Customer Reviews

The Kalachakra Tantra

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is an excellent resource and can be highly recommended to those preparing to take a Kalachakra initiation, such as the upcoming one in Toronto, April-May 2004. HH the Dalai Lama gives one or two Kalachakra initiations every year, so this book should be very valuable in future as well.

The book is comprised of two parts: an introduction by Jeffrey Hopkins (first 150 pages) and the commentary/teaching of the Dalai Lama throughout the actual initation (the rest of the book), plus a few texts on 6-session guruyoga and a sadhana at the end.

The introduction is excellent, explaining the sutra and tantra path, with a wonderful chapter on emptiness that is very clear and concise, and one of the best explications I have seen! This section alone is worth the price of the book. It explains the Kalachakra mandala (and there are some good color glossy photos inside) with all the deities as well.

The second section is even more incredible, as this is the actual text of what HH the Dalai Lama explained throughout the actual initiation. This would be very valuable for those preparing for such an initiation, or perhaps wanting to go back to understand it more deeply.

Combined, these two sections make this book invaluable. It is also beautifully made, with a great glossy cover, very durable, and glossy pages that are nice to read. Treasure it!

Also recommended: Glenn Mullin's "The Practice of Kalachakra", Alexander Berzin's book on Kalachakra, and "Highest Yoga Tantra" by Daniel Cozort.

This is an absolute must have if you either have attended or plan to attend the Kalachakra initiation. It has the text of the actual previous initiation given in Wisconsin in 1981. When I attended the Bloomington initiation in 1999, we followed the text almost word for word. Sometimes it's hard to understand the translator over earphones, but with book in hand, I had no problem at all. And it's essential to read ahead of time so that the experience has meaning. In addition, this book has been a friend and companion in daily practice since the initiation. (If you're new to the process, part of what you sign up for is to practice six times a day for the rest of your life.) The text has the actual daily practices as well. Hopkins' introduction is the equivalent of a college course. I thought, arrogantly, that I was prepared by having read a few books on Kalachakra and having practiced other deity yogas for several years. Only after studying did I find how much I have to learn. I've read this book many times, and will continue to do so. It takes on more sophistocation as I grow in my practice. My usual reaction on re-reading is like, "Oh, no, that's what I vowed to do--wish I had realized it at the time."

I have just gotten about halfway through reading/studying this book, and is very well written and easy to understand. Recommend those that want to read/study this to be somewhat familiar with Tibetan Buddhism though. I do not have much else to say about this as again, I have just gotten to the halfway point of book.

while in india i got the book from mlbd.i read it once,then again and again i read this book.i also practised it,and got benefits in improving the system of life.based on my experience i can say,it is very usefull for those who wish to go on spiritual path,it is also usefull for common people struggling to get rid of mental stresses etc..,