Today, on the one-year anniversary of International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2023, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey since being honored with the international award “Outstanding Women in Buddhism.” I was left speechless by the recognition bestowed upon me. With profound gratitude, I became part of a historical list alongside some of the most prominent women in Buddhism. It was an immense honor.
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Today, as we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, let us not only honor the outstanding women in Buddhism but also every woman in our lives—our daughters, mothers, wives, sisters, and aunts. Each of them contributes to the tapestry of our existence with their resilience, wisdom, and compassion.
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Today, I wish to delve into a realm often overlooked in the annals of Buddhist history—the profound influence of women. Throughout the centuries, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the tapestry of Buddhism, enriching its teachings with their compassion, insight, and unwavering dedication. As a Buddhist Teacher it is my honor to shed light on the contributions of these remarkable beings, especially within the context of Vajrayana Buddhism, where the feminine principle is revered as essential to enlightenment.
Among them, we find revered figures such as Mahapajapati Gotami, the aunt and foster mother of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the first ordained Buddhist nun. Her courage and determination paved the way for countless women to follow the path of liberation. Similarly, we encounter the luminous presence of Maha Maya, the mother of the Buddha, whose divine dreams and immaculate conception heralded the birth of a Bodhisattva destined to awaken the world.
Yet, the influence of women in Buddhism extends far beyond mere historical footnotes. In the esoteric tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism, the feminine principle holds a central place in the quest for enlightenment. Here, we encounter the embodiment of wisdom and compassion in female deities such as Tara, the Mother of All Buddhas, and Vajrayogini, the fiery dakini who dances with transcendent bliss amidst the flames of transformation.
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What is the significance of the feminine principle in Vajrayana Buddhism? It is the recognition that enlightenment transcends gender, that the ultimate truth is neither male nor female but encompasses the totality of existence. In the union of wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna), we find the essence of the feminine principle, symbolized by the dynamic interplay of emptiness and form, of blissful awareness and skillful means.
To truly understand the feminine principle in Vajrayana Buddhism, one must embrace the concept of yab-yum—the sacred union of male and female energies symbolized by the embracing embrace of deities in divine union. Here, we witness the harmonious integration of opposites, the union of wisdom and method, of emptiness and bliss, culminating in the realization of nondual awareness.
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But let us not confine our exploration to mythic realms and ancient texts. The feminine principle is alive and vibrant in the hearts of countless practitioners, both women, and men, who embody compassion, wisdom, and loving-kindness in their daily lives. It is found in the nurturing embrace of a mother, the gentle touch of a healer, and the wise counsel of a teacher.
Today, and all days, let us honor and celebrate the wisdom of historical women in Buddhism, whose legacy continues to inspire and guide us on the path of awakening. Let us embrace the feminine principle in Vajrayana Buddhism as a sacred expression of the interdependence of all beings, as a reminder of the inherent potential for enlightenment within each and every one of us.
And to all the women reading this post, I encourage you to take a moment to feel gratitude towards yourselves. Your strength, your wisdom, and the lives you are creating for yourselves inspire us all. You are the architects of change, the bearers of light, and the heart of our communities. Let us celebrate you and the incredible journey you’re on.
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May we all cultivate compassion, wisdom, and inner peace, and may the radiant light of the feminine principle illuminate our path towards liberation.
With boundless compassion,
Lama Chimey
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Reverend Lama Chimey 