Depth Psychological Interpretation of the Concept of Dakini: Jungian Analysis of the Feminine in the Tibetan Culture

Abstract

The solemn day of Dakini is a monthly recollection of Yeshe Tsogyal in the Tibetan calendar. The day is marked with prayers dedicated to Yeshe Tsogyal. Yeshe Tsogyal is the formless Body of Truth, Dharmakaya. As Sambhagakaya, She blesses the seeker with dreams, visions and inspirations in meditations. Being Nirmanakaya, she has manifold faces and manifestations, as our daily context and situations, bestowing meaningfulness, newness and richness in our ordinary days. In summation, Yeshe Tsogyal is the feminine essence of Buddhahood. The paper presents the interpretation of the myth of Yeshe Tsogyal, which narrates the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet and propagation of the teaching of Secret Mantra by Padmasambhava in sacred union with Yeshe Tsogyal. The paper also attempts to contemplate on the mythical-mystical image of Yab–Yum from the perspective of woman, as she is the wisdom incarnate of the Dakini. The paper delves into the Jungian analysis of Archetypal Amplification to understand the feminine principle of the Dakini.