Material: Copper. Antique (two colors)

Size: about 4.5 x 3.5 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, Kalachakra (Tibetan: དུས་ཀྱི་འཁོར་ལོ།, Wylie: dus kyi 'khor lo, Sanskrit: Kālacakra, meaning "wheel of time") is one of the most important deities in Tantra (Vajrayana), representing the integration of time, cosmic cycles and ultimate wisdom. The teachings, practices and rituals of Kalachakra have profound spiritual and cultural significance in Tibetan Buddhism, especially for its complex tantric system and its prayers for world peace. The following is a detailed description of the meaning and origin of Kalachakra:

--The meaning of Kalachakra--

1. --Symbol of the universe and time--:

- The essence of Kalachakra is the combination of time (Kāla) and wheel (Cakra), symbolizing the movement of the universe, the impermanence of time, and the interdependence of all things. The Kalachakra teachings believe that time is not only a linear flow, but also a cycle of cosmic laws, covering the past, present and future.

- The image of Kalachakra is usually blue, multi-faceted and multi-armed (four faces and twenty-four arms), embracing his consort "Visvamata", symbolizing the unity of emptiness and wisdom. This image reflects the Tantric transcendence of duality (male and female, time and space), pointing to the ultimate enlightenment.

2. --The unity of the inner and outer universe--:

- The Kalachakra Tantra emphasizes the correspondence of the three layers of the universe: "external, internal, and secret":

- External Kalachakra: refers to the external world, including astronomy, astrology, cosmic structure and time cycle.

- Inner Kalachakra: refers to the channels, qi, and mingdu (energy centers) in the human body, corresponding to the physiological basis of practice.

- Secret Kalachakra: refers to the ultimate state of enlightenment, and the original purity of mind is achieved through tantric practice.

- The practice of Kalachakra aims to synchronize the individual's inner energy system with the external cosmic laws, and ultimately achieve liberation.

3. World Peace and Purification:

- The teachings of Kalachakra are believed to help purify karma, resolve conflicts, and promote world peace. The Kalachakra Initiation is one of the largest public ceremonies in Tibetan Buddhism, attracting believers from all over the world to bring blessings to individuals and groups.

- The Kalachakra Tantra is also related to the legendary pure land of Shambhala, which is regarded as a holy place where the Kalachakra teachings are preserved and predicted to bring spiritual revival in the future.

4. The embodiment of ultimate wisdom:

- Kalachakra represents the ultimate wisdom beyond time and space, and teaches practitioners how to transcend ignorance and realize emptiness through tantric practice (visualization, mantras, mantras).

- Its teachings cover a wide range of knowledge, including astronomy, medicine, mathematics, astrology, etc., reflecting the comprehensive pursuit of wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism.

--The Origin of Kalachakra--

1. Legend and Historical Origin:

- According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Kalachakra teachings were personally taught by Sakyamuni Buddha. Legend has it that the Buddha appeared in the form of Kalachakra on Mount Vulture Peak in Dhanyakataka (now Andhra Pradesh) in South India and taught the Kālacakra Tantra to Sucandra, the King of Shambhala.

- Sucandra brought the teachings back to Shambhala, and they were later passed down by his descendants and successive kings of Shambhala. The Kalachakra Tantra was eventually introduced to India in the 10th century and to Tibet by Indian masters such as Naropa and Atisha.

2. Introduction to Tibet:

- The Kalachakra Tantra was officially introduced to Tibet in the 11th century, mainly by translators such as Dro Lotsawa who translated the Sanskrit classics into Tibetan. All schools of Tibetan Buddhism (such as the Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug) practice Kalachakra, but the Gelug and Jonang schools attach the most importance to it.

- The Jonang school is particularly famous for the Kalachakra Tantra's "emptiness view" (gzhan stong, another empty view), which emphasizes the ultimate reality of the purity of the nature.

3. Contents of the Kalachakra Tantra:

- The Kalachakra Tantra is an extremely complex tantric classic, consisting of three major parts:

- The outer Kalachakra: involving astronomy, calendars (such as the Tibetan Kalachakra calendar), cosmic structure, etc.

- Inner Kalachakra: Talks about the chakra system of the human body, Qigong practice and Tantric yoga.

- Secret Kalachakra: Includes visualization of the deity, mandala practice, initiation ceremony, etc., to guide practitioners to enlightenment.

- Kalachakra Mandala is one of the most complex mandalas in Tantra, containing 722 deities, symbolizing the harmony and perfection of the universe.

4. Cultural and ritual influence:

- The teachings of Kalachakra have a profound impact on Tibetan culture. For example, the formulation of the Tibetan calendar is based on the Kalachakra calendar. Kalachakra initiations are presided over by high monks (such as the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama) and have become the most representative public ceremonies in Tibetan Buddhism.

- The Dalai Lama has presided over Kalachakra initiations many times around the world (such as India, the United States, and Switzerland), aiming to spread the concept of peace and compassion, attracting hundreds of thousands of believers to participate.

--The practice and symbolism of Kalachakra--

1. Practice method:

- The practice of Kalachakra belongs to the Anuttarayoga Tantra, which requires initiation and guidance from a qualified guru. Practitioners purify their body and mind and realize emptiness by visualizing Kalachakra and its mandala, chanting mantras (such as the Kalachakra Ten-phase Mantra), and practicing the channels and energy.

- The practice of Kalachakra emphasizes the "Six-limbed Yoga" (Six Dharmas), including cessation and insight, qigong, chakra practice, etc., aiming to integrate the inner and outer universes.

2. Symbolic elements:

- Mandala: The Kalachakra mandala is a three-dimensional structure that symbolizes a microcosm of the universe. It contains the three palaces of body, speech, and mind, representing the three bodies of the Buddha (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya).

- The image of the deity: The blue body of Kalachakra symbolizes the unchanging Dharmadhatu, and the multi-armed and multi-faceted body represents the ability to encompass all time and space.

- Legend of Shambhala: Shambhala is regarded as the birthplace of the Kalachakra teachings, and it is predicted that a "Kalachakra king" will appear in the future to lead the world into an era of peace and enlightenment.

Cultural and Contemporary Significance

1. Global Influence:

- The teachings of Kalachakra have attracted many non-Tibetan practitioners because of their concept of universal peace. The Dalai Lama uses the Kalachakra initiation as a platform for inter-religious dialogue, emphasizing the universal values ​​of compassion and wisdom.

- The astronomical and calendar knowledge of the Kalachakra Tantra also provides historical references for modern scientific research.

2. Art and Symbolism:

- Kalachakra thangkas, sculptures and mandalas are treasures of Tibetan Buddhist art, showing exquisite craftsmanship and profound philosophical connotations.

- Kalachakra mantras and symbols often appear in amulets (such as gawu) or temple decorations, symbolizing protection and blessings.

--Editor's summary--

In Tibetan Buddhism, Kalachakra represents the integration of time, universe and ultimate wisdom, and is one of the core deities of Tantric practice. Its teachings originated from the teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha, and were introduced to Tibet through Shambhala and India, becoming an important method of various Tibetan Buddhist sects. The Kalachakra Tantra not only covers spiritual practice, but also involves knowledge such as astronomy and medicine, reflecting the comprehensive pursuit of wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism. Through Kalachakra initiation and mandala practice, practitioners seek harmony between the inner and outer universes and realize the ideals of personal enlightenment and world peace. The influence of Kalachakra transcends religion and has become an important symbol of Tibetan culture and the global spiritual movement.