Kalachakra Tantra Part 2 continues the study of Kalachakra.

Kalachakra is one of the most complex systems within tantric Buddhism. The Kalachakra tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles. From the cycles of the planets to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the practice of working with the most subtle energies within one's body on the path to enlightenment.

Since Kalachakra is time and everything is under the influence of time, Kalachakra knows all. Vishvamati, his spiritual consort and complement, is aware of everything that is timeless, not time-bound or out of the realm of time. In Yab-Yum, they are temporality and a-temporality conjoined. Similarly, the wheel is without beginning or end.

The Kalachakra deity resides in the center of the mandala in his palace consisting of four mandalas, one within the other: the mandalas of body, speech, and mind, and in the very center, wisdom and great bliss. The Kalachakra sand mandala is dedicated to both individual and world peace and physical balance. The Dalai Lama explains: “It is a way of planting a seed, and the seed will have karmic effect. One doesn’t need to be present at the Kalachakra ceremony in order to receive its benefits.”

This class will examine the tantra and commentaries, along with practice text(s).

Prerequisites: Kalachakra Tantra Part 1.

Texts: Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kalacakra Tantra by Khendrup Norsang Gyatso (OSL)