The ten interlocking or stacked syllables of the Kalachakra mantra (Om Ham Ksha Ma La Va Ra Ya Sva Ha), are commonly known as the ‘all-powerful ten.’ The interlocking body of this mystical monogram is composed of the seven syllables ‘Ham Ksha Ma La Va Ra Ya’ written in Lantsa characters. Lantsa is an Indian Buddhist script- probably of late Pala origin although certain scholars date it as late as the seventeenth century which is specifically used for mantra syllables and the titles of sacred texts. This stylish and beautifully ornate script was devised from the Sanskrit alphabet and used extensively.