I’m sure as many of you know His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be in Washington, DC for the 2011 Kalachakra for World Peace, from July 6 to July 16. But for those who didn’t here is some information on the event, www.kalachakra2011.com. Additionally, the website of His Holiness, www.dalailama.com, has additional information about the 2011 Kalachakra and the upcoming 2012 Kalachakra being held in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India from December 31 to January 10, www.kalachakra2012.org. There will be live broadcasts starting tomorrow and running throughout the event and webcasts can be viewed either at www.kalachakra2011.com or www.dalailama.com. Here is some more information taken from the press release:
HIS HOLINESS THE FOURTEENTH DALAI LAMA
TO GIVE KALACHAKRA FOR WORLD PEACE IN WASHINGTON, DC
AT VERIZON CENTER JULY 6 – 16, 2011
Ancient and Profoundly Meaningful Ritual to Be Held In U.S. Capital City
for First Time in History
“His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama will confer the Kalachakra for World Peace ritual in Washington, DC from July 6 – 16, 2011, at the Verizon Center. The Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA) welcomes all those who wish to join in this historic event, which is offered with the heartfelt motivation to inspire harmonious relationships and abiding peace in the hearts of all the people of the world.
The Dalai Lama has given the Kalachakra teachings to over 1.5 million people around the world. This will be the 31st time he has given the Kalachakra empowerments since initiating the Kalachakra gatherings in 1954. It is of particular significance that it is being held in the nation’s capital, seen as the leading hub of the free world where local decisions deeply and globally affect an incalculable numbers of lives. It is a rare opportunity to act in harmony to promote the strength of compassion and wisdom, so urgently needed in today’s world.
The 11-day event launches on July 6, the 76th Birthday of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, along with monks and senior lamas, will conduct rituals which prepare and consecrate the venue during the first seven days. These include the chanting of prayers and the creation of the sand mandala. The making of the exquisite, colorful Kalachakra sand mandala by the monks of Namgyal Monastery, the Dalai Lama’s personal monastery, is one of the most inspiring visual experiences of the Kalachakra. The detailed work of sacred art is executed with utmost precision, truly a sight to behold.
A highlight of the Kalachakra for World Peace will be three days of teachings by the Dalai Lama, presenting the foundations of Buddhist thought on July 9 – 11.
The Kalachakra Ritual Dance will take place on July 12, followed by three days of actual Empowerment from July 13 – 15.
On the final day, July 16, the Kalachakra for World Peace 2011 will close with a ceremony offering prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama and a long-life blessing will be given to all in attendance. Closing events also include the powerful dissolution of the sand mandala.
ABOUT HIS HOLINESS THE FOURTEENTH DALAI LAMA
Few lives in history have spoken as deeply to the goodness of the human spirit as the life of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. A bright light dispelling the darkness of our times, His Holiness has spread his message of non-violence, tolerance, compassion and wisdom around the world in over 62 countries and across six continents. Awarded the Nobel Pace Prize in 1989, His Holiness has received over 84 humanitarian commendations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2007, and has authored more than 72 books. He has overcome unimaginable hardships while protecting the people of Tibet after the brutal occupation of their homeland in the 1950s. His Holiness has also established a government in exile, promoting a democratic system of rule. His simple demeanor and joyful humor have endeared him to millions of people around the world.
ABOUT THE KALACHAKRA RITUAL
According to the Dalai Lama, “The initiation to the Kalachakra is one of the most important [practices for world peace]…because it takes everything into account: the body and the human mind, and the whole external aspect — cosmic and astrological. We firmly believe in its power to reduce conflict and we believe it is capable of creating…peace of spirit and therefore peace in the world.”
The Kalachakra Tantra teachings date back some 2,500 years ago to the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, who transmitted them to the king of the semi-mythical land of Shambhala. Since that time, the Kalachakra Initiation has been given by an unbroken succession of great masters, including revered figures such as Lama Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, and continuing directly to the present Dalai Lama, who has offered this great ceremony to millions of participants around the world.”
Tomorrow is also the birthday of his holiness and I’ve included below a PDF of a long life prayer translated by Thupten Jinpa, the principal English translator to his Holiness since 1985.
Speaking of which, don’t forget our upcoming celebration honoring H.H. the Dalai Lama’s birthday being held on Saturday, July 16 from 6-9 pm at Gage Hall on 4 Archdale St. in downtown Charleston. Hope to see you all there!
