50 Hrs – Kriya Pranayama Teacher Training Certificate Course, Bangalore, India
- Duration: 50 Hours
- Contact Hours: 40 Hours
Contact Hr – Direct or live interaction with Teacher. This includes in-person or real-time online sessions where you are actively engaged with the teacher, receiving instruction, feedback, and guidance.
Non-Contact Hr – Reading a book or article, or watching a video, Self-Practice, Written Assignment, Project Work, Audio Assignment, Video Assignment.
- Non-Contact Hours 10 Hours
- Course: 50 Hrs – Kriya PranayamaTeacher Training Certificate Course
- Total Fee for the Training(For Indian Citizens Only): INR 10,000(Registration Fee) + INR 40,000 (Course Fee) = INR 50,000
- Total Fee for the Training(For Non-Indian Citizens Only): USD 200(Registration Fee) + USD 500 (Course Fee) = USD 700
- Accreditation: Yoga Alliance USA YACEP.
- Skill level: Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced
- Self-Paced/ Flexible Duration: Online or Regular Mode.
- Language: English
- Mode: Offline/Online/Hybrid/Self-Paced
- About the course facilitator: Dr. S. Karuna Murthy, M.Sc., Ph.D., E-RYT 500, YACEP
- Language: Our courses will be held in English Medium.
- Course Dates: Please Contact Us (karunaayoga@gmail.comor +91 9686549129)
Kriya Yoga – Kriya Yoga is one of the most ancient branches of Yoga. It mainly consists of various levels of specific Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Mantra, mental awareness, visualization and meditation which altogether intend to accelerate inner unfoldment. There are two popular schools of Kriya Yoga. The first was taught by Paramhamsa Yogananda which is very secret and an aspirant needs to be initiated in the tradition to receive the knowledge of Kriya Yoga. The second was developed by one of the greatest exponents of Yoga Swami Sivananda Saraswati. Swami Sivananda Saraswati initiated Swami Satyananda Saraswati into the knowledge of Kriya Yoga. Swami Satyananda Saraswati designed the teachings of Kriya Yoga in a more practical form for the good of humanity. In the Traditional Kriya Yoga Teacher Training Course, we express the method of Kriya Yoga taught by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
Kriya Pranayama
- Introduction
Kriya Pranayama is a central technique of the Kriya Yoga tradition, popularized by Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, and Paramahansa Yogananda. It is not just a breathing exercise, but a spiritual energy-control technique that accelerates evolution by harmonizing body, breath, and consciousness. Unlike ordinary pranayama, Kriya Pranayama works with the subtle pranic currents in the spine, aiming to awaken kundalini and expand awareness.
Kriya Pranayama – Full Syllabus Part – 1
- Introduction
- Definition of Kriya & Pranayama
- Historical roots (Upanishads, Hatha Yoga, Tantra)
- Significance in Yoga
- Etymology and Meaning
- Historical Evolution of Kriya Pranayama
- Ancient roots in yoga scriptures
- Revival by Lahiri Mahasaya (19th century)
- Role of Sri Yukteswar, Paramahansa Yogananda
- Bihar School of Yoga (Swami Satyananda Saraswati)
- Modern dissemination globally
- Theoretical Foundations
- Yogic physiology (nadis, chakras, prana vayus)
- Granthis (knots) and their untying
- Kriya in Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga context
- Pranayama in Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- Practical Technique of Kriya Pranayama (700 words)
- Preparatory practices (asana, nadi shodhana, bandhas, mudras)
- First Kriya (basic spinal breathing with mantra awareness)
- Advanced kriyas (second, third, fourth, fifth kriyas)
- Supportive kriyas: Maha Mudra, Yoni Mudra, Navi Kriya, Shambhavi, Khechari
- Foundational Preparation
Before entering Kriya Pranayama, practitioners are trained in:
- Yama & Niyama (ethical foundation, discipline, devotion)
- Asana practice (steady meditative posture, mainly Siddhasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, or Sukhasana)
- Preliminary Pranayamas
- Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril)
- Kapalabhati (cleansing breath)
- Ujjayi (psychic breathing)
- Bandhas & Mudras basics
- Mula Bandha (root lock)
- Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock)
- Jalandhara Bandha (chin lock)
- Maha Mudra (root-spinal stretching)
- Core Kriya Pranayama Practice
(a) Basic Kriya Pranayama (First Kriya)
- Spinal Breathing: Inhalation guiding prana up the sushumna (from Muladhara → Sahasrara).
- Exhalation guiding prana back down (Sahasrara → Muladhara).
