most important are ida ( mental
Processes or moon ) , pingala ( vital processes or Sun ) and sushumna ( awakening of spiritual consciousness) . Ida and pingala function alternately in the body . If both can function at the same time , this leads to the opening of the sushumna and an explosion of kundalini through the subtlest brahma nadi inside the sushumna which open the means for communicating between the higher and lower dimensions of consciousness . Represents Ganga ( ida) Jamuna (pingala ) and Saraswati ( sushumna ) which converge at agnya ( Prayag )
- each chakra has an organ of sense perception and organ of action . Agnya - both are mind , vishuddi ( sense through ears , act with voice ) , anahata ( sense through skin act with touch or hands) , manipura ( sense with eyes act with feet ) , swadisthan ( sense with tongue act with sexual organs, kidneys , urinary system ) , mooladhara ( sense with smell act with sexual organs ) . Swadisthana is the center of all Karmas and previous experiences . Nectar from the Bindu is absorbed by the sun at manipura leading to ageing . Anahata is easiest to ignite with Bhakti yoga
- practices focused on swadisthana raise joy , manipura raise self Assertion , anahata raise love , vishuddi wisdom and discrimination and Agnya intuition
- chakras denoted by lotuses - grows in mud ( ignorance ) , grows through water to reach surface ( endeavour ) and reaches air and light of sun ( illumination ) - so we progress from The base chakras to sahasrara . The obstacles this faces is first brahma granthi ( mooladhara - attachment to pleasures and material objects , tamas ) , Vishnu granthi ( anahata chakra - emotional attachments - rajas ) and finally Rudra granthi ( agnya chakra - attachment to Siddhi’s and ego as an individual )
- kundalini is described as coming out of a coil- snake like in form . However the real origin of the word is from kunda- a pit where all homas begin . The snake like kundalini has 3 coils - one for each mantra of 🕉️ , one for the 3 Gunas sattva rajas and tamas, one each for the 3 states of waking sleeping and dreaming , and for the 3 types of experience - subjective sensual and absence of experience . The bald coil represents transcendence: so the 3 and half coils signify all experiences of the universe and the experience of transcendence
- the seven chakras or vortices of psychic energy - mooladhara, swadishthana ( controls the unconscious / sacral nerves ) Manipur ( digestion and assimilation) , anahata ( heart lungs and organs) , vishuddi ( thyroid gland) agnya ( pineal gland) and finally sahasrara ( pituitary ) . Agnya is connected to both mooladhara and sahasrara . Mooladhara is the last chakra or highest form of animal evolution and the first of human evolution . Bindu at the top back of the head is a point above the chakra system .
- Nadis are not nerves but channels for flow of consciousness - Pran ( vital Force ) and Manas ( mental force ) . The 3 most important are ida ( mental
Processes or moon ) , pingala ( vital processes or Sun ) and sushumna ( awakening of spiritual consciousness) . Ida and pingala function alternately in the body . If both can function at the same time , this leads to the opening of the sushumna and an explosion of kundalini through the subtlest brahma nadi inside the sushumna which open the means for communicating between the higher and lower dimensions of consciousness . Represents Ganga ( ida) Jamuna (pingala ) and Saraswati ( sushumna ) which converge at agnya ( Prayag )
- each chakra has an organ of sense perception and organ of action . Agnya - both are mind , vishuddi ( sense through ears , act with voice ) , anahata ( sense through skin act with touch or hands) , manipura ( sense with eyes act with feet ) , swadisthan ( sense with tongue act with sexual organs, kidneys , urinary system ) , mooladhara ( sense with smell act with sexual organs ) . Swadisthana is the center of all Karmas and previous experiences . Nectar from the Bindu is absorbed by the sun at manipura leading to ageing . Anahata is easiest to ignite with Bhakti yoga
- practices focused on swadisthana raise joy , manipura raise self Assertion , anahata raise love , vishuddi wisdom and discrimination and Agnya intuition
- chakras denoted by lotuses - grows in mud ( ignorance ) , grows through water to reach surface ( endeavour ) and reaches air and light of sun ( illumination ) - so we progress from The base chakras to sahasrara . The obstacles this faces is first brahma granthi ( mooladhara - attachment to pleasures and material objects , tamas ) , Vishnu granthi ( anahata chakra - emotional attachments - rajas ) and finally Rudra granthi ( agnya chakra - attachment to Siddhi’s and ego as an individual )
January 30, 2023
If you are into chakras and kundalini - but don’t know where to start or if you are tired of the new age interpretations of these and need authentic material - then this book is for you. The author definitely knows what he is writing about and seems to have a first hand experience of it. He elaborately discusses all the concepts and also gives suitable asana and pranayama to activate different chakras and thereby kundalini. A chapter is also dedicated to the secretive kriya yoga with lucid diagrams, however, please be aware that those are not for beginners at all. If you haven’t started yoga or are a beginner then please perfect hatha yoga and especially the prerequisite asanas given in the book. Kindly consult YouTube or professional yoga teachers for the same. Only then you’ll be eligible for kriya yoga practices.
