Kalachakra, the Wheel of Time Buddha: Shakyamuni’s highest emanation for difficult times

Why is Kalachakra practice recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times? Why is Kalachakra considered to be a highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha? How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering? We answer these questions and more in this short, informative presentation on the ultimate form of Shakyamuni Buddha. MANTRA:Beautiful chanting: In this time, when wars and disease and economic turmoil arise again in Samsara, Kalachakra is among the most important practices in Vajrayana Buddhism, to help us overcome our many obstacles. This practice represents none other than the Highest Yoga Practice of the glorious conqueror Shakyamuni Buddha. Buddha taught in different ways for a multitude of suffering beings. In a display of this wonderful Enlightened skill, at the same time Buddha taught skillfully on our “plane of existence“ — offering teachings in different ways to different followers, as best suited them — he taught in all planes of existence (time and space being relative and unlimited, after all.) The teachings of the Kalachakra Tantra are his highest teachings, although to achieve profound benefits requires training and a qualified teacher. FOR CHANTING: Generally, teachers advise it’s fine, especially in these times of degeneration. The Dalai Lama does massive public events for this reason. The general guidance is that reciting is fine, but you may NOT self-generate or practice the meditative sadhana without empowerment and instruction. As a Highest Yoga Tantra, the empowerments have always been involved, but Kalu Rinpoche, Dalai Lama, and others have stated that the public exposition of this tantra is essential in this current degenerate age. For this reason, you see the mantra everywhere, and the Dalai Lama and other teachers offer it to large groups (which is unusual for Highest Yoga Tantras). However, be guided by your own teacher. Certainly, there is no doubt that self-genration (where you visualize yourself as Kalacharka) is not permitted without instruction. His Emminence Garchen Rinpoche guides that the main requirement is Bodhichitta -- the intention to benefit other sentient beings. Basically, you are making offerings and praise with this mantra -- it’s not specifically an activity mantra. Most praise and offering mantras are fine. The meaning of the mantra is The first four syllables OM AH HUM HOH of this mantra are the four vajra syllables of the body (OM), speech (AH), mind (HUM), and wisdom (HOH). The next two syllables, HAM and KSHAH are the bija syllables for the father Kalachakra (HAM) and, correspondingly, his consort Vishvamata (KSHAH). The syllable MA is the basis for the inestimable mansion of Kalachakra. The four syllables LA VA RA YA stands for the 4 elements of earth, fire, water, and wind. HUM PHAT represents an offering of blessings, with the wish that hearing this powerful mantra and chanting it brings supreme benefit to all sentient beings. Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explains: “Kalachakra deity is an emanation of Buddha Shakyamuni. He is the opponent of the age of degeneration, Kali Yuga. Kalachakra revolves around the concept of time (kala) and cycle or wheels. Kalachakra, in Tibetan Dhukor, means wheel of time, wheel of Samsara turning, wheel of sharp weapons turning, wheel of wars turning and wheel of suffering turning. At this time, it is important to turn the wheel of holy Dharma. It is time to practice Kalachakra Tantra.“ COMMENTS and COMMUNITY: Please be respectful in your comments, guided by kindness and Bodhichitta. We do appreciate corrections, however, we will not approve comments with corrections that are unsupported. If you wish to state “this is not correct“ (bearing in mind it may be correct in one tradition and not in another) then it is important to INCLUDE YOUR CITATION (Which teacher or Sutra are you quoting.) Simply saying “This isn’t true“ is not a publishable comment. Why isn’t it true? Or why do you disagree? We will also not approve comments with disparaging comments, regardless of the context. We will not approve any political comments, as we strive for a positive, spiritual community. Thank you for understanding!