Dakini
A Dakini is a type of tantric deity found in Tantric Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Dakinis can take on other forms, but they are frequently portrayed as female beings. Dakini also means female human guru, a vajra master who transmits the Vajrayana teachings or meditational deity in furious female forms. They are regarded as embodiments of enlightened energy or wisdom and are central to Vajrayana practices. They are regarded as protectors and guides for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. According to some traditions, Dakinis are enlightened beings who help practitioners escape the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and reach enlightenment.
Following are some notable Dakinis:
-
Vajrayogini: She is a Tantric female Buddha and a Dakini who destroys her ego. She is depicted in red color, with three eyes and unbound flowing hair. She has two hands, holding a Kartika in her right hand and a skull bowl in her left hand that she drinks from.
-
Machig Labdron: She is a dancing Dakini, depicted in white color and holding a drum in her raised right hand.
-
Salgye Du Dalma: She is a Dakini of sleep and protection, depicted in white colour and two hand holding a Kartika and a trident.
-
Sinhavaktra: She is a dark blue lion-headed Dakini who disperses obstacles to enlightenment. She is depicted holding a broad-bladed knife and skullcup.
-
Vajravarahi: She is a wrathful form of Vajrayogini associated particularly with the Cakrasamara Tantra. She is depicted in red color with one face, and two hands, and standing in a dancing posture on a human corpse. Sometimes is shown with a boar head (Varahi) on either side of her head.
-
Niguma: She is depicted in red or brown color, with two hands, and in a sitting posture. She was one of the two female founders of the Shangpa Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism, along with Sukhasiddhi.
