Unknown Artist

Title

Narodakini

Other titles:

Vajravarahi

Alternative title:

Vajrayogini

Place of origin

Tibet

Year

20th century

Media category

Sculpture

Materials used

parcel gilt and inlaid silver bronze

Dimensions

86.2 x 66.8 x 26.2cm

Signature & date

Not signed. Not dated.

Credit

Gift of J A and H D Sperling 2000

Accession number

140.2000

Location

Upper Asian gallery

Further information

Another epiphany of Vajrayogini that was introduced in India and remains important in contemporary Tibetan practice is Narodakini or Naro Khachoma, readily recognisable by her lunging posture and raised skull bowl. Narodakini is so named because her practice lineages stem from Naropa, the Indian adept to whom she revealed herself in this form. Apart from her distinctive pose, Narodakini shares most of the symbolic attributes and emblems of Tantric female Buddhas discussed in relation to Vajravarahi (p. 203). Another notable difference is that whereas Vajravarahi has an upward-streaming mane, Narodakini has long, unbound tresses. Freely flowing hair is in the Indic setting a mark of a yogic practitioner, especially one who practices Tantra. Buddhist interpreters add another layer of meaning, holding that her untamed tresses signify that her mind is free from all selfishness and attachments and hence flows freely in a state of joyful communion with present reality. Narodakini’s upturned face is poised to drink the nectar of bliss that perpetually flows from her skull cup. She is also said to be gazing toward her Buddha paradise, known as Khechara, ‘Sky-Pleasure’, where those who successfully traverse the Tantric path will ascend at the end of their earthly life and live eternally in her presence in her realm of heavenly splendour and beauty. Upon attaining Buddhahood in her enlightening presence, they can generate their own Buddha-bodies and traverse the universe to guide others to liberation.

[Note: Narodakini is often mistakenly identified as Sarvabuddhadakini or Vajradakini. These latter terms, however, are epithets that are used for all forms of Vajrayogini rather than designations of a specific epiphany.]

Bibliography (4)

'Buddha rules' by Jill Sykes, pg. 13., Look Sep 2001, Sep 2001, 13 (colour illus.).

Look Dec 2003-Jan 2004, Dec 2003-Jan 2004, 9 (colour illus.).

'Sacred Symbol, Secret Meeting: the 'Khatvanga' Ritual Staff in Buddhism' by Chaya Chandrasekhar, pg. 6-8, TAASA Review Mar 2006, Mar 2006, 6 (colour illus.).

Jackie Menzies (Australia) (Editor), Goddess: Divine Energy, Sydney, 2006, 206 (colour illus.). cat.no. 129.

Collection

Unknown Artist