Material: Bronze. Cast. (The base can hold sacred objects.)

Size: 12cm

Description:

Kalachakra (Tibetan: དུས་ཀྱི་འཁོར་ལོ།, meaning "Wheel of Time") is a key deity in the Anuttara Yoga tantra of Vajrayana (Tantric) Tibetan Buddhism. Its teachings are derived from the Kalachakra Tantra. The following describes the concept of "dual union," its influence and status in Tibetan Buddhism, and the origins of its usage:

1. Kalachakra and the Union

In the Kalachakra teachings, the union (Tibetan: zung'jug, Sanskrit: yuganaddha) refers to the union of the deity Kalachakra and his consort (Visvamata), symbolizing the harmonious integration of great compassion (skillful means) and prajna wisdom. Kalachakra is typically depicted as a dual body: the father is blue, with four faces, three necks, and twelve arms, while the mother is yellow. Embracing each other, they represent the harmony of yin and yang, embodying the unified laws of time and space within the universe and all beings. This union is visualized in practice to transcend duality and achieve the unity of emptiness and bliss.

In the Kalachakra teachings, the union is not only a symbolic expression but also involves actual tantric practice. By visualizing the union of Kalachakra and his consort, combined with the yoga practices of the prana, nadis, and vitae, practitioners purify their body, speech, and mind, ultimately achieving the goal of "instant enlightenment." This dual practice emphasizes the union of inner energy ("inner Kalachakra") and the outer universe ("outer Kalachakra"), leading to liberation through the stage of "samadhi" (the stage of accomplishment).

II. The Influence and Status of Kalachakra in Tibetan Buddhism

Kalachakra holds a high status in Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the highest practices of the Anuttara Yoga Tantra. Its influence is evident in the following aspects:

1. **Teaching Transmission and Historical Influence**:

- The Kalachakra Tantra was introduced to Tibet from India around the 11th century and became a key text of Tibetan Buddhist practice by the 13th century. According to the "Chronicle of Tibetan Kings and Ministers," this teaching originated in Shambhala, where it was received by King Chandra (an incarnation of Vajrapani) from Sakyamuni Buddha and transmitted to Shambhala. It was later introduced to Tibet by Indian masters such as Kālamahāpāda. The four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug) all have Kālachakra transmissions, with the Jonang school being particularly renowned for its complete preservation of the Kālachakra teachings.

- Kālachakra is renowned for its profound cosmology, philosophy, medicine, and yogic practices. It encompasses the outer Kālachakra (the structure of the universe), the inner Kālachakra (the energy channels of the human body), and the subtle Kālachakra (the attainment of liberation), and has had a profound influence on the tantric system of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **Social and Cultural Influence**:

- Kālachakra initiations are believed to quell war, promote peace, bring about favorable weather, and guide sentient beings to rebirth in Shambhala, where they can practice the bodhisattva path. Throughout history, prominent lamas, such as the Dalai Lama, have frequently held Kalachakra initiation ceremonies, attracting followers worldwide and playing a significant role in the international dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism.

- The Kalachakra mandala (often constructed of colored sand) is one of the most symbolic rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. It represents a microcosm of the universe and the pure land of the deity, embodying Tibetan Buddhism's unique understanding of time, space, and liberation.

3. **Philosophical and Practical Status**:

- The Kalachakra teachings emphasize that the Primordial Buddha (Paramādibuddha) is the fundamental source of all phenomena. Through practice, one can control the "living wind" (life energy), prolong life, and attain the unity of the five wisdoms and meditative concentration. This teaching, combining exoteric and esoteric teachings, emphasizes non-self and emptiness, resonating with the core philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism.

- The Kalachakra teachings also include prophecies about the future world, such as the conflict between Shambhala and foreign faiths. Scholars such as Alexander Birkin have pointed out that this is actually a struggle between the inner mind and ignorance, revealing its deep psychological and philosophical implications.

III. Usage and Origin

1. Usage:

- **Initiation and Practice**: The practice of Kalachakra requires initiation by a guru, purifying the practitioner's body, speech, and mind, and guiding them into the Kalachakra mandala. The initiation ceremony simulates the life journey, from "entering a new world like a child" to final enlightenment. Practitioners visualize Kalachakra and his consort, combining mantras, energy and channel practice, and mandala visualization to achieve unity of body, mind, and the universe.

- **Kalachakra Mantra**: The core mantra, "Om Ham Kama La Va Ra Ya Svāhā," encompasses the ten aspects of freedom (life span, mind, aspiration, resources, karma, rebirth, understanding, divine power, Dharma, and wisdom). It is used for meditation, blessing, and purification. The mantra image is often hung in a clean place to increase merit.

The teachings were introduced to Tibet in the 11th century by Indian acharyas. The Sakya school was the first to lay the foundation for its practice, which was later widely transmitted by various schools. In 2000, His Holiness Lu Sheng-yen of the True Buddha School gave the first teaching of the Kalachakra teachings in Hong Kong, becoming the first Chinese Dharma King to teach the Kalachakra teachings, demonstrating the continuity and modernization of the tradition.

The core texts of the Kalachakra teachings, the Kalachakra Tantra and the Immaculate Light, were compiled around 1027 by Maha Kalachakra and Hsiao Kalachakra, laying the foundation for both theory and practice.

Summary

The Kalachakra union symbolizes the union of great compassion and wisdom and is the core of its tantric practice, which guides practitioners to enlightenment through visualization and energy and channel training. As the highest teaching of the Anuttarayoga tantra of Tibetan Buddhism, Kalachakra has had a profound impact on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, ritual, and society. Its initiations and mandala ceremonies promote peace and liberation. The teachings originated from Sakyamuni Buddha and were introduced to Tibet via Shambhala and India. They remain an important part of Tibetan Buddhism and have a global influence.

Kalachakra Dual Cultivation (Bronze)