Introduction

Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi holds a significant importance in the tapestry of Buddhism. As dakinis, they are portrayed as the union of enlightened compassion and wisdom. In the scriptures and arts, they are often depicted in both peaceful and wrathful forms.

Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi as Dakinis:

Refuge in Buddhism

In Buddhism, for a person to attain enlightenment, they must take refuge. Refuge is further divided into two branches: inner refuge and outer refuge. Dharma, Sangha, and Buddha fall under inner refuge, while gurus, istadevas, and dakinis come under outer refuge. Therefore, submitting ourselves to dakinis means becoming an outer refugee.

Dakini

Dakinis in Buddhism are portrayed as both peaceful and wrathful deities. In statues and art, they are often depicted wearing bone ornaments and sometimes without any clothes. Most commonly, they are shown in a dancing posture, and it is believed that dakinis move through empty space, earning them the designation "sky-goers."

Roles of dakinis

Their role involves aiding sentient beings by removing obstacles in their path. Additionally, dakinis assist practitioners by guiding them towards realizing the path to enlightenment.

Dakinis depiction

Dakinis are mostly depicted with a animal face. Vajravarahi is portrayed  as a sow-face, Simhavaktra as a lion-face, Sardulamukha as a tiger-face and so on.

Who is Vajrayogini?

Vajrayogini, a female dakini, is a important figure in Buddhism and represents the essence of all buddha. In Vajrayana Buddhism, she is regarded as a tantric deity, female buddha and dakini. Additionally, she is recognized as a Sarva-Buddha dakini, bestowing Buddhahood upon practitioners.

She is a main figure in a tantric ritual. She is mostly worshipped to remove obstacles from light and to progress on the path of enlightenment.

Who is Vajravarahi?

In Buddhism, It is believed that Vajrayogini has many forms out of which Vajravarahi is one of them. Vajravarahi is regarded as a tantric deity and a dakini. She also represents the embodiment of enlightened wisdom and compassion.

She is often depicted in a wrathful form, symbolizing the fierce aspect of compassion.

Like Vajrayogini she is also worshipped in many tantric rituals to remove obstacles from life.

Insight on Vajrayogini ritual Practice

Practice of Vajrayogini rituals originated between the 10th and 12th century which took the inspiration from the Hindu Shiva tantras.

She was first introduced in Buddhism through Chakrasamvara tantra. In the tantra, she was shown in union with her consort Heruka Chakrasamvara where she use to sit on the lap of Heruka Chakrasamvara and practice yab-yum.

Later on her sadhana evolved to be a stand-alone practice.

The most famous practices associated with Vajrayogini are chöd and six Yogas of Naropa.

Famous Tantric practices

Chod practice

Chod practice is one of the most famous practices related to Vajrayogini. The goal of this Ritual is to cut through egos and attachments to confront and transcend fears, attachments, leading practitioners to a realization of emptiness and compassion. In this ritual, the practitioners sits in a meditative position and visualizes offering self body to deities and demons. This act symbolizes the willingness of practitioners to let go of attachments.

Six Yogas of Naropa

The Six Yogas of Naropa are a set of advanced tantric practices associated with Vajrayana Buddhism. Inner heat yoga, illusory heat yoga, clear light yoga, dream yoga, intermediate yoga and phowa(conscious sying) are the six Yogas that falls under Natopa’s six yoga. These Yogas aim to transform consciousness, enhance meditative experiences, and deepen the practitioner's understanding of reality within the context of Vajrayana spirituality.

This contributes to the practitioner's

1. Realization of the nature of emptiness.

2. Purify the subtle energy channels, leading to physical and mental well-being.

3. Deepen states of concentration and lead to heightened spiritual experiences.

4. liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

5. Understanding of the nature of self and phenomena.

6. Purify obstacles and mental afflictions.

Other Tantric practices associated with Vajrayogini

Apart from the famous tantric practices associated with Vajrayogini, there are other rituals which helps practitioners to connect with Vajrayogini and achieve their goals.

Visualization and Deity Yoga

This ritual revolves around visualizing Vajrayogini in different forms, often in union with Heruka Chakrasamvara. Through deity yoga, practitioners mentally become Vajrayogini, establishing a deep connection with her enlightened qualities.

Meditation on the Mandala

In this ritual, Practitioners meditate on the mandala of Vajrayogini, visualizing her celestial palace, the divine environment, and the enlightened retinue. This meditation helps purify the mind and establish a conducive mental space for spiritual progress.

Offering and Puja Rituals

This ritual involves offering flowers, water, and food to Vajrayogini. These sacrifices serve as demonstrations of devotion, gratitude, and acknowledgment of the practitioner's interdependence with the deity.

Dakini Dance and Symbolism:

The symbolism of Vajrayogini often includes her dancing on the bodies of gods and demons, representing the transcendence of dualities. Practitioners may engage in symbolic dances or visualizations that mirror the dynamism and transformative energy associated with the dakini.

