Dakini-Deity of Muladhara (Base) Chakra

In the Monday (6:30pm) and Thursday classes this term we are getting to know Dakini, the female Deity of the Muladhara chakra  We will be using asana sequences and other practices to tap into her unique gifts.  The Muladhara is about security, and showing up to the world, so we will be combining our acquaintance of Dakini with an exploration of the Yamas of the Yoga Sutra, which are also about our way of being in the world- our attitude towards others and the environment.  So here's some summary information to get to know her better.

• She is about how we show up and engage with the world
  
• She carries the light of knowledge and is the doorkeeper for unlocking our energy and potential
  
• She combines the forces of creation, preserver and destroyer
  
• Her 4 arms shine with beauty
  
• Her eyes are a brilliant red
  
• She is resplendent like the lustre of many suns rising
  
• She is the carrier of revelation of the ever pure intelligence
  
• She carries in her right hands a spear and a skull staff and in her left hands a sword and a cup of wine.
  
• Some sources give her a sword and a shield in her right hands, and a skull and a trident in the left.
  
• These tools represent the things that are required to dispel fear, destroy ignorance, overcome the fear of death, overcome obstacles and offer worship and sacrifice.  
  

"Meditate on her, the red eyed Dakini in the Muladhara, who strikes terror into the hearts of the unilluminated; who holds in her two right hands the spear and the skull staff, and in her two left hands the sword and the drinking cup filled with wine.  She is fierce in temper and shows her fierce teeth.  She crushes the whole host of enemies.  She is plump of body and fond of rice pudding.  It is thus that she must be meditated upon by those who desire immortality." 
(p339 commentary of Shatchakra Niupana by Authur Avalon.)

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