The Dasha Mahavidyas, literally "Ten Great Wisdoms" or “The Shining Ones” are ten Tantric goddesses who represent ten different aspects of The Great Mother, Adi Para Shakti or MahaDevi, the divine feminine power.
Each one carries a distinguishing quality that either resonates deeply with us or that we aspire to cultivate within ourselves. These 10 aspects or forms represent the infinite potential of possibilities of "HER" Lila (play). They are ONE, and individually, they hold a potential SEED.
The most captivating aspect to grasp is the underlying structure, the sequence, the cycle, the process or order - Krama (lineage) and the interplay between them.
They are not merely mythological figures but powerful archetypes that reside within each of us. By understanding their individual energies, we gain insight into the diverse forces that shape our reality and our inner landscape.
The Concept of Shakti: In Tantric philosophy, Shakti is the dynamic energy that animates the universe. It is the power of creation, preservation, and dissolution. The Mahavidyas are manifestations of this Shakti, each offering a unique pathway to understanding and experiencing the divine.
Mahavidya Upasana: Upasana, meaning "to sit beside," "to draw near," or "attend to," is the practice of connecting with the Mahavidyas. Through contemplation, mantra recitation, visualization, and ritual, we cultivate a relationship with these goddesses, allowing their wisdom to permeate our consciousness.
Liberation and Svatantrya: The ultimate goal of Mahavidya Upasana is liberation (Moksha) from the limitations of the ego and the realization of our true nature, Svatantrya, which is innate freedom. By confronting our shadows and embracing the wisdom of the Mahavidyas, we shed the false self and awaken to our limitless divine potential.
A Brief Overview of the Mahavidyas and essential elements for cultivating a connection with Deity Yoga:
Each of these 10 goddesses is adorned with a singular iconography, a visual language that speaks to the soul. Each has its own myth, a cosmic narrative of its creation and evolution. Each possesses a mantra, its sonic essence and truest form, and a Yantra, a mystical diagram that unlocks hidden dimensions. And through these, each offers a gateway to the divine.
While a full exploration of each Mahavidya is extensive, here’s a brief introduction:
Kali: The goddess of time, destruction, and transformation. She cuts through illusion and ignorance.
Tara: The goddess of compassion, wisdom, and protection. She guides us through difficult times.
Tripura Sundari (Shodashi): The goddess of beauty, harmony, and spiritual awakening. She represents the perfect balance of creation and destruction.
Bhuvaneshwari: The goddess of the cosmos and the embodiment of all creation. She represents the vastness and interconnectedness of the universe.
Bhairavi: The fierce goddess of destruction and purification. She helps us overcome our fears and attachments.
Chinnamasta: The self-decapitating goddess who represents sacrifice and self-transformation.
Dhumavati: The widow goddess who represents poverty, frustration, and the darker aspects of life. She teaches us about acceptance and resilience.
Bagalamukhi: The goddess of power, control, and victory. She helps us overcome obstacles and adversaries.
Matangi: The goddess of music, arts, and learning. She represents the power of sound and creativity.
Kamala: The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. She represents the beauty and auspiciousness of life.
The Dasha Mahavidyas offer profound wisdom and guidance on the path to self-realization.
By engaging in the practice of Deity Yoga, we can connect with these powerful goddesses and unlock the potential for transformation and liberation within ourselves.
I encourage you to explore these teachings and practices with an open heart and a receptive mind, watch Robin Christ’s presentation for Samdudra Shakti (her teachings inspired me to write this newsletter and also to begin my year doing this powerful practice).
Watch Robin Christ's presentation for Samudra Shakti Online.
In this video you will find a brief explanation of each of the Dasha Mahavidyas, you will listen to a brief story of each of them, see their Iconography, visualize their Yantras and hear their mantras and receive their wisdom.
Thank you so much Robin.
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