Question

What is Kalachakra?

Answer 1

Hint: Kalachara originated in India and propagated in the 11th century. It then spread to Tibet and other parts. Kalachakra is a term used in Tantric Buddhism which means the cycle of time, time-cycles, or wheel of time.

Complete answer: Kalachakra is a Sanskrit term that can be broken into Kala means time and Chakra means cycle. It includes three cycles:
(i)Inner or Internal cycle
(ii)Outer or External cycle
(iii)Alternative or other cycles
An internal cycle includes the cycle or periods of our life such as from infancy to old age, menstrual, sleep and the breaths. An external cycle includes the orbits, planets, moon, sun, the hours, days and so on. Both these cycles are closely parallel and yet connected to each other. Just as galaxies, the universe and stars go through the process of evolution, bearing, and then finally extinction, likewise humans also go through the different stages of life such as infancy, adulthood and then old age. Another common factor between these two cycles is the phenomena of rebirth. The alternative cycle is a cycle of tantric initiation or empowerment. It includes stages of attainment of Buddhahood. Through this cycle, one can attain enlightenment. It includes yoga practices which can purify the inner and outer cycles.
Other than this Karma plays an important role in the functioning of these cycles.

Note: Dalai Lama in 1954, in Tibet, Lhasa gave the initiation for the first time, after that around millions of people are attending the ritual. The Buddha’s teachings of Kalachakra are described in Paramathi Buddha. According to the Dro tradition, the Kalachakra was reintroduced in India by master Kalachakrapada.