I would also like to mention the con due to which I’m giving it a 4 star, although in no ways that should deter you to skip this book. The last section deals with scientific researches conducted to verify chakras and kundalini which was quite uninteresting for me and had to skip most of it. However, if you are researching on the same then the information might be of help to you. I mean I’m not very fond of the tendency to get something “scientifically” verified in order to uphold its status. Science is just a toddler compared to our vast ancient knowledge. I mean yeah it is important in it’s own scope but why seek it’s validation for everything. We don’t verify scientific things in spiritual experience because it’s just not worth it nor required so I don’t see a point in doing the opposite as it’s like an adult seeking validation from some kid’s experience?
I would also like to mention the con due to which I’m giving it a 4 star, although in no ways that should deter you to skip this book. The last section deals with scientific researches conducted to verify chakras and kundalini which was quite uninteresting for me and had to skip most of it. However, if you are researching on the same then the information might be of help to you. I mean I’m not very fond of the tendency to get something “scientifically” verified in order to uphold its status. Science is just a toddler compared to our vast ancient knowledge. I mean yeah it is important in it’s own scope but why seek it’s validation for everything. We don’t verify scientific things in spiritual experience because it’s just not worth it nor required so I don’t see a point in doing the opposite as it’s like an adult seeking validation from some kid’s experience?
July 29, 2011
A well rounded intro to kundalini. The book gives a basic theoretical explanation of kundalini and then introduces practices in a straightforward and accessible way. My main critique is that it assigns importance fairly thinly- every chakra is the most important, so the reader is easily drawn into trying to focus on everything at once. Thankfully, in practice, the program designates a clear focus for each time period and exercise.
This book is best for those actually looking to begin practicing, and there are others better for gaining scholarly understanding of kundalini.
This book is best for those actually looking to begin practicing, and there are others better for gaining scholarly understanding of kundalini.
December 5, 2014
well organized and quick read for me. havent done many of the exercises as outlined but the it was laid out i can see following this plan. it gave a overview which I liked. read a few reviews. some valid points but i think I will explore the books game plan and see where it takes me. I liked it
March 9, 2010
Definitely one of the best books I have ever read.
May 21, 2012
otro sin comentarios: hay que vivirlo, como el Kama Sutra!
May 19, 2017
One of the best books to understand chakras and kundalini energy
December 27, 2022
"Scientific observations have shown..." Unfortunately the author do not give any scientific reference to sentences like the previous one...
July 17, 2025
Read in 2014, Kundalini Tantra wasn’t just another book—it was a detonator. A subtle, sacred, and systematized explosion of ideas, it entered my life during a phase of silent seeking. You know the kind—when outwardly everything seems fine, but internally you're scratching at the walls of a spiritual chrysalis you can’t yet see. And then this book showed up. Or perhaps I showed up for it.
