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...the purpose
of initiation is to plant special karmic |
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The higher
meditations of the Kalachakra tradition can be practiced
only by a select few. | |||
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But because of past and future events, and in order to establish a strong karmic relationship with Kalachakra on the minds of the people, there is now a tradition of giving the initiation to large public gatherings. The following are qualifications of someone who wishes to receive the Kalachakra transmission for actual practice. The first qualification is that of the bodhichitta, the altruistic aspiration to highest enlightenment, which cherishes others more than oneself. Here it is said that the best disciple dwells in an unfeigned experience of this sublime mind; the medium disciple has had a small glimpse of it in his or her meditations; the lowest should have at least an appreciation for and interest in developing it. The second qualification is given in terms of the special insight training, i.e., one's experience of emptiness. Here it is said that the best disciple has an undistorted experience of the nature of ultimate reality as explained in the Madhymaka or Yogachara schools of Mahayana thought; the medium disciple has a correct understanding based on study and reason in general; and the lowest disciple should at least have a strong appreciation for and interest in learning the philosophical views of either of the two above-mentioned schools. In addition, a disciple seeking the Kalachakra initiation should have a feeling for and interest in this particular tantric tradition. The purpose of initiation is to plant special karmic seeds in the mind of the recipient; but if he or she does not possess the openness born from a basic degree of spiritual interest, it will be very difficult for the seeds to have any impact.
Should anyone wish to attend an initiation ceremony merely as a blessing, that is to say, in order to establish a karmic relationship with the Kalachakra lineage, initiation can be given on this basis to those who can appreciate and respect the opportunity. People attending solely within that perspective should not imagine taking on the commitments or disciplines of the system, such as the bodhisattva or tantric precepts. Rather, they should feel that they are present solely for purposes for enjoying the spiritual inspiration that the event provides. Even if one has more faith than knowledge, and does not comprehend the principles of the path combining method and wisdom as explained above, the seeds of initiation can still be firmly planted on the mindstream of a trainee if he or she has even a small basis of spiritual conviction. Therefore this is the minimum qualification required to attend the Kalachakra initiation. One should have at least a small particle of spiritual interest, even if one is not a formal practitioner.
by The 14th Dalai Lama - Tenzin
Gyatso | ||
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18 Poole Road. Singapore 437505. Fax: (65) 63450912 |
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