. . . the Dakini is a compelling icon of untamed female freedom . . . releasing blockages in the energy field and melting frozen patterns so that the door of the mind is suddenly ajar and something new can enter. Vicki Noble
Full Moon Dakini Mandala Practice
Earthspirit Council House (formerly Women’s Temple)
Collinsville, Connecticut
The Dakini is the mysterious Sky Going Goddess of Tibetan Buddhism. In peaceful and wrathful emanations, she heals by transforming the poisons of aggression, greed, addiction, jealousy, self hate and delusion into the medicines of clarity, generosity, warm presence, spontaneous accomplishment and spacious accommodating presence. To use Rita Gross’ phrase, the Dakini is a powerful myth model for women. She is embodied, wild, compassionate, powerful and magical.
When I think about the times we’re living in, what we must meet, and ways to transform the poisons in ourselves and the culture, I always return to the Dakinis. This is an invitation to enter this Mandala (womb) each Full Moon on behalf of our own healing and that of all beings.
In this Mandala practice for Western non-Buddhist women, transmitted by Vicki Noble, we will call to the Dakinis, through invocations, chanting, and visualization and then we will take refuge in their presence.
We will also chant the mantras of the Black Dakini, Throma, who with fierce compassion dissolves our most deeply entrenched patterns of suffering and thus ways we cause suffering. This group is open to anyone who has received the teaching from me or Vicki Noble. If you haven’t but are interested please call me.
We will begin with a group drumming, a brief sharing, the Dakini Mandala and ending with the Throma mantras accompanied by drumming and then a silent meditation from 30-45 minutes. Bring something for the altar that you will take home with you. Also, the Dakinis and Spirits love altar offerings of flowers, stones, shells, tobacco, etc.
If you’d like to speak to someone who has been doing this practice to hear their experience over time, let me know.