Program: Explore the Event
The Kalachakra was first given by Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha, in ancient India. A noble lineage has carried those sacred teachings directly from the Buddha to Washington, DC, in July of 2011. We invite you to take part in this joyful and unprecedented event.
Download the Kalachakra for World Peace program booklet (pdf)
*Viewing of the sand mandala has been MOVED to Thursday, July 14, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Download the Evening Programs booklet (pdf)
Preparing to Attend
To make certain that you enjoy attending the Kalachakra, and that you are well-prepared,
we would like to offer some updated and detailed information.
Program Information
July 6—12
During the first seven days of the Kalachakra, from July 6 through 12, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with the monks of Namgyal Monastery and senior lamas, will conduct rituals which prepare and consecrate the venue. These include chanting of prayers, creation of the sand mandala and other ancient rituals.
Webcast available:
July 6 - Teaching and Birthday Celebrations
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a short teaching followed by celebrations in honor of His Holiness's 76th birthday.
Time: 9:30am-12:00noon
July 9, 10, and 11
His Holiness will give teachings to present the foundations of Buddhist thought on July 9, 10 and 11.
Webcast available:
July 9-11 - Preliminary Teachings
His Holiness will teach in the afternoon for three days on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's "37 Practices of a Bodhisatva (Laklen Sodunma)" & Kamalashila's "The Middling States of Meditation (Gomrim Barpa)".
Teachings times: 1:00pm-4:00pm each day
For the Preliminary Teaching, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will teach on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of a Bodhisatva (Laklen Sodunma) & Kamalashila's The Middling States of Meditation (Gomrim Barpa).
His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained the importance of these preliminaries during the Kalachakra offered in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1999:
"I would like to congratulate those who are attending here only for the preliminary teachings and not the Kalachakra. Because in actual fact the topics I am covering in the preliminary teachings are the more important elements of the practice. So I would like to express my appreciation for those who are just attending the preliminary teachings.
…When I announce a Kalachakra Empowerment, because Kalachakra is so popular, it attracts people; but what I really intend is to spend time during the preliminary teachings and speak more about the general aspects of the path of the Dharma…. But if people simply come for the empowerment with no real grounding in the preliminary practices… then simply attending the Kalachakra ceremony alone? I do not know what benefit that can have."
July 12—15
The Kalachakra Ritual Dance on July 12, opens the next phase of the event, with the three days of the actual Empowerment extending from July 13 through July 15.
July 16
On the final day, July 16, the Kalachakra for World Peace 2011 will close with a ceremony offering prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; a long-life blessing for all those in attendance; and the dissolution of the sand mandala.
July 16 - Long Life Empowerment & Long Life Offering to His Holiness
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will confer a Long Life Empowerment followed by a Long Life Offering to His Holiness.
Time: 8:00am-12:00noon
Schedule of Events
The Kalachakra for World Peace 2011 will last 11 days. Each day will be distinctive, differing from the one before and the one following. Please look at our calendar of daily events and preliminary information to become familiar with the daily schedule. Please bear in mind that the schedule may be changed, and that related events will be added as they are developed.
View a daily calendar of the event.
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule remains subject to change.
Special Events
The Kalachakra for World Peace is first and foremost a spiritual gathering. For Tibetans, such a gathering offers not only an occasion to renew and reinforce our Buddhist spiritual heritage but also has historically provided an opportunity to reaffirm our shared linguistic and cultural identity. For non-Tibetans, it offers spiritual renewal through deepened understanding of Buddhist philosophy, thoughts and practices, the opportunity to open a meaningful connection with the vast and profound Kalachakra practice, as well as the chance to become more acquainted with Tibetan culture.
Learn more about our special events
The Venue
In the heart of Washington, DC, Verizon Center stands approximately mid-way between the White House and the US Capitol buildings. Set in a richly diverse area filled with museums, restaurants, places of historical interest, and just a short stroll from the National Mall and the amazing treasures of the Smithsonian Institution (which offer free admission), the Verizon Center's arena will be transformed into a great Kalachakra Hall to welcome our event. Please visit their extensive website at http://www.verizoncenter.com/.
Spacious enough to welcome all who want to attend, the Verizon Center offers a gracious and welcoming atmosphere, complete with modern technological advantages and easy access through the public transportation system of Washington, DC You can travel there by bus or the local subway system, which is safe, reliable, and inexpensive. Local residents call it The Metro; you can learn more about it on our Plan Your Stay page.
Kalachakra Mandala from peacefeather imagery on Vimeo.
