The
primary emblem of the feminine in Tibetan Buddhism is the dakini, or
"sky-dancer," a semi-wrathful spirit-woman who manifests in visions, dreams,
and meditation experiences. Western scholars and interpreters of the dakini,
influenced by Jungian psychology and feminist goddess theology, have shaped a
contemporary critique of Tibetan Buddhism in which the dakini is seen as a
psychological "shadow," a feminine savior, or an objectified product of
patriarchal fantasy. According to Judith Simmer-Brown—who writes from the
point of view of an experienced practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism—such
interpretations are inadequate.
In
the spiritual journey of the meditator, Simmer-Brown demonstrates, the dakini
symbolizes levels of personal realization: the sacredness of the body, both
female and male; the profound meeting point of body and mind in meditation; the
visionary realm of ritual practice; and the empty, spacious qualities of mind
itself. When the meditator encounters the dakini, living spiritual experience
is activated in a nonconceptual manner by her direct gaze, her radiant body,
and her compassionate revelation of reality. Grounded in the author's personal
encounter with the dakini, this unique study will appeal to both male and
female spiritual seekers interested in goddess worship, women's spirituality,
and the tantric tradition.