As His Holiness Dalai Lama said during the teachings, to get Kalachakra Initiation in the holy place where Budda Shakyamuni reached enlightment is the same as getting Kalachackra 7 times in other places. This rare opportunity brought an unprecedented number of people to Bodhgaya. Different sources say 200 000 to 400 000 Buddhists from all over the world attended the long-awaited 32th Kalachakra (the last time the Kalacharka initiation was given in Bodhgaya was 8 years ago, in 2003). Among the people receiving the Kalachakra initiation were special guests such as HH Sakya Trizin, HH 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, The Ganden Thripa (“Holder of the Ganden Throne” in Gelug tradition) Rizong Rinpoche, politicians and activists as Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) of the Tibetan Government in Exile Lobsang Sangay; Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief minister; Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mohatma Gandhi, and also famous actor Richard Geer.
Eventful 10-days Kalachakra program (1st-10th January 2012) included Public Teachings by classic texts like “Eight Verses on Mind Training” by Geshe Langri Thangpa Dorje, “Thirty-Seven Practies of Bodhisattvas” by Gyalsey Thokmay Sangpo, “Hymm to the World Transcendent” by Nagarjuna etc, The Initiations of Kalachakra, Long Life Puja with Dakinis’ dance and Oracles’ prediction, and also some other cultural events. H.H. The Dalai Lama pointed out the importance of listening to dharma teachings; especially before so complicated tantric initiation like Kalachakra.
At this auspicious occasion, His Holiness decided to give full Kalachakra Initiation which happens only rarely. The full version consisted not only of Preliminary Initiation and Seven Initiations of Getting into Mandala like a Child (usually Dalai Lama confines by these initiations), but also Four High, Four Highest Initiations and Vajra Master Empowerment.

We survived getting soaked under rain, going through different sicknesses, spending hours queuing to get into the Kalachakra Ground and despite the difficulties came away feeling that this was truly an amazing blessing. And as His Holiness said, it was a good sign that although so many people, there were no serious illnesses or major conflicts. At the end he mentioned that whole Kalachakra was very successful and everybody including the Vajra Master who gave Initiation has to rejoice. So let’s rejoice for world peace!

To read more about Taking the Kalachakra Initiation