Jonang Kalachakra Practice Curriculum

The Jonang Kalachakra practice curriculum outlines a comprehensive journey that spans from preliminary practices to the profound path of the 6-fold Vajrayoga (sbyor drug). This framework is derived from the structure of a typical 3-year meditation retreat within the Jonang tradition, encompassing various approaches to Kalachakra tantric practice. These approaches are personalized based on individual circumstances, with detailed elaboration found in the contemplative instruction texts of the living Jonang lineage. Importantly, this outline is not intended as a guidance manual for Kalachakra practice; engaging in these practices necessitates receiving the Kalachakra empowerment, along with the appropriate transmissions and teachings from a qualified master.

Ngondro: Preliminary Practices (sngon ‘gro)

In accordance with Buddhist tantric tradition, practitioners first undertake common preliminaries before progressing to the uncommon preliminaries. Within the Jonang Kalachakra system, the generation stage is included among these uncommon preliminaries. These practices serve to prepare the yogi for the completion stage practices of Vajrayoga, reversing delusional experiences and purifying perceptions.

A) Common Preliminaries (thun mong gi sngon ‘gro)

The following common preliminary practices are to be accomplished 100,000 times each:

1. Refuge and Prostrations
2. Awakening Bodhicitta Mind
3. Vajrasattva Meditation & Recitation
4. Mandala Offerings
5. Guruyoga

B) Uncommon Preliminaries (thun mong ma yin pa’i sngon ‘gro)

Preliminary Practices for the 6-Fold Vajrayoga

I. Generation Stage (bskyed rim)

The generation stage of deity yoga is essential as a supportive practice for the completion stage of the 6-fold Vajrayoga.

1. Condensed Practice ApproachVisualizations:Practitioners typically meditate on the connate Kalachakra (a), performing 1,000,000 recitations of the mantra.
2. • Connate Kalachakra Deity with Consort (lhan skyes)
   • Principal Deity with Consort (gtso skyang)
   • Five Deities (lha lnga)
2. Medium-Length Practice ApproachVisualizations:This approach entails 1,000,000 recitations of the mantra.
3. • 9 Deity Enlightened Mind Mandala (lha dgu thugs dkyil)
3. Extensive Practice ApproachVisualizations:4-Fold Approach & Accomplishment:This extensive practice involves 10,000,000 recitations of the mantra. In addition to the 4-fold approach, various tantric practices are incorporated, typically requiring one year for completion.
4. • Enlightened Body, Speech, and Mind Mandala of the 636 Deities (drug brgya so drug)
4. 1. Supreme Royal Mandala (dkyil ‘khor rgyal mchog)
   2. Supreme Royal Activity (las rgyal mchog)
   3. Essential Sphere Activity (thig le’i rnal ‘byor)
   4. Subtle Yoga (phra mo’i rnal ‘byor)

II. The 3 Isolations (dben pa gsum)

The 3 isolations of body, speech, and mind serve as special preparations for completion stage yoga, performed in a dark room to minimize habitual activities of ordinary perceptions and expressions.

1. Condensed Approach
2. • Duration: 50 days
2. Extended Approach
3. • Duration: 100 days

Vajrayoga: Primary Practices (dngos gzhi)

Successfully completing both common and uncommon preliminary practices prepares the practitioner for the profound path of Vajrayoga. Once the generation stage practices are mastered, practitioners progress through the initial postures of the 6-fold subtle yoga in the Kalachakra completion stage. Utilizing various bodily positions and specialized techniques for tranquility, meditation adepts advance through each of the 6-fold yogas according to signs of realization.

Each phase of the 6-fold yoga must be fully practiced before transitioning to the next phase. Retreat durations typically range from 3 to 9 years, tailored to the individual's capacities, dispositions, and opportunities.