Simhavakatra and the Protective Nature of the Dakini

Introduction to the Dakini

In order to properly discuss the nature of the dakini — which is largely protective and perhaps most eminently manifest in the representation of Simhavakatra — and its different poses and styles, it is necessary to first outline the historical and spiritual significance of this particular Buddhist concept in regard to religious practice and its outward manifestations. By way of a fairly accessible definition, the dakini largely symbolizes benign spiritual energy within Buddhist tradition, encompassing both Tibetan and Hindi Buddhism as well as Tantric traditions. A number of dakinis are widely regarded as goddesses within these religious views and are thought to embody the energy of enlightenment, which is a central tenet — if not the overarching purpose — of Buddhism. The word dakini is often translated as "walker of the sky," whose particular energy and influence may be accessed by devotees through a variety of methods. The most salient of these involve meditation, prayer, and disparate forms of visualization, including dreams and other forms of induced perception.

As such, the concept of the dakini represents much in terms of aiding spiritual practitioners along the path toward enlightenment. The foremost of these representations is that of personal realization and awareness in a beneficent state of clarity that allows for spiritual development and further progress along the aforementioned path. This aspect of realization may take several forms, such as the innate holiness to be found within the body — from both a male and female perspective, as well as from their union, which may be understood in both literal and figurative terms (such as marriage). Furthermore, dakinis are emblematic of the union of the mental and physical aspects of being, and represent the nexus at which these two states meet. Dakinis are also representative of the interminable qualities of the mind and all it has the ability to encompass, as well as the physical and mental facets of visualization and the many different realms in which such practice occurs.

The Three Roots and the Protective Function of Dakinis

One of the principal effects of the influence of Simhavakatra can be found in the protective nature she has been known to bestow upon various practitioners and participants of Buddhist belief. What is perhaps most interesting about this aspect of Simhavakatra's impact is that this particular trait is endemic to dakinis as a whole. In fact, the functions of the dakini may be considered in a three-fold manner, commonly referred to in Buddhist thought as the Three Roots, in which these various aspects are demonstrated as the following quotation makes clear:

"The dakini, in her various guises, serves as each of the Three Roots. She may be a human guru, a vajra master who transmits the Vajrayana teachings to her disciples and joins them in samaya commitments. The wisdom dakini may be a yidam, a meditational deity; female deity yogas such as Vajrayogini are common in Tibetan Buddhism. Or she may be a protector; the wisdom dakinis have special power and responsibility to protect the integrity of oral transmissions" (Simmer-Brown 122).

Furthermore, it must be understood that the most efficacious method of actually accessing or encountering a dakini is through meditative practices, which may be augmented through a variety of poses and positions. Due to the tertiary manifold of dakini influence, and depending upon which particular dakini is meditated upon, a variety of effects may be induced in the meditator. Dakinis are considered able to evoke the living spirit of life within their presence, which can be perceived and attained in ways that are decidedly non-conceptual and deeply revelatory. With this in mind, it becomes prudent to turn to the particular aspects which Simhavakatra is known for and is able to induce in those who are attempting the path of spiritual enlightenment central to Buddhist ideology.

Bibliography

Tibetan Buddhist & Newar Tantric Art. "Simhamukha." Accessed November 30, 2011. http://www.tibetanart.com/Product.asp?PID=104&MATCH=1

Kumar, Nitin. 2000. "Dance of the Yogini." Accessed November 20, 2011.

Preece, Rob. 2006. The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra. Ithaca: Snow Lion Publications.

Tibetan Incense Shop. 2011. "Simhamukha, Sengdongma, Lion-Faced Dakini." Accessed November 30, 2011. http://tibet-incense.com/blog/simhamukha-sengdongma-lion-faced-dakini/

Simmer-Brown, Judith. 2002. Dakini's Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism. Boston: Shambhala.