Published by the Bihar School of Yoga in 1984, this modern classic is not one of those romanticized, sugar-coated new-age texts. It's a rigorous, uncompromising, and unusually clear exposition of one of the most misunderstood concepts in yogic spirituality: kundalini. Swami Satyananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda, managed to translate millennia of oral, esoteric wisdom into an accessible guide—not just for the curious reader, but for the serious sadhaka.
At its heart, the book centers around the idea of Kundalini Shakti, the dormant spiritual energy believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine, in the muladhara chakra. When awakened, it doesn't simply "make you enlightened"; it forces your entire being—mental, emotional, physical—to undergo a transformative rebirth. That rebirth isn't always pretty. And this book doesn't pretend otherwise.
Swamiji walks us through the entire terrain of the chakra system—not just the rainbow-colored symbols you see in yoga studios, but their deep tantric significance. Each chakra is described in terms of its mantra, element, deity, and psychic manifestation. And these aren't metaphors. They're psycho-energetic realities, as described by adepts who mapped this terrain from experience, not imagination.
What impressed me most was the section on Tantric Physiology. It introduces a vision of the human body that is radically different from the one we’re taught in biology class. Here, prana, nadis (energy channels), and bindu (essence) create a subtle infrastructure that Western medicine cannot detect, but which tantrics claim to directly experience. This inner body—the sukshma sharira—is the playground of yoga. And this is where the real transformation occurs.
The emphasis on preparation is another strength. Before even approaching kundalini awakening, the aspirant is instructed to undergo intense purification: shatkarmas, asanas, pranayama, bandhas, mudras, and dharana. Each discipline serves as a tuning fork for the subtle body. The Bihar School’s contribution—Kriya Yoga, in particular—is given detailed treatment. I remember practicing some of the milder kriyas in the early mornings, and feeling oddly “electrified” for hours afterward, even as my logical mind protested, “this is just breathing.”
A crucial section of the book discusses experiences and risks. Swamiji is brutally honest. Kundalini is not child’s play. There are psychological, emotional, and even physical dangers if it's awakened without sufficient grounding. He offers cautionary tales and insists on the role of a guru, someone who can interpret the signs, hold space, and prevent derailment. This struck me hard. In a world obsessed with DIY spirituality, here was a master telling you: Don’t do this alone.
Swami Satyananda also does something remarkable—he bridges yogic wisdom with psychology and science, not in a token way, but through comparative reflections. He includes anecdotes from practitioners, case studies, and even neurological speculations, without diluting the core principles.
By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t just intellectually informed—I was existentially rearranged. I hadn’t awakened my kundalini (and, frankly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to), but I knew that something inside me had shifted. A reverence, perhaps. Or a deep listening. As if I could hear the hum of my own subtle anatomy for the first time.
Kundalini Tantra isn’t a beach read. It’s a manual for dismantling and reassembling your consciousness. If you’re serious about tantric practice—not as spectacle but as sadhana—this is indispensable. But as Swamiji says: “Do not disturb the sleeping serpent unless you are ready to meet her fire.”
Published by the Bihar School of Yoga in 1984, this modern classic is not one of those romanticized, sugar-coated new-age texts. It's a rigorous, uncompromising, and unusually clear exposition of one of the most misunderstood concepts in yogic spirituality: kundalini. Swami Satyananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda, managed to translate millennia of oral, esoteric wisdom into an accessible guide—not just for the curious reader, but for the serious sadhaka.
At its heart, the book centers around the idea of Kundalini Shakti, the dormant spiritual energy believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine, in the muladhara chakra. When awakened, it doesn't simply "make you enlightened"; it forces your entire being—mental, emotional, physical—to undergo a transformative rebirth. That rebirth isn't always pretty. And this book doesn't pretend otherwise.
Swamiji walks us through the entire terrain of the chakra system—not just the rainbow-colored symbols you see in yoga studios, but their deep tantric significance. Each chakra is described in terms of its mantra, element, deity, and psychic manifestation. And these aren't metaphors. They're psycho-energetic realities, as described by adepts who mapped this terrain from experience, not imagination.
