Dakini Power: Embracing the Divine Feminine
“The dakini is a messenger of spaciousness and a force of truth, presiding over the funeral of self-deception. Wherever we cling, she cuts; whatever we think we can hide, even from ourselves, she reveals. The dakini traditionally appears during transitions: moments between worlds, between life and death, in visions between sleep and waking, in cemeteries and charnel grounds.” ~ Wisdom Rising, Lama Tsultrim.
Dakini, meaning "sky dancer," is the most sacred embodiment of the feminine in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. Portrayed in both human and deity form, the dakini represents a balance of humanity and divinity, thus seen as a living manifestation within women.
Dakinis are dynamic forces; they appear fierce, wrathful and intense to cut through rigid thinking, and at times they are peaceful, playful and nurturing. The Dakini symbolises the ever-shifting energy of the universe, encouraging spiritual practitioners to move beyond intellect and experience transformation on a visceral level.
Dakinis are guardians of spiritual wisdom and only those with pure intentions can access their teachings. Without the dakini's blessing, the ultimate goal of Tantric Buddhism — enlightenment — remains elusive. At the deepest level, the Dakini offers luminous awareness and freedom from ego.
Why the Dakini Resonates with My Mission
The dakini embodies a potent spiritual feminine energy that many women and I have not often encountered in mainstream Western culture. Traditionally, Western society has often upheld the Madonna archetype, idealising women as self-sacrificial, nurturing figures. While this archetype holds some value, it lacks the dynamic, fierce autonomy represented by the dakini — a feminine force celebrated as powerful and untamed, guiding practitioners toward enlightenment.
Women have been conditioned to aspire to a docile, Madonna-like ideal, shaping themselves to be appealing, especially within marriage. While feminist movements have challenged this model, it remains deeply ingrained. Yet, passivity alone does not address the harsh realities many women face. Statistics reveal that one in four Australian women have suffered emotional abuse by a current or former partner. Women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience intimate partner violence and almost ten women daily are hospitalised for assault injuries caused by a partner.
The Dakini represents a counter to this paradigm — she inspires women to reclaim their full, radiant feminine power and resist subjugation. She encourages women to embrace all facets of themselves, from nurturing to fierce, without fear. This is a call to honour the divine feminine in its entirety, as a source of wisdom, freedom and strength. For men, understanding the dakini can foster respect for the diversity within feminine power and inspire them to rise into their own divine masculinity in harmony with the empowered feminine.
