August Kalachakra Initiation with the Dalai Lama
BRIEF INTRODUCTION--THE DALAI LAMA
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, is the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He was born Lhamo Dhondrub on 6 July 1935, in a small village called Taktser in northeastern Tibet.
Born to a peasant family, His Holiness was recognized at the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, as the reincarnation of his predecessor the 13th Dalai Lama, and thus an incarnation Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion.
To learn more about this singular figure--a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate--Visit the websites:
http://www.tibet.com/
The Government of Tibet in Exile
http://www.magicoftibet.com/home.html
The Magic of Tibet...links to sites for the movies KUNDUN and SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET plus many informational links regarding Tibetan religion and politics. The two movies are excellent must-sees for anyone who wants to learn about Tibet and the Dalai Lama.
http://www.tibet.org/dalailama.html
Dedicated to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama...links to further information.
INTRODUCTION
"Throughout the world there is a deeply felt need for both external and internal peace. The Kalachakra initiation is a profound ceremony that gathers and unites people from all nations and backgrounds in a peaceful spiritual activity that affects both those people and the environment in a significant and constructive manner. For this reason, several lamas, including myself, have been happy to confer the initiation when requested.
..."It is my prayer that everyone who plans to attend, or has ever attended a Kalachakra initiation may ultimately reap the full benefit of doing so." --April 8, 1997.
From Dalai Lama's Foreword to Taking the Kalachakra Initiation by Alexander Berzin.
This August, the public has a rare opportunity. His Holiness, the XIV Dalai Lama, will perform the Kalachakra for World Peace, a traditional Buddhist ceremony, in Bloomington, Indiana. This is a 10-day commitment of time, expense, travel, and spiritual vows.
Amazing numbers are willing to make this commitment. Motels in Bloomington are already filling up. I've heard informal estimates that 9 or 10 thousand are expected to show; this writer will be among them. Bloomington, 50 miles south of Indianapolis, offers many natural amenities such as nearby lakes; Bluespring Caverns Park; Hoosier National Forest. Cultural attractions include Indiana University and the Tibetan Cultural Center.
The Welcoming Ceremony is August 16. The Kalachakra ritual preparation starts August 18 and His Holiness makes a public address that evening. Then follow six days of prayers, meditation and teaching which are essential to the process. The initiation commences August 25 and 26; closing ceremonies are on August 27.
In addition to the main activities, there will be ongoing Kalachakra movie festival; music; celebrity and guest lectures
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