What impressed me most was the section on Tantric Physiology. It introduces a vision of the human body that is radically different from the one we’re taught in biology class. Here, prana, nadis (energy channels), and bindu (essence) create a subtle infrastructure that Western medicine cannot detect, but which tantrics claim to directly experience. This inner body—the sukshma sharira—is the playground of yoga. And this is where the real transformation occurs.
The emphasis on preparation is another strength. Before even approaching kundalini awakening, the aspirant is instructed to undergo intense purification: shatkarmas, asanas, pranayama, bandhas, mudras, and dharana. Each discipline serves as a tuning fork for the subtle body. The Bihar School’s contribution—Kriya Yoga, in particular—is given detailed treatment. I remember practicing some of the milder kriyas in the early mornings, and feeling oddly “electrified” for hours afterward, even as my logical mind protested, “this is just breathing.”
A crucial section of the book discusses experiences and risks. Swamiji is brutally honest. Kundalini is not child’s play. There are psychological, emotional, and even physical dangers if it's awakened without sufficient grounding. He offers cautionary tales and insists on the role of a guru, someone who can interpret the signs, hold space, and prevent derailment. This struck me hard. In a world obsessed with DIY spirituality, here was a master telling you: Don’t do this alone.
Swami Satyananda also does something remarkable—he bridges yogic wisdom with psychology and science, not in a token way, but through comparative reflections. He includes anecdotes from practitioners, case studies, and even neurological speculations, without diluting the core principles.
By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t just intellectually informed—I was existentially rearranged. I hadn’t awakened my kundalini (and, frankly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to), but I knew that something inside me had shifted. A reverence, perhaps. Or a deep listening. As if I could hear the hum of my own subtle anatomy for the first time.
Kundalini Tantra isn’t a beach read. It’s a manual for dismantling and reassembling your consciousness. If you’re serious about tantric practice—not as spectacle but as sadhana—this is indispensable. But as Swamiji says: “Do not disturb the sleeping serpent unless you are ready to meet her fire.”
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~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = = }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VWrl... {- *
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -} Gestalt Psychology Simplified with Examples and Principles {- *
* -:}|{}|{: = MY SYNTHESISED ( ^ GESTALT ^ ) OF THE * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * ( WAY THE AUTHOR FRAMES = HIS WRITING PERSPECTIVES ) & ( POINTERS & IMPLICATIONS = the conclusion that can be drawn IMPLICITYLY from something although it is not EXPLICITLY stated ) = :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” Nisargadatta Maharaj
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~
Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”
Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind
A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--- :}|{:-:}|{:- * FOLLOW 4 FOLLOW * -:}|{:-:}|{: ---{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--------:}|{:-:}|{:- * LINKS * -:}|{:-:}|{:----------{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
***********************************************
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -} {- *
~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{:- ^ AUDIOBOOK ^ -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = = }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
* -} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VWrl... {- *
* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *
* -} Gestalt Psychology Simplified with Examples and Principles {- *
* -:}|{}|{: = MY SYNTHESISED ( ^ GESTALT ^ ) OF THE * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * ( WAY THE AUTHOR FRAMES = HIS WRITING PERSPECTIVES ) & ( POINTERS & IMPLICATIONS = the conclusion that can be drawn IMPLICITYLY from something although it is not EXPLICITLY stated ) = :}|{}|{:- *
* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” Nisargadatta Maharaj
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~
Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”
Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind
A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
September 13, 2023
From the very first pages of "Kundalini Tantra" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, I could sense that this was not just a book, but a profound guide to self-discovery and spiritual awakening. I was enthralled by the depth of insights and the straightforward manner in which complex tantric philosophies were presented.
As someone who has always been curious about the mystical dimensions of life, I found the book to be both enlightening and grounding. The author delves deep into the intricacies of Kundalini, the chakras, and the symbiotic relationship between mind, body, and spirit. What particularly struck me was the holistic approach the book advocates, promoting harmonious living and a deeper understanding of one's inner energies.
