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Potala: a Kalacakra ceremony (?)

‘Inscribed:’ ‘This scene is in the Potala at Lhasa, and in a square called Déyungshurr, bde-hbyun (origin or source of happiness)’ [bde-hbyun- ]. ‘The ceremony here pictured takes place in April on the 15th of Dawasumpé tséchogna. Dawa’ [zla-ba]’ is month, sumpe’ [gsum-pa]’ (the third), tsé’ [tshe]’ (date) chogna’ [bcu-lna]’ (15).’

‘1. Is supposed to represent a Deota at Shambala, named Pulduikikorlo’ [dPal-dus-kyi-hkhor-lo] (‘Deota). This form of worship was given by Shakya Thuubpa at Gya, at a grand assembly. This Deota in Sanscrit is called Shri Kala sata, sata means chukra or circle, or Kala chukra .. dus-kyi-hkhorlo. The name of the Gunpa’ [dgon-pa]’ in which all these Lamas reside is called Numgyel Tatsung’ [rNam-rgyal]. ‘There are 175’ [?]’ Lamas.’

‘2. Chokpun’ [tshogs-dpon]’ is a Lama performing the Hom or chinshak’ [sbyin-sreg, burnt offering]. ‘The performance of worship on this occasion lasts seven days.’

‘This reminds one of the Osiris of Egypt who is constantly depicted sitting on the Lotus flower.’

‘Puldui (signifies the present time): ki, of: korlo (circle). Shambala, J.A.S. Feby. 1833, is said to be in 45” or 50” N. Lat. beyond the Sita or Jaxartes.’

Note: A. bDe-hbyn, besides its literal meaning source of happiness, is the Tibetan for Sambhala. B. dPal-dus-kyi-hkhor-lo is the Tibetan for the Sanskrit Kalacakra. The Kalacakra system of Tantric Buddhism was supposed to have been brought to Tibet at Atisa in the 11th century.