The Twelve Kalis

The twelve Kalis are the central teaching of the Krama tradition, presented in Day Three of the Tantrasara. They describe the full cycle of how awareness moves through any moment of experience: from the initial internal projection of an object (Srishtikali), through passion towards it (Raktakali), the desire to reabsorb it (Sthitinashakali), the oscillation of doubt (Yamakali), the withdrawal of the object (Samharakali), recognition of one's own reabsorptive nature (Mrityukali), perception of remaining impressions (Rudrakali), absorption of the twelve faculties (Martandakali), dissolution of the ego-maker (Paramarkakali), withdrawal of the limited individual subject (Kalagnirudrakali), withdrawal of the universal Subject itself (Mahakalakali), and finally the dissolution of even the fully expanded state into the absolute formless ground (Mahabhairaivacandograghorakali). These twelve are not sequential in ordinary time; they revolve like a wheel, operating simultaneously or in various combinations in every moment. They manifest externally as all cycles of twelve found in nature -- months, zodiac signs, sun phases -- and are understood as twelve faces of the one goddess Kali.