The meditative and yoga practices outlined in the book seemed authentic and well researched, providing a clear pathway for those willing to undertake a spiritual journey. I appreciated the detailed illustrations and guided practices which felt like having a personal tutor guiding you through the process.
However, I found that the dense nature of the content might be a bit challenging for someone completely new to the world of Tantra and Kundalini. It demands a level of dedication and patience to fully grasp the profound knowledge encapsulated in its pages.
As I progressed through the chapters, I could feel a gradual transformation within me, a shift towards a more conscious and aware state of being. The book invited me to explore areas of spirituality that I had never ventured into before. It was like embarking on an enlightening journey that resonated with me on many levels.
In conclusion, "Kundalini Tantra" served as a beacon of wisdom, igniting a spark of spiritual curiosity within me. It is a book I see myself revisiting, peeling off layers of insights with each read. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their horizons and delve deep into the realms of Kundalini and Tantra. Yet, I would advise potential readers to approach it with an open mind and a readiness to immerse themselves in the intricate world that Swami Satyananda Saraswati has masterfully depicted.
As someone who has always been curious about the mystical dimensions of life, I found the book to be both enlightening and grounding. The author delves deep into the intricacies of Kundalini, the chakras, and the symbiotic relationship between mind, body, and spirit. What particularly struck me was the holistic approach the book advocates, promoting harmonious living and a deeper understanding of one's inner energies.
The meditative and yoga practices outlined in the book seemed authentic and well researched, providing a clear pathway for those willing to undertake a spiritual journey. I appreciated the detailed illustrations and guided practices which felt like having a personal tutor guiding you through the process.
However, I found that the dense nature of the content might be a bit challenging for someone completely new to the world of Tantra and Kundalini. It demands a level of dedication and patience to fully grasp the profound knowledge encapsulated in its pages.
As I progressed through the chapters, I could feel a gradual transformation within me, a shift towards a more conscious and aware state of being. The book invited me to explore areas of spirituality that I had never ventured into before. It was like embarking on an enlightening journey that resonated with me on many levels.
In conclusion, "Kundalini Tantra" served as a beacon of wisdom, igniting a spark of spiritual curiosity within me. It is a book I see myself revisiting, peeling off layers of insights with each read. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their horizons and delve deep into the realms of Kundalini and Tantra. Yet, I would advise potential readers to approach it with an open mind and a readiness to immerse themselves in the intricate world that Swami Satyananda Saraswati has masterfully depicted.
April 2, 2023
I bought this fabulous book at Pilgrim's Bookstore in Kathmandu, Nepal. There were many books on Kundalini, Tantra but I gravitated toward this book. I am so glad I did. This book gives a concise and clear understanding of the sacred energy. At this moment in time, I was meant to hear what Swami Satyananda Saraswati had to say about the heart chakra in relation to fate, and free will. And I love, love this passage...
There are essentially two types of human beings: those who are on the outward path, and those who are on the inward path. A person following the outward path looks away from Bindu [known by other names such as Shekhinah, Sophia] towards the outside world. He is almost entirely motivated by external events. This is the path of most people, and it leads away from self-knowledge and into bondage.
The other path, the reverse path is the spiritual path, the path of wisdom. On this path, the person begins to face the Bindu, turning inwards towards the source of being. This path leads to freedom. The path of evolution is the outward path of manifestation and extroversion. The path of involution leads back along the path that has produced your individual being. It leads back to the Bindu to Sahasrara. In fact, the whole purpose of yoga practice is to help direct your awareness along the involutionary path. -Excerpt from Kundalini Tantra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
I highly recommend Kundalini Tantra if you are on the inward spiritual path!
There are essentially two types of human beings: those who are on the outward path, and those who are on the inward path. A person following the outward path looks away from Bindu [known by other names such as Shekhinah, Sophia] towards the outside world. He is almost entirely motivated by external events. This is the path of most people, and it leads away from self-knowledge and into bondage.