- Awareness of chakras (six spinal centers + crown).
- Mental chanting of mantra (like Om) at each chakra during ascent & descent.
- No forced kumbhaka—breath flows naturally, extended with training.
(b) Advanced Kriya Variations
- Second Kriya: Inclusion of pranayama with mantra at chakra petals, refining awareness.
- Third Kriya: Advanced circulation of prana with bandhas & mudras.
- Fourth Kriya: High-level internalization, deep stillness, subtle prana withdrawal.
- Fifth Kriya & beyond (in some traditions): Expansion into Kevala Kumbhaka (spontaneous suspension of breath), higher dharana-dhyana-samadhi.
- Practice
- Asanas
- Yoga Nidra
- Relaxations
- Tantric Mantras Chanting’s
- Kundalini Chakras
- Prana Vidya
- Pancha Koshas
- Antar Mouna
- Ajapa Japa
- Kundalini Meditations
- Supportive Techniques
- Maha Mudra – balances ida, pingala, sushumna; practiced before Kriya rounds.
- Yoni Mudra – sense withdrawal, deep inner awareness.
- Navi Kriya – pranic circulation through manipura/navel center.
- Shambhavi Mudra – gazing at spiritual eye (between eyebrows).
- Khechari Mudra (advanced) – tongue posture aiding deep pranic flow.
- Anatomy & Energy Physiology
- Nadis – Ida, Pingala, Sushumna.
- Chakras – Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna, Sahasrara.
- Prana Vayus – Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana.
- Granthis (knots) – Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra granthi and their untying via practice.
- Subtle effects: awakening of Kundalini, balancing hemispheres, calming autonomic system.
- Stages of Practice (Curriculum Progression)
- Preparatory Stage – Asana, Nadi Shuddhi, preliminary pranayama.
- Beginner’s Kriya (First Kriya) – simple spinal breathing with awareness.
- Intermediate Stage – inclusion of mudras, bandhas, and mantra awareness.
- Advanced Kriyas (2nd–4th) – deeper chakra awakening, pranic circulation, kumbhakas.
- Mastery Stage – Kevala Kumbhaka, deep meditation, Samadhi states.
Curriculum Pranayama Teacher Training
Part-2
1.What is Pranayama?
1.1.Etymological meaning
1.3. Pranayama for transformation
1.4. Conscious breathing
1.5. The first step
1.6.Prana nigraha
1.7.Pranayama is kumbhaka
2.Universal prana
2.1. Play of prana and chitta
2.2. Individual prana
2.3. Receiving prana
2.4. Experience of cosmic prana
2.5. Four aspects of pranayama
Pooraka or inhalation
Rechaka or exhalation
Antar kumbhaka or internal breath retention
Bahir kumbhaka or external breath retention.
2.6. The Pranic body
2.7. Breath, health and pranayama
2.8. Breathing and life span
2.9. General notes for the practitioner
- Contra-indications
- Time of practice
- Bathing
- Clothes
- Empty stomach
- Diet
- vii) Place of practice
- Breathing
- Sequence
- Sitting position
- Avoid strain
- Side effects
2.10. Guidelines for Pranayama
- Diet
- Place
- Cleanliness
- Sequence
- The seat
- Posture
- Starting nostril
- The nose
- Flaring the nostrils
- Breathing
- Ratio of inhalation, retention and exhalation
- Bandhas
- Time unit
- Fatigue
- Illness
- Pregnancy
- Possible side effects
- Regularity
- Advice for pranayama sadhana
- Special diets
- Importance of Kumbhaka
- Classification of pranayama
- What is kumbhaka?
- Physiology of kumbhaka
- Kevala kumbhaka
- Kumbhaka and Samadhi
- Thereby the covering of light disappears.
