UNLEASHING DAKINI WISDOM

UNLEASHING DAKINI WISDOM

The most sacred representations of the feminine in tantric Buddhism are the Dakinis. These "sky-walkers" are guardians of the unconditioned, and utilize their female bodies and energy as a vehicle for awakening from unresolved issues that manifest as emotional reactions.

Dakini practice comes to us through Tibetan Buddhism. "Dakini" in Sanskrit means "she who moves in space." Each of the Five Dakinis manifests pristine female wisdom energy, stripped of religion and culture. Each knows clearly; she knows without judgment; she knows particulars; she knows what to do; and she knows the totality. This wisdom is our essential female nature.

This retreat utilizes the Five Dakini meditations — active visualization practices that familiarize us with habitual reactions and fears, and lead us to transform these into pristine awareness.

Men are very welcome to attend this retreat, but they must be willing to accept and practice what the female offers Buddhist practice. Silence is required during most of this retreat, including meals. The visualizations may be presented during meditation periods. Dharma discussions will follow each visualization. Each day will include a formal Soto Zen morning service and evening vesper service, as well as time for resting and walking.

Nancy Spence began lay and then priest training at Vichara Bodhiyana Monastery in California in 1977. She then trained as a Lay Minister at Shasta Abbey, receiving her Lay Minister license in 1984. Nancy is teacher and guide of Anattasati Magga, Inc., a Soto Zen Buddhist Sangha for the Laity. She leads monthly Buddhist services, offers individual spiritual guidance, leads silent meditation retreats in NC and CA, has a private counseling practice, and facilitates personal growth groups through Inner Vision. She is the author of The Tibetan Book of the Dead: An Adaptation for Reading Aloud to the Dead and Back to Basics: An Awareness Primer.