Taking the Kalachakra initiation is the doorway to practice Kalachakra. When you think you are ready for it after going over the points mentioned in the page Before the Initiation, it is advised that you try to properly prepare yourself by studying Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism in particular.

The entire initiation process is quite a long and complex ritual, and can be confusing even to experienced students who have repeatedly taken the initiation and seriously try to practice Kalachakra for years. Studying the following suggested texts some time prior to the ritual can be more than useful to follow what is happening.

Of course, the more you are aware of all the steps and visualisations etc., the stronger the imprint of the initiation will be, and the more power it will have. Also, it may be good to realise that the entire structure of the Kalachakra initiation is generally more complex than other tantric initiations, so proper preparation is really worthwhile if you like to get seriously involved in this practice.

A highly recommended book, which also includes a good introduction to the initiation is 'Taking the Kalachakra Initiation' by Alexander Berzin.

In our English Resources section, you can find an excellent introduction to Kalachakra and to the taking the initiation is this Explanation of the Kalachakra Initiation by Alexander Berzin.

In the English Resources, you can also find a study-document; the Detailed Outline of the Kalachakra Empowerment, which describes all the essential steps during the initiation ceremony. It is highly recommended as a guide to have with you during an initiation to avoid 'getting lost' in all the ritual aspects.

As much of the ritual involves the Kalachakra Mind Mandala, getting familiar with the deities and the symbolism can greatly help your understanding and visualisations during the initiation. You can find some information on this website under The Mandala menu. Also studying Kalachakra thangkas and murals, as well as books like 'Kalachakra' by Tibet Domani (unfortunately out of print) can help with this.

An elaborate book with an extensive introduction to tantra, is actually a transcript of a Kalachakra initiation given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is 'The Kalachakra Tantra, Rite of Initiation', by Tenzin Gyatso the Dalai Lama and Jeffrey Hopkins. However, as the book gives the initiation procedure as well as His Holiness' advice at the time, it can be quite hard to follow the initiation procedure itself when trying to listen to the teachings mixed in the ritual and read the book at the same time.

Other transcripts of Kalachakra initiations (mainly teachings before the actual initiation) can be found in the English Resource Page.

 

KALACHAKRA PRACTICE AFTER THE INITIATION

Once you have received a Kalachakra initiation, you can Sign up as Member and have a look at Starting with Kalachakra Practice.

 

WEB LINKS

For general Buddhism, tantra and specifically Kalachakra: Alexander Berzin's website contains much information
General Buddhism: check out A View of Buddhism