Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation [Paperback]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Author), Jeffrey Hopkins (Translator), His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

Associated with the promotion of world peace, the Kalachakra — or "Wheel of Time" — tantra is one of the most detailed and encompassing systems of theory and practice within Tibetan Buddhism. Kalachakra Tantra contains a complete translation of the Kalachakra initiation ritual as conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Toronto in April 2004, along with his commentary, and a comprehensive introduction by Professor Jeffrey Hopkins that explores the Kalachakra's rich symbolism, meaning, and history. The book also includes the Six-Session Yoga.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Tibetan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

: The Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, resides in Dharamsala, India. Jeffrey Hopkins, a leading scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications; 3rd edition (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861711513
• ISBN-13: 978-0861711512
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #483,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet and was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. The world's foremost Buddhist leader, he travels extensively, speaking eloquently in favor of ecumenical understanding, kindness and compassion, respect for the environment, and, above all, world peace.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Kalachakra?, April 15, 2004

By 

Nessander - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation (Paperback)

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.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tenzin Gyatso. Kalachakra Tantra Rite of Initiation rules!, April 7, 2003

By 

dianne fox (Kansas City, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation (Paperback)

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."

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Information, March 23, 2006

By 

V Harlow "Akilah-Seeker of Knowledge" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation (Paperback)

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.