In this volume, Edward Henning offers an in-depth study of Tibetan calendrical systems, together with a translation and explication of relevant verses in the primary source for Tibetan calendar reckoning, the Kālacakratantra, and its commentary, the Vimalaprabhā. Clearly, the author has acquired an intimate understanding of Tibetan systems, a difficult accomplishment given their complexity and esoteric language. However, deficient scholarship, an elliptical style, and a fundamental misunderstanding of time eclipse an otherwise substantial achievement, leaving a work of great merit but substantially less benefit.
The book is divided into six chapters. Chapters 1–3 deal with the calendar, including the reckoning of the day, month, and intercalary month; the positions of the five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn); and calculations concerning eclipses. Chapter 4 touches on the almanac and divination techniques. Chapter 5 sets out to translate and explicate verses 13–52 of the first chapter of the Kālacakratantra...
