Ganacakra, Gana-cakra, Gaṇacakra: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Ganacakra means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
Alternative spellings of this word include Ganachakra.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: ÖAW: Tantric Communities in Context (tb)Gaṇacakra (गणचक्र) refers to a “ritualised communal feast” as celebrated by followers of the Vajrayāna, i.e., Tantric Buddhist communities, according to Péter-Dániel Szántó in his Minor Vajrayāna texts V .—The main points of a gaṇacakra (or gaṇamaṇḍala), lit. “assembly circle,” essentially a ritualised communal feast, are as follows: The ritual should be observed periodically, at least once a year, but preferably more often. It is not a public affair, as participation is limited to initiates of a particular Tantric cult, ideally both male and female. They are headed by their master who is seated in the middle, usually accompanied by his consort, and officiates during the key points of the rite. Lesser duties are delegated to an assistant. The resources are provided by a sponsor, who is also present. The chief aim of the rite is to consume the so-called samaya (“vow,” “pledge”) substances—bodily fluids and meats—in a communal fashion. These are placed in a vessel (usually a skull bowl) filled with liquor and are consecrated by the main officiant. The vessel is then passed around, usually accompanied by verses in Apabhraṃśa, a kind of literary Middle Indic, with everyone obliged to partake. This is followed by a feast with food, drink, song, and dance. Some descriptions specify that participants should communicate using secret signs and secret code-words (both called chommā). It is usually assumed that intercourse also takes place, and we do indeed find allusions to this in some of our manuals, e.g. the one discussed here, but this is not the main point. The ritual usually takes place at night and can last until daybreak. Thereupon the participants are dismissed respectfully.
Note: The Buddhist gaṇacakra/gaṇamaṇḍala probably imitates a Śaiva ritual (note that gaṇa primarily means an attendant of the god Śiva). The earliest reference in Buddhist literature to a gaṇacakra or gaṇamaṇḍala dates to the early eighth century or possibly slightly earlier.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryGaṇacakra (गणचक्र):—[=gaṇa-cakra] [from gaṇa > gaṇ] n. Name of a magical circle, [Hitopadeśa]
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Ganacakraka, Ganacakravidhi.
Full-text: Ganacakravidhi, Ganamandala, Ganacakraka.
Relevant text
Search found 7 books and stories containing Ganacakra, Gana-cakra, Gaṇa-cakra, Gaṇacakra, Ganacakras; (plurals include: Ganacakras, cakras, Gaṇacakras, Ganacakrases). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Hevajra Tantra (analytical study) (by Seung Ho Nam)
2.2. Assembly of the Circle of Initiates (ganacakra) < [Chapter 4 - Tantric Cult in Hevajra Tantra]
1. Preliminary Tantric Practice < [Chapter 4 - Tantric Cult in Hevajra Tantra]
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 3c - The Life story of Lha rje zla ba'i 'od zer < [Book 4 - New Traditions of Secret Mantra]
Chapter 6 - Instruction Section < [Book 3 - Early translations of Secret Mantra]
Chapter 1c - The Zur Geneology (vi): Zur shAkya seng ge (continued) < [Book 3 - Early translations of Secret Mantra]
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Page 100 < [Volume 12 (1912)]
Kailash: Journal of Himalayan Studies
Part 2 - Guide to Swayambhu Stupa < [A Buddhist Guide to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley]
Part 29 - Guide to the Asura cave < [A Buddhist Guide to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley]
Uku Bahah—The Earliest Dated Document in Newari < [Volume 16, Number 1-2 (1990)]
Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary) (by Gyurme Dorje)
Text 20.14 (Commentary) < [Chapter 20 (Text And Commentary)]
Text 4.2 (Commentary) < [Chapter 4 (text and commentary)]
Text 11.14 (Commentary) < [Chapter 11 (Text and Commentary)]
On the use of Human remains in Tibetan ritual objects (by Ayesha Fuentes)
Charnel materials in the Saṃvara tradition < [Chapter 2 - The use of skulls and bone ornaments]
Methodology and structure < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Conclusion: Skulls and charnel ornaments in Tibetan sources < [Chapter 2 - The use of skulls and bone ornaments]