(Sk., “wheel of time,” “circle of time”). A system as old as man that combines the knowledge of many domains, and facilitates the mastering of supreme powers hidden in human beings, connecting this might with cosmic energies.
This ancient Teaching of Fire was known in India and practised before Europe became a continent. More precisely, it was brought to humanity of the Third Race by the Great Teachers 18 million years ago, when physical and conscious man came into being.
Today the Kalachakra is widely known in Tibet, where it was brought from Shambhala in the eleventh century. The text of its books in its present form may have originated even later, for there are numerous texts that have been tampered with by sects to suit the fancies of each. The esoteric aspect of the Kalachakra has always been imparted directly from Master to disciple, whereas, the aggregate of written texts comprises a multitude of commentaries intended for the spreading of superficial knowledge and advice.
Hence, the actual Kalachakra is unknown, being accessible only to a few people who have maintained direct relationships with Shambhala. The original book on the Kalachakra that was rewritten by Tsongkhapa and included his commentaries remains unknown also.
The Kalachakra calendar is the calendar of Shambhala. It is based on a 60-year cycle, which consists of five smaller cycles of twelve years each. Therefore, when the word century is used in the teachings of the East, one should understand that it is used to mean a period not of 100 years, but of 60.