Kālachakra tantra: rite of initiation : for the stage of generation : a commentary on the text of Kay-drup-ge-leg-bel-sang-bo

Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation is a book based on the Buddhist teachings of the Kalachakra. The book itself is based on the complete translation of a conference which was held by the Dalai Lama in Washington DC in July, 2011. Kalachakra means time cycles or the wheel of time.The word, Kalachakra, in Tibetan Buddhism refers to a complex practice and teaching. Although the teachings are considered to be advanced, it is still taught to large crowds in accordance with tradition. The Kalachakra tradition bases itself on the twin concepts of time or kāla and cycles or chakra. From the cycles of the way humans breath to the planet's cycles, it explains the art of making use of the subtle energies that exist within everyone in order to walk the path towards enlightenment.The Kalachakra Tantra is divided into 5 chapters. The Ground Kalachakra consists of the first two chapters; the first chapter explains the physical world while the second chapter explains the inner Kalachakra and related processes such as birth and gestation, various functions in the human body and human emotions. The next three chapters come under the section called the Path to Fruition. The third chapter explains how one can prepare for meditation, while the fourth chapter explains the actual meditation practices. The fifth chapter describes the final state.This book contains the Kalachakra Tantra along with the Dalai Lama's commentary. There is a comprehensive introduction by Jeffrey Hopkins which explores the various aspects of the Kalachakra from rich symbolism, meaning and history.Kalachakra Tantra: Rite of Initiation was published by Wisdom Publications in 1999. This new edition is in paperback.