Women's* Dharma Weekend: The Magic of the Dakini

Women's* Dharma Weekend: The Magic of the Dakini
May 10, 6pm to May 12, 2pm

"Through by a kind of Hermetic magic of ‘as above so below’ dwelling in open places beyond the reach of civilization for a while may help us to contact the dakini’s true realm.” —Vessantara

To meet a Dakini is not easy.

Dakinis live in the wilderness, and rejoice in its vast freedom. They are not domesticated but wild. ‘Dakini’ means ‘Sky-dancer.’ A Dakini is a Buddha in female form, though her symbolism is multi-faceted and can also represent the embodiment of our own upsurging spiritual energy, and even the inspired spark of transformative communication with the sangha. The Wild Woman energy of the dakini is passion for the Dharma, and true freedom — liberation from craving and attachment.

To find her you have to leave behind the security of your own views and ideas. Come explore the sky of freedom, your own feminine wisdom, the wilderness and magic of the Dakini! As our practice becomes more embodied through living out the great Wisdom teachings of the Buddhist tradition, we inevitably change and discover new dynamics within our inner worlds. We will encounter new experiences of emotional energy, meditative consciousness, and insight. Buddhist teaching has different ways of approaching and talking about these experiences. Some of these teachings appear more psychological in nature, whereas others utilize the language of poetry, myth and symbolism. The fascinating and deep symbolism that we discover in meeting the Dakini is a wonderful gateway into the deeper currents in our hearts. 

We will explore these themes with a program of meditation, engaging discussion, meaningful ritual and time spent outside with the forest, trees, plants, the river, the Dakini shrine and the stars.

Led By — Amala and Singhasuri

Image detail: Sarva Buddha Dakini (Dakini of All the Buddhas) Sino-Tibetan culture, early 19th century

* The Triratna Buddhist movement has a long, rich history of offering women-only practice spaces. At the same time, we welcome participation from a diversity of gender identities, including trans women. We ask all participants to be open to this broader definition of a women-centered space. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch.
 

A Culture of Generosity and Support
In the tradition of passing on the Dharma freely, our Dharma retreat and workshop facilitators offer their work without charge and are not paid. We recognize the value in what they do and want to thank them for their time, energy and wisdom. A financial gift can help support our facilitators to afford them the opportunity to lead. Please consider making a donation towards their support. 
There is often a cash collection and a thank you card that is passed on the retreat, though one can also make a donation directly to facilitators with a check, and some use money transfer services such as PayPal or Venmo. Thank you for your generosity.
 

How are we coming together safely?

• Please take a Covid-19 rapid test on the day of the event (Aryaloka does not provide this test). A negative rapid test is required for entry; please take a photo of your test results and present at the door. 
• If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person.*  Stay up-to-date with exposure guidelines here.
• Masks are optional unless otherwise stated.
• If you have recently recovered from Covid-19, stay up-to-date with CDC guidance here as to when you’re clear to be back in public.*
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.*
• We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology!
• There are new cleaning and sanitation protocols.

*Zoom options are available for many events. Transfer of fees or refunds are also available for illness or illness-preventative related absence. Please email info@aryaloka.org if you have any questions about our safety protocols. Aryaloka may adjust these policies in relation to current, local infection rates, and will keep retreatants posted on such changes.
 

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. 

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation. 

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible. 

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. 

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements. info@aryaloka.org