Amravati , or ( Amareshvaram ) , houses one of
the best known Buddhist relics in India . Amravati is about 350kms away from
Hyderabad - in the state of Andhra pradesh - South India . This place ,
which was also known as Dhanyakatakam and " Deepaladinne " , was
the capital of the later day Satavahanas and was considered to be the most
sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in India . Amravati is most famous for the
largest stupa in the country , the Mahachaitya Stupa , build during the 2nd
century B.C . The stupa was discovered in 1797 by the British archeologist
Colonel Colin Mackenzie . Amravati is also famous for the temple of
Amreswara which consists of a massive lingam . The extensive mounds of
Dharankota located on the west of Amravati , together with Nagarjunakonda
and Amravati form the Golden Triangle of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh .
KALACHAKARA OR THE WHEEL OF TIME
The Kalachakra or " Wheel of Time " is one of the most profound and sublime of the Buddhist tantric systems . It is an intricate interweaving of astrology , eschatology , physiology and yoga into a meditational path system that embraces the entire material universe and leads to complete , perfect enlightenment .
NEWS : As requested by Japan-based Busshokai Foundation through Norbulingka institute , His Holiness the Dalai Lama has kindly consented to bestow Kalachakra initiation in January 2006 at Amravati in Andhra Pradesh. The small town in southeastern India is holy for the Buddhists as it was the place where Lord Buddha gave the first Kalachakra root tantra on the request of King Dawa Sangpo (Suchandra).
The
13 day gathering will begin on 03rd January 2006 with preliminary teachings.
However, the actual Kalachakra initiation will be given on 13 and 14
January. This Kalachakra will be sponsored by Busshokai Foundation and will
be organized by the Norbulingka institute.This Kalachakra is the 30th and it significantly coincides with the 2550th anniversary of the passing way of Lord Buddha. His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the first Kalachakra initiation in 1954 at Norbulingka in Lhasa, Tibet.
"All beings arise in time ; Time continually consumes them all ; Time is the Lord who possesses the Vajra, whose nature is that of day and night."
Day by day Outline programme :
06th
January ,2006 Day 1 : - Hyderabad ( South India - Andhra Pradesh )07th January ,2006 Day 2 :- Hyderabad - Nagarjunasagar
08th January ,2006 Day 3 : - Nagarjunakonda
09th January ,2006 Day 4 : - Nagarjunasagar - Vijayapuri - Amravati
10th January ,2006 Day 5 : Amravati (Sightseeing)
11th January ,2006 Day 6 : - Attending Kalachakra Festival (Teachings & Prayers) .
12th January ,2006 Day 7 : - Attending Kalachakra Festival (Teachings & Prayers) .
13th January ,2006 Day 8: - Attending Kalachakra Festival (Initiation & Prayers ) .
14th January ,2006 Day 9 : - Attending Kalachakra Festival ( Initiation & Prayers ) .
15th January ,2006 Day 10 : - Amravati - Vijayawada
16th January ,2006 Day 11 : - Vijayawada - Guntupalli - Vijayawada
17th January ,2006 Day 12 : - Vijayawada - Sankaram - Visakhapatnam
18th January ,2006 Day 13 : - Visakhapatnam - Salihundam Visakhapatnam
19th January ,2006 Day 14 : Visakhapatnam - Hyderabad - Europe or North America.
Some more details about Kalachakra or the Wheel of Time
The
origin and the concept of "Wheel of Time" is said to be
supernatural and mysterious. The majority of Buddhist sutras, with the
exception of the kalachakra Doctrine, were composed in the form of a
conversation between Lord Buddha and his disciples Ananda, Sariputra,
Maudgalyana, Subhuti and others in the Indian towns of Vaisali, Benares,
Rajagrha, Sarvasti etc. In Dhannyakataka stupa, when Buddha proclaimed "
Kalachakra", ninety seven kings headed by Sucandra, flew from Shambala
under magical powers. Sucandra, on returning wrote down that Buddha had
given teachings. Several centuries after King Sucandra, his descendants
Manjusri Kirti, Pandarika and other kings wrote commentaries on "
Kalachakra" called the " Vimalaprabha". It was said that this
book was stored in Shambala and still remains there. There is a legend which
says that the 10th century A.D. Indian pandita Tsilupa, while visiting
Shambala with some merchants listened to the Kalachakra teachings and wrote
it down from memory upon his arrival. In 1027 this book was translated into
Tibetan and therefore the year 1027, the Red Hare year, was called
Rab-Byung, thus beginning the Tibetan sexagenary cycle. IMPORTANT NOTE :
1) Some international flights operate direct to Hyderabad. Other flights can come into Bangalore or Mumbai and then connect domestic flight into Hyderabad.
2) If you can spare more time a pre or post tour extension, can be organized to visit Buddhist treasures in Ajanta & Ellora. Or even a rejuvenating trip to Kerala-Gods Own Country, famous for its beaches, backwaters, Ayurveda health treatment and cool retreats in the Western Ghats.
3) Accommodation in Amaravati is basic and limited. As, this is a large festival, therefore we may be forced to stay out of town at a different place called (GUNTUR) which is about one hour drive from the festival area. We may even have to stay at tented Camp, which will be fixed up specially for this religious event.
4) The Kalachakra festival takes place from 03rd to 15th of Jan ,2006, BUT the main dates for special prayers and initiation will be on 13 & 14th Jan,06.
5) Keeping in view the religious sanctity of this tour, the meals provided will be mostly vegetarian.
6) You may bring your own small radio, as the live discourses of H.H.Dalai Lama will be also translated in English language.
7) The temperature during January will be very pleasant (about 28 degree centigrade during day time). However, you are still advised to bring small umbrellas for protection from sun during the Kalachakra Festival.
8) All non Indians joining this tour require valid visa to enter India. This you can easily obtain from the nearest Indian Embassy / Counsulate in your respective countries. Please apply atleast 02 months in advance.
9) You must also have your travel / health insurance updated.
