Kalacakratantra, Kālacakratantra, Kalacakra-tantra: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kalacakratantra means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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 Kalachakratantra.

Images (photo gallery)

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Kalacakratantra in Tibetan Buddhism glossary
Source: archive.org: The Indian Buddhist Iconography

Kālacakratantra (कालचक्रतन्त्र) refers to the famous Tantra of the Buddhists which introduces the cult of Kālacakra into Buddhism.—Vimalaprabhā is the commentary on the Kālacakratantra which is referred to in the Niṣpannayogāvalī. It is thus probable that the cult of Kālacakra came into vogue in the 10th century. According to the Kālacakratantra, the cult was given the name of Ādibuddhayāna or Ādiyāna. From the Vimalaprabhā it is evident that by introducing the worship of Kālacakra, the circle of time, an attempt was made to bring the warring communities of the Hindus and the Buddhists under the same banner, and unite them against the cultural penetration of the Mlecchas from the Western borders of India where the followers of Islam were daily growing strong and were destroying old and ancient civilizations.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of kalacakratantra in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: