Kalachakra as per Vedas

The wheel of time, or Kaalachakra, is an intriguing idea of time described in the ancient Indian Vedas, Epics, and Puranas. This wheel of time is thought to include twelve spokes, each representing a different point on the wheel of time. When closely examining the imagery, it becomes clear that this idea is connected to the Yuga System and was utilized in ancient India for various time measurements.  This chapter introduces the topic and demonstrates the depth of the nakshatras’ application by employing specific strategies. It is crucial for a more thorough comprehension of the principles underlying the use and classification of the Nakshatra.

What do we mean by “Kalachakra”?

The name “Kalachakra,” which combines the concepts of “time” from “Kala” and “wheel” from “Chakra,” comes from the Sanskrit language. Combining these master phrases creates a potent idea that illustrates the recurring connections among all things in our universe. 

According to this definition, time moves across space as a single fluid system that shares links between different times and moments, much like a wheel spinning. Western philosophy differs from Tibetan philosophy in that it primarily embraces linear temporal concepts, according to which the past exists independently of the present. Various temporal experiences co-occur through the Kalachakra system. This indicates that time is a function that influences every aspect of existence rather than a fixed measure.

Since it offers crucial cosmological and meditational lessons to aid practitioners in achieving enlightenment, the Kalachakra system is central to several spiritual teachings regarding time. The Kalachakra is a complex astrological system requiring extensive literature to describe it adequately.

Historical occurrences of Kalachakra in the Yugas

An event, often the birth or death of a historical figure, marks the start and finish of each Yuga. Rama’s death marks the Descending Treta Yuga, while Krishna’s death marks the Descending Dwapara Yuga. The Descending Treta Yuga is said to have begun with the birth of a ruler named Avikshit.  Floods occurred at the start and finish of the Descending Rta Yuga. At the start of the Descending Treta Yuga, there were floods. The Sarayu River, which passes through Ayodhya, the city of Rama, was inundated at the end of the Descending Treta Yuga. Seawater flooded at the end of the Descending Dwapara Yuga, submerging the island city of Krishna, Dvaraka.

Seven Sages, Saptarshi

The collective name of the seven sages who preserve the Kalachakra secret is Saptarshi, also the name of a constellation close to the celestial pole. Because of the precessional movement, some of the stars in this constellation become the pole-stars, contributing to the movement of the wheel of time. In western astronomy, it is referred to as Ursa Major (Great Bear) and the Big Dipper. Depending on the source text, the seven sages had different names. Bhrigu, Atri, Angirasa, Marichi, Pulastya, Pulalaha, and Kratu are on the list of popular names. Vasistha occasionally takes Marichi’s position, and Agastya occasionally takes the role of either Atri or Kratu.

In addition to being a symbolic idea, kalachakra is a potent esoteric and meditation technique that seeks to harmonize one’s inner energies with the larger cosmic order. Practitioners are led on a life-changing trip through the difficult Kalachakra tantra, broadening their perspective on existence and time and enabling them to negotiate life’s challenges wisely and peacefully.

Kala Chakra and Kota Chakra

There are a lot of similarities between Kala Chakra and Kota Chakra, which we have already discussed in detail. While the Kota Chakra is used to check the locations of planets in transit, the Kala Chakra is used for horary or prasna charts, which are almost the same as transit charts. Together with the small tot Abhijit, the 28 Nakshatra-devices constitute the basis for both chakras. 

Starting point (Nakshatra of commencement) in Kota Chakra is ‘changing’; it relies on the Janma-Nakshatra (the Nakshatra inhabited by the Moon at Birth). For Kala Chakra, however, the starting point is ‘constant’; it always starts with the Nakshatra Rohini (Nakshatra No. 4) and finishes with the Nakshatra Krittika (Nakshatra No. 3).

In addition, there are a few more noteworthy differences. Even though the order of succession is standard zodiacal, the numbers inside the chart in Kala Chakra are oblique and follow the same clockwise path. In Kota Chakra, the numbers immediately correspond to nakshatra positions (in line with the 28 Nakshatra machine). The numbers in Kala Chakra are just the “serial numbers.” A planet’s “serial variety” is obtained by adding 25 to its nakshatra range (as in step with 28 Nakshatra-gadget) and subtracting 28 whenever the total exceeds 28.

The entry and exit routes of Kota Chakra run along its diagonals, from the edge to the center, and the vertical and horizontal dividers, from the center to the threshold. However, in Kala Chakra, the departure routes go along its diagonals, from the center closer to the edge. In contrast, the access routes run along the vertical and horizontal dividers, from the edge towards the center.  The graduation in Kala Chakra is from the center of the pinnacle, while in Kota Chakra it is from the left-hand nook of the pinnacle. It is located at the entrance in both cases, and from there, the access and exit routes alternate within the same zodiacal direction.

What constitutes the Kalachakra?

The Kalachakra contains 722 deities (720 plus Siva and Durga). These are related to the 720 sashtiamsas of the D-60, which Parashara considers the most significant varga, and the “72,000” nadis described in the hatha yoga scriptures. Lotuses have 78 deities, totaled twice with their partners (78 x 2 = 156). There are 162 primary deities in the Kalachakra, which are said to correspond to 162 primary channels in the body, and there are six seal-implementing deities.

They also have something to do with astronomy. There are two Adityas in each of the four directions on the outer level (body mandala), and one Aditya in each of the intermediate directions. This sums up the year’s twelve months. All 28 deities, which stand in for the 30 days of a month and the 360 degrees of the zodiac and sidereal solar year, are around each Aditya as they embrace their consort.

Using the Kalachakra and the eight yoginis, Prasna Marga of Harihara teaches some methods for calculating death. The Prasna Marga on the Kalachakra contains precisely 36 verses. Saturn, the lord of life and death, reaches adulthood at age 36. The three portions of 36 that comprise the life cycle sum to 108.

Accepting the Kalachakra’s Wisdom

Because it encompasses a vast body of knowledge that explains space and time and the methods necessary to achieve enlightenment, the Kalachakra symbolizes more than just a supernatural presence. Practitioners travel through higher states of existence under the guidance of teaching instructions that lead to spiritual enlightenment. One can achieve total emancipation by transcending the limitations of space-time through meditation, visualization, and wisdom acquisition.

Kalachakra’s wisdom, which demonstrates that humans are components of a complex cosmic link that connects everything, is necessary for modern living. Regardless of how they practice, everyone who aspires to enlightenment can make use of the opportunities presented by Kalachakra teachings.

Do you want to begin practicing Kalachakra? Time is an endless cycle that offers many chances for self-improvement, self-transformation, and ultimate autonomy.