Dakini facts for kids

A dakini is a special female being, like a goddess, found in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are most often seen in Tibetan Buddhism. The words used in Chinese and Tibetan for dakini mean "she who travels in the sky." Sometimes, people poetically call them "sky dancers." Their bodies are often shown in beautiful, flowing dance poses.

Dakinis are connected to energy. They help people understand how to change negative feelings, sometimes called "poisons" (or kleshas), into a clear, wise way of thinking called enlightened awareness. They inspire people on their spiritual journeys.

Important Events with Dakinis

Tibetan Buddhists believe that a Dakini gave a special black hat to the third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (who lived from 1284 to 1339). He received this hat when he was only three years old. This Black Crown later became a very important symbol for the Karma Kagyu lineage, which is a part of Tibetan Buddhism.

Images for kids

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  Tibetan Board Carving of Varjayogini Dakini

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  Temple banner depicting a dancing tantric goddess flanked by bird-headed ḍākinīs (Art Institute of Chicago)

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  The goddess Kālī flanked by Ḍākinī and Yoginī

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  The ḍākinīs in the Womb Realm Mandala

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  Taira no Kiyomori encounters the fox goddess Kiko Tennō (Dakiniten), by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

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  Nanboku-chō period painting of Dakiniten riding a white fox, carrying a sword and a wish-granting jewel (cintāmaṇi)

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  Due her association with foxes, the cult of Dakiniten was assimilated into that of the agricultural deity Inari (pictured: Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto)

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  The buddha Vairocana of the Diamond Realm (Vajradhātu) making the 'wisdom fist' mudra (智拳印, chiken-in)

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  Amaterasu emerges from the Heavenly Rock Cave (Shunsai Toshimasa, 1887)

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  Dakini on a Gray Dog, Nyingmapa Buddhist or Bon Ritual Card; 18th or 19th–century, watercolor on paper, 14 × 11 cm, Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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  Dancing ḍākinī, Tibet, c. 19th century

See also

In Spanish: Dakini para niños