A Dakini — according to the Shambala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen – is a “wrathful naked female figure,” a benevolent demoness often found in the company of gods. Her job is to inspire Buddhist practitioners; her nakedness symbolizes “knowledge of truth unveiled.” Dakinis are also known as women who “fare through space,” able to dance across the sky in their muse-like role as collaborators of contemplators.
I don’t know about all that. The Dakini I’ve recently connected with is seldom wrathful, only occasionally naked, and certainly not predisposed to hanging out with gods. But she’s a pretty good writer (check out her Flying Hobo Girl blog) and, sure enough, she flies. Someday, I hope, she’ll teach me – but until I’m ready to sign .jpg)
up for paragliding lessons, we have to content ourselves with high-altitude hikes in the Sierra and quasi-weightless dips into mountain hot springs and alpine lakes.
I like her July 22nd entry a lot; I was, after all, the friend who came up with the Constructivist wilderness moniker. So in a way, hers is sort of a proxy blog for me, in light of the fact that I’ve lately been too busy — or lazy — to produce one myself. I’m not sure that’s what dakinis are supposed to be provide, but hey… I’m grateful all the same.