varahi devi - a question?

[Guest guest]

it is said that sree lalithambikal created from her ***ego*****

vaarahi devi.... and varahi devi was the commander in chief of sree

laiitaanbikai's army in her fight against bhandasura?

 

can anybody throw light on this?

 

it is sais that varahi devi was one of the sapta matrkas of durga

devi.

 

 

how can these two images be reconciled....

 

love

[Guest guest]

Thank You Adi for your interest in Sri Varahi. You have asked two

questions :

1) Connection of Varahi with Vishnu and Yama.

2) About the role of Sree Varahi as the warrior goddess

 

Weather she is the Shakti Energy of Yama or Vishnu, I don't want to go

into it. Different Text will give you a different interpretation. Most

associate her with Vishnu. I believe Devi manifest as Varahi as part

of her divine manifestation and in her role to maintain the cosmic

balance. In Devi Mahatmaya and Devi-bhagavata purana, Varahi ( as

with all the other Saptamatrkas) are not primarily as the divine

consort or shakti's of the male deities but rather an extension or

forms of Devi herself. Sometimes Varahi is being associated with

Goddess Kamala ( one of the Maha-Vidyas ) and Vaisnavi.

 

What I would like to do is to approach Sree Varahi in symbolic nature.

What does Varahi represents? what are we suppose to learn from her ?

 

Symbolism of Sree Varahi

 

A) The mythology of Boar

 

The myth of boar does not only confine to the Hindu Mythology. It is

in the Celtic, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, American Indians, Egypt etc.

Goddess Ceridwin, A Celtic Mother Goddess was also called the "old

White Sow". The Boar too is a sacred animal of Goddess Isis ( the

Egyptian equivalent of Durga ) and her brother is a black boar (

called Seth ).

 

Human associations with animals have gone far back. Hindus in

particular see divinity in all things around us including animals.

They therefore plays an important role in the hindu dharma for they

not only become vehicle, the goddess and god assume or take the form

of these animals.

 

If you look at the concept of Avatar which is associated with Vishnu,

the organic evolution theory which indicates the origin of the human

from an aquatic background does make sense even though there is still

debate about the reliability of the Theory. The boar being the third

manifestation represents the complete picture of a terresterial

animal. Narashima is another representation of which the attempt to

attain a human form. In baba's previous post " Varahi, also known as

Panchami, or the Fivefold One". This fits into the concept of the five

basic elements that is present in the human body : Ether, Air, Fire,

Water and Earth. These five elements that manifest in the functioning

of the five senses in human as well as in certain functions of human's

physiology. Thus, the five elements are directly related to human's

ability to perceive the external environment in which the human live.

Scientist especially in genetics field have discovered the close

association of human genetics with that of a boar. There are

instances of boar to human tissue transplant. So if you look in this

aspect, the boar is a close relation to human. Some suggest the idea

that to eat a boar is like eating a human flesh.

 

 

 

B) Emotional and Physchological Symbolism

 

1. The Varaha-Purana relates Varahi as a representation of the

inauspicious emotions of Envy.

2. In the Celtic and Welsh version, the boar represent courage

and strong warriors.

3. In China, the boar represents the wealth of the forest.

4. In Japan, the boar depicts courage.

5. To the Buddhist, the boar represents attachment ( general and

material ), greed and lust.

 

And in Adi Shakti questions : "lalithambikal created from her ego" In

what ever ways we interprete them, we cannot deny the fact that many a

times these are actual representation of our emotional attributes.

Ramprasad in many of his hymns often referred to the sacrifices as

internal in nature. He associated : the goat = kama ( lust ), Buffalo

= krodha ( anger ), the cat = lobha ( greed ), the sheep = moha (

stupidity of illusion), the camel = matsaryya ( envy). In Tara

symbolism ( especially Green Tara ) the eight calamities represents :

lion = pride, wild elephants = delulsions, forest fire = hatred,

snakes = envy, robbers = fanatical views, prisons = avarice, floods =

lust and demons = doubts.

 

In association with the Saptamatrkas, Varahi can be said to be the

representation of the controlled energy of courage and fearless that

have gone out of control, to such an extent that it have cause envy,

greed and leads to attachment ( material and general ) We need courage

in order to fight against enemy, but sometimes success have make us

blind that it lead to arrogance and greed. Meditating and worshipping

Sree Varahi is like a reminder to us of the basic nature that is

inherent in us that we must constantly be aware of. This is how I

interprete Sree Varahi.

 

".... and varahi devi was the commander in chief of sree

laiitaanbikai's army in her fight against bhandasura? … can anybody

throw light on this? it is said that varahi devi was one of the sapta

matrkas of durga devi. how can these two images be reconciled...."

 

I see the Saptamatrkas as this : the Devi as the Queen/King, and the

Saptamatrkas as the various commander in chief ( the navy, the army,

the police etc ) and then followed by various other little armies (

the matrkas ). This is how Devi maintain the cosmic balance.

The stories of Saptamatrkas and Matrkas does not only being mention in

the Devi Mahatmaya, but also in various other texts. In Matsya-Purana

they fought with Siva to defeat Andhaka. They are also said to fight

side by side with Karttikeya and also Hanuman.

 

C) Liminal or duality qualities.

This ambiguous combination of the best of the two worlds ; human and

animal realms enhanced Devi's supreme Power rather than diminished it.

This characteristics of Devi also being portrayed in Chinