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The primary emblem of the feminine in Tibetan Buddhism is the dakini, or 'sky dancer', a semi-wrathful spirit-woman who manifests in visions, dreams, and meditation experiences. Western scholars and interpreters of the dakini, influenced by Jungian theology, have shaped a contemporary critique of Tibetan Buddhism in which the dakini is seen as a psychological 'shadow', a feminie savior, or an objectified product of patriarchal fantasy. According to Judith Simmer-Brown - who writes from the point of a long-time scholar and experienced practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism - such interpretations are inadequate. In the spiritual journey of the meditator, she demonstrates, the dakini symbolizes levels of personal realization: the sacredness of the body, both female and male; the profound meeting point of body and mind in meditation; the visionary realm of ritual practice; and the empty spacious qualities of mind itself. When the meditator encounters the dakini, living spiritual experience is activated in a nonconceptual manner by her direct gaze, her radiant body, and her compassionate revelation of reality. Grounded in the author's academic study and personal experiences, this unique study will appeal to those interested in women's spirituality and the tantric tradition. Judith Simmer-Brown Ph.D., is professor and chair of the religious studies department at Naropa University (formerly the Naropa Institute), where she has taught since 1978. She has authored numerous articles on TIbetan Buddhism, Buddhist-Christian dialogue, and Buddhism in America. She is an Acharya (senior teacher) in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa. A practicing Buddhist since 1971, she lives in Boulder, Colorado. 404 pages, paperback, illustrated
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