- Kumbhaka and kundalini
3.Natural breathing
3.1. Abdominal Breathing
3.2. Abdominal (or diaphragmatic) breathing
3.3. Thoracic Breathing
3.4. Thoracic breathing
3.5. Clavicular Breathing
3.6. Clavicular breathing
3.7. Full Yogic Breathing
3.8. Yogic breathing
- Kapalabhati Pranayama (frontal brain cleansing breath)
4.1.Technique 2: Alternate nostrils
4.2.Left nostril
4.3.Right nostril
4.4.Both nostrils
- Bhastrika Pranayama (bellows breath)
5.1.Technique I: Preparatory practice
5.2.Technique 2: Alternate nostrils
5.3.Right nostril
5.4. Both nostrils
- Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (psychic network purification)
6.1.Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (psychic network purification)
7.Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (psychic network purification)
7.1.Technique I: Preparatory practice
- Stage I:
- Stage2:
8.Technique 2: Alternate nostril breathing
- Stage I:
- Stage 2:
8.1.Technique 3: with Antar Kumbhaka (inner retention)
- Stage I:
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Stage 5
8.2.Advanced practice: (addition of bandhas)
8.3.Jalandhara and Moola bandhas:
8.4.Technique 4: Antaran Bahir Kumbhak (internal and external retention)
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
- Stage 5
- Stage 6
8.5.Advanced practice: (addition of bandhas)
9.Ujjayi Pranayama (the psychic breath)
Technique I
- Chandra Bhedana Pranayama (calming energy)
10.11. Surya Bhedana Pranayama (stimulating vitality)
- Sheetali Pranayama(cooling pranayama)
- Sheetkari Pranayama (hissing breath)
- Bhramari Pranayama (humming bee breath)
14.Swara Yoga
1.Balancing the swara
1.1.Padadhirasana (breath balancing pose)
2.Danda Kriya (stick action)
2.1.Variation: two dandas
2.2.Lying on the side
2.3.Alternate nostril breathing
Part – 2
2.Pancha Kosha: Vital Sheaths
1.1.Prana and the koshas
1.2.Ascending through the koshas
3.Pancha Prana: Pranic Force Fields
1.1.Sthoola prana
1.2.Subtle level
1.Prana
ii.Apana
iii.Samana
iv.Udana
v.Vyana
1.3. Density and colour of pranas
1.4.Union of prana and apana
1.5.Five minor pranas
- Naga
- Koorma
- Krikara
- Devadatta
- Dhananjaya
1.6.Pranayama and prana vidya
4.Prana and Mantra
2.Big Bang
3.What are mantras?
4.Prana and mantra
5.Use of mantra in pranayama
6.Gayatri mantra
7.Omkara pranayama
8.Bija mantras
9.Ajapa japa
5.Benefits of Pranayama
1.1.Awakening of vital energy
1.2.Physical benefits
1.3.Respiratory system
1.5.Digestive and eliminatory system
1.6.Cardiac system:
1.7.Endocrine system
1.7.1.Nervous system
1.8.Greater concentration
1.9.Experience of higher consciousness
1.10.Changes in the relationship with gravity
1.11.Karmic purging
- Nadis
2.2.1. Ida, Pingala and Sushumna
7.7. Chakras: Energy Vortex
1.Mooladhara cakra
2.Svadhisthana cakra
3.Manipura cakra
4.Anahata cakra
5.Visuddhi cakra:
6.Ajna cakra
6.1.Bindu
7.Sahasrara cakra
8.Three Bodies – Sthūla Śarīra, Sūkṣma Śarīra, and Kāraṇa Śarīra
a.Sthūla Śarīra (Gross Body)
b.Sūkṣma Śarīra (Subtle Body)
c.Kāraṇa Śarīra (Causal Body)
Part -3
- Sixteen Types of Pranayama
- Udar Pranayama (Abdominal Breathing)
- Vaksha Pranayama (Thoracic Breathing)
- Jatruka Pranayama (Clavicular/Collarbone Breathing)
- Yogic Pranayama
- Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breathing)
- Chandra Pranayama (Moon Breathing)
- Surya Pranayama (Sun Breathing)
- Chandrabhedi Pranayama (Moon-piercing Breathing)
- Suryabhedi Pranayama (Sun-piercing Breathing)
- Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternate nostril Breathing)
- Naadi Shodhana Pranayama (Energy channel cleansing Breathing)
- Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellow Breathing)
- Sitkari Pranayama (Hissing Breathing)
- Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breathing)
- Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breathing)
- Bhramari Pranayama (Honey bee humming Breathing)
17.Murcha Pranayama(Swooning Breathe)
18.Plavini Pranayama (Floating Breath)
Recommended Texts
- Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Niranjananda Saraswati
- B.K.S. Iyengar, Light On Yoga.
- Light on Pranayama: By B.K.S. Iyengar.
- The Science of Pranayama: By Swami Sivananda, this book is published by Divine Life Society.
- Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha: By Saraswati Satyananda Swami.
- Mind Your Breathing: The Yogi’s Handbook with 37 Pranayama Exercises: By Sundar Balasubramanian Ph.d.
- Pranayama Mudra and Meditation: By Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar.
- Prana and Pranayama: By Swami S. Nirajanananda.
- Power Pranayama: By Dr. Renu Mahtani M.D.
- Kumbhaka Paddhati of Raghuvira: Science of Pranayama: By M.L. Gharote.