Purification Rituals:

Vajrayogini practices include purification rituals to cleanse the practitioner's mind of obstacles and defilements. These rituals may include reciting specific mantras, visualization, and expressing remorse for past actions.

Roles of Vajrayogini in Tantra

Essence of wisdom and compassion:

Vajrayogini is considered as the embodiment of enlightened wisdom and compassion, both playing a crucial role in tantric rituals . They are also regarded as the inseparable aspects of the path to enlightenment.

Symbolism of union:

Vajrayogini is often depicted in union with her consort, Heruka Chakrasamvara. This union symbolizes the union of wisdom and skillful means, highlighting the practitioner's own body's harmonious interaction of masculine and feminine energies.

Swift Path to Enlightenment:

The practices associated with Vajrayogini are considered to be of the "swift path" to enlightenment. This means that through sincere and dedicated engagement with Vajrayogini's teachings, practitioners can accelerate their spiritual progress and attain enlightenment in a shorter span of time.

Purification and healing:

The rituals associated with Vajrayogini are aimed at bringing peace to both the physical and spiritual body. Taking refuge in her is believed to bring emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, enhancing the beauty of inner peace.

Wisdom:

Dakinis are celestial beings associated with intuitive wisdom and are considered guides on the spiritual path. Devoting to Vajrayogini guides us to profound insights and the realization of ultimate truth.

Kechara - Pure Land of Vajrayogini

Kechara is a pure land, a paradise associated with Vajrayogini. Vajrayogini resides in Kechara and guides other beings of the land toward enlightenment.

Originated from Aspiration

Kechara is believed to have originated from the collective aspiration of enlightened beings, particularly Vajrayogini, to provide an ideal environment for spiritual progress.

Originated from Union

Kechara is sometimes linked to the union of Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara. In tantric practices, the union of Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara is said to have given rise to the transcendental realm - Kechara.

Entering the Pure Land

Practitioners can also visualize creating and entering the pure land while meditating. With advanced visualization and meditation, they can bring the pure land within their own consciousness.

Serene Environment:

Kechara is described as a blissful environment, free from suffering, where practitioners can engage in uninterrupted spiritual practices.

The landscape of Kechara represents the purity and clarity of enlightened awareness.

Iconography of Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi

The iconography of Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi are  rich in symbolism. It shows the enlightened nature of their wisdom and compassion.

Key elements of their Iconography:

Red Color:

Vajravarahi is the wrathful form of Vajrayogini, so the red complexion of her depicts fierce compassion. Red complexion also represents the transformative nature of their enlightened wisdom and compassion.

Three eyes:

Three eyes in the forehead of Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi shows their ability to perceive past, present and future. Also, the third eyes depict their ability to perceive the true nature of reality.

Flaming hair:

Flaming hair symbolizes the burning away of ignorance and defilements. Also, it represents the intensity of enlightened activities of Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi.

Dancing posture:

They are often depicted in a dancing posture which symbolizes the play of wisdom and compassion in the dance of existence.

Skull cup:

The skull cup, in Sanskrit Mahasukha, represents the transformation of negative emotions into wisdom of emptiness. Thus, the cup filled with blood represents the transformation of attachment and desire into the nectar of wisdom.

Flaying knife:

The flaying knife in one of their hand symbolizes their ability to cut through all the ignorance defilements.

Garland of skull:

They are depicted with garland of skull around their neck which symbolizes the victory over ego, illusions and process of samsara.

Mandala of fire:

They are often portrayed surrounded by mandala of flames, symbolizing the wisdom that burns away ignorance and purifies mind.

Right leg raised in the air:

The right leg being raised in the air is the symbolical representation of their readiness to help the sentient beings in need.

Lotus seat:

Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi are portrayed seating on a lotus, symbolizing purity and the potential for enlightenment within an impure world.

Consorts:

 Vajravarahi is never shown with a consort ,but in some depiction Vajrayogini is shown with her consort Chakrasamvara. It symbolizes the union of skillful means and enlightened wisdom.

Standing on a corpse:

Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi are commonly portrayed standing on a corpse which symbolizes their victory over ego, illusion and process of samsara.

Vajrayogini’s mantra

The mantra associated with Vajrayogini is ‘Om Hrim Vajrayogini Hum Phut’

Om- it is the sound of universe and represents the ultimate reality.

Hrim- Represents the energy of creation and transformation.

Vajrayogini- Represents the deity herself.

Hum- it represents the indivisible and unchangeable reality. Also, it represents the unity of wisdom and method.

Phat- In the mantra this word is use to destroy obstacles and hindrances.

Overall, people chant this mantra to connect with her and receive her blessings. This mantra is believed to remove all obstacles from the lives of practitioners and guide them toward the path of enlightenment.

People chant this mantra to gain remorse for their past activities and to purify their souls.