The Feminine in Spirituality

“Though in Tantra a vast assortment of images of the feminine were propagated, Western culture splits the feminine between the prostitute and the madonna who passively adores her male offspring. In Tantra, we see the emergence of female images which are sexual and spiritual, ecstatic and intelligent, wrathful and peaceful. How refreshing not to have to be chaste and peaceful with downcast eyes in order to be spiritual. We can be sharp and insightful, even angry, and still celebrate our womanhood. We can activate all parts of ourselves and increase our feminine and masculine energies, tuning them rather than denying and suppressing them, as we are taught to do in patriarchal religions. The naked, wrathful, dancing dakini creates a different effect on the psyche than the sweetly smiling madonna. However, the Tibetans did not fail to absorb the kindness and sympathetic female divinities from India. One of the most universally worshiped goddesses in Tibet is Tara, who is seen with one foot slightly extended, ready to step down to help those in need.” (Lama Tsultrim Allione)

The relationship of most religions with the feminine principle can be described as ambivalent to say the least. Yet, in many spiritual traditions, the feminine is valued as an immeasurable treasure and key to liberation. There are entire traditions dedicated to the worship of the feminine.

So, let’s worship the feminine in Spirituality for at least an afternoon of sharing about our experience with the feminine on our spiritual journey.

You may watch one or few of the following Videos for inspiration:

• Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron on Tara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10lM9vRhL_c
• Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on the role of women in Buddhism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RKrhktBg3E
• Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on the importance of female spiritual leaders: https://youtu.be/3t0WY6IAoFU?si=3i1mC_6VyVi7Aw2P&t=74
• Khandro Kunzang Dechen Chodron on Consort Practice: https://youtu.be/GnxF4NLI8DI?si=of6R4lM8JTHSVo3H
• Lama Tsultrim Allione on the Feminine in Buddhism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibb9R07w1dQ&t=2753s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQ-Qcehpd0
• Lama Tsultrim Allione on the legendary female Mahamudra Master Machig Labdrön: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay-aSAOUsd4
• Pema Chödron meets Oprah Winfrey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8_ZKUQFFMg&t=92s
• Tantra Teacher Blandine Wegener on the tantric path for women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJyQ5I0oIUo
• Swami Sarvapryananda on worship of the mother (Kali): https://youtu.be/OQx3OmW7yJE?si=ehlLGtwtR6o_kDbT&t=284

“Considering all of these factors, we can see that, with the joining of the Buddhist teachings with the Tantric teachings in Tibet, the feminine took on a profoundly more important role [… and] became an essential part of the sexual polarity which provided the dynamics to reach a state of non-duality, the goal of the path. Feminine divinities also existed as important figures when they stood alone either as the fierce activation force of the dakini or the essentially gentle force of Tara, Prajna Paramita, etc.” (Lama Tsultrim Allione)