Practice Cycles
External cycles of time relate to our internal cycles of timeThe Cosmic realm of Kalachakra relates to the internal realm of Kalachakra. As such we have practice dates that connect both the lunar and solar days with our practice.
Throughout the Kalachakra Tantra, there is a great emphasis placed on developing awareness of the distinct cycles of time which correspond to the universal pattern of manifestation and dissolution. This pattern can be seen in the cycles of day and night, birth and death, as well as other examples in the outer, inner and enlightened levels.
During a lunar month, this cycle manifests very clearly as the waxing and waning of the moon. The first half is referred to as the white fortnight and represents the cycle of manifestation which is connected to the masculine aspect of ultimate compassion. The second half of the month is the black fortnight and represents the cycle of dissolution. This is connected to the feminine aspect of ultimate wisdom. In this way, by practicing within this cycle, we learn to balance the masculine and feminine energies of our bodies and minds, thus joining ultimate wisdom and compassion in union.
Harmonizing with the Lunar Phases
For this reason, members of the Dzokden Community gather to practice at four key points of the lunar cycle. Within a 30 day period, members are encouraged to practice whichever practices they feel most connected with and which suit their particular needs at that time. Try to explore a variety of practices in order to familiarize yourself with different approaches and to cultivate greater flexibility of mind. With that said, the following are just some suggestions for practices that you might like to cultivate:
Find when these phase occur in your local area on this website.
New Moon
With the moon dissolved, we reflect on the nature of reality so that we may unravel our delusion and learn to rest our minds in the sublime perfection of wisdom.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES
Manjushri
Prajñaparamita
Chöd
Meditation on Emptiness
Shamatha & Vipashyana
Recitation of Sutras & Tantras
Waning Half-Moon
Then as the moon begins to wane, we focus on purification so that we can clear away any obstacles existing in our minds and thus prepare ourselves to realize our most sacred truth.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES
Vajravega
Vajrapani
Vajrasattva Purification
Green Tara
Prostrations with 35 Buddhas
Protector Practices
Full-Moon
When the moon reaches its fullest manifestation we turn our minds to our enlightened nature and how to work with its infinite aspects to skillfully accumulate merit.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES
Kalachakra
Guru Puja
Dzambhala
Mandala Offerings
Tsok Offerings
Seven Limbed Prayers
Waxing Half-Moon
As the moon waxes, we cultivate love and compassion so that we may strengthen our resolve to bring lasting benefit to sentient beings by leading them to enlightenment.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES
Avalokiteshvara
Guru Rinpoche
Medicine Buddha
Seven Point Cause & Effect
Exchanging Self for Others
Connecting with Shambhala
Harmonizing with Solar Energy
There are also several key points in the year that connect with the solar Calendar.
Spring Equinox
On this date, the day and night are of equal lengths of time.
Summer Solstice
This is the longest day of the year when the earth is closest to the sun.
Autumnal Equinox
On this date, the day and night are of equal lengths of time.
Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year is when the earth is tilted away from the sun.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES
21 Taras Drolmi Kazug Puja
Important Dates in the Calendar Cycle
There are also several key points in the year that connect with the calendar dates. We do practices as a global community every year on these dates.
See the upcoming list of events for the next global practice date.
Losar Lunar
New Year
1st Day of 1st Month
Sang Offering
Khentrul Rinpoche’s Birthday
April 18th
Mantra Accumulation Offering
Kalachakra
Wheel Turning
15th Day of 3rd Lunar Month
Innate Kalachakra Deity Yoga
Jetsun Taranatha’s Parinirvana
28th Day of 3rd Lunar Month
Main lineage master of the Jonang Lineage
Lama Lutrin’s
Parinirvana
13th Day of Month 4
Guru Puja for Lama Lutrin
Saka Dawa
Vesak
15th Day of Month 4
1000 Buddha Pujas
Dolpopa’s
Parinirvana
6th Day of 10th Lunar Month
Prayers of Auspiciousness
Global Project
Kalachakra Astrology to Enhance Practice Cycles
In Kalachakra astrology, our external cosmic reality of the cycles of the star signs (the lunar Nakshastras), relate to the cycles of our internal winds and breath. It is possible to optimize the timing of yogic and ritual practices with these internal subtle energy cycles. Our group wishes to make a personalized astrology app according to Kalachakra to help advanced practitioners take advantage of these cosmic cycles.