The other path, the reverse path is the spiritual path, the path of wisdom. On this path, the person begins to face the Bindu, turning inwards towards the source of being. This path leads to freedom. The path of evolution is the outward path of manifestation and extroversion. The path of involution leads back along the path that has produced your individual being. It leads back to the Bindu to Sahasrara. In fact, the whole purpose of yoga practice is to help direct your awareness along the involutionary path. -Excerpt from Kundalini Tantra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
I highly recommend Kundalini Tantra if you are on the inward spiritual path!
July 18, 2025
I found this book to be one of the clearest and most grounded texts on kundalini energy that I’ve come across. There’s a directness to the writing that I really appreciated—no fluff, no performance. Just a sincere attempt to describe something immense and subtle in a way that’s usable.
The way Satyananda lays out the nadis, chakras, and practices like kriya yoga and yoga nidra is both methodical and reverent. It’s rare to find that balance. I also really appreciated how the physiological and energetic aspects are presented side by side—there’s respect for the body and its intelligence, not just a focus on transcendence.
Even though I didn’t follow all of the practices myself, reading the descriptions helped me understand more of what I’ve sensed in my own field and movement. This book feels like a transmission as much as it is a manual.
A valuable read for anyone drawn to kundalini from a more traditional and integrated angle.
The way Satyananda lays out the nadis, chakras, and practices like kriya yoga and yoga nidra is both methodical and reverent. It’s rare to find that balance. I also really appreciated how the physiological and energetic aspects are presented side by side—there’s respect for the body and its intelligence, not just a focus on transcendence.
Even though I didn’t follow all of the practices myself, reading the descriptions helped me understand more of what I’ve sensed in my own field and movement. This book feels like a transmission as much as it is a manual.
A valuable read for anyone drawn to kundalini from a more traditional and integrated angle.
November 7, 2022
Profound and essential reading for the higher state of consciousness
I’ve been practicing meditation and activations of the chakras for over 10 years but this book really filled in the blanks of all the connections and the associations with the lines of prana and integrated it with the Accu puncture points in the entire system that relates to the nervous system and connections to the brain and all the organs.
This has given me profound insights to go deeper into the activations of the chakras and my intrigue of awakening kundalini.
I’ve been practicing meditation and activations of the chakras for over 10 years but this book really filled in the blanks of all the connections and the associations with the lines of prana and integrated it with the Accu puncture points in the entire system that relates to the nervous system and connections to the brain and all the organs.
This has given me profound insights to go deeper into the activations of the chakras and my intrigue of awakening kundalini.
August 12, 2022
Heavy read with a profound subject matter told in as succinct and non-dogmatic sort of way as I can imagine.
100+ pages of practical exercises to facilitate the awakening of one's Kundalini.
Mumbo jumbo to some a key to the next step in evolution for others.
8 months of chakra cleansing and awakening exercises + 20 weeks of kriyas.
I'll be working on this book and rereading for years to come. Hopeful to make it to the Bihar School of Yoga someday 🙏
100+ pages of practical exercises to facilitate the awakening of one's Kundalini.
Mumbo jumbo to some a key to the next step in evolution for others.
8 months of chakra cleansing and awakening exercises + 20 weeks of kriyas.
I'll be working on this book and rereading for years to come. Hopeful to make it to the Bihar School of Yoga someday 🙏
June 6, 2023
Kundalini hakkında güzel açıklamalar var, konuya yabancı biri olarak aklımda kalan kavramlar sınırlı olsa da, gündelik yaşamda üzerinde düşünülecek ve farkında olunabilecek gibi geldi, uzak değil, yakınımızda..
May 9, 2018
A Great book with some practices and details about the Sadhana. A Must to read for who are practicing and curious to know about the details.
October 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it.
October 21, 2019
very good book, extensive knowledge and simple to understand.
April 20, 2020
The most definitive and powerful book on kundalini yoga.
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