Vintage brass pendant Kalachakra

Very nice vintage brass pendant with the depiction of one of the best known symbols of Vajrayana Buddhism; the Kalachakra symbol. The symbol consist of 7 vertical syllables, intertwined with horizontal consonant syllables. And on top of that 3 more symbols; a crescent, a disc and a curved shape (thus making a total of 10 symbols; the Kalachakra symbol is therefore also known as the'Tenfold Powerful One').

The word 'kalachakra' can be roughly translated as 'wheel of time' or 'cycles of time'. The tantric teachings of Kalachakra are 2500 year old and revolve around the awareness of all different levels of cycles in our lives; internal, external and alternate.

The 7 vertical syllables (HAM KSHA MA LA VA RA YA) in this symbol together form the Kalachakra mantra. The mantra is recited to purify mind and body and become more and more aware of all these different cycles. From this awareness the way of transition from unconsciousness to enlightenment can be opened.

This pendant is made from a somewhat lighter / almost silvery color brass and has gained some nice patina over the years. Sizes are approximately 34 millimeters high (measured without the eyelet) and 26 millimeters wide. Weight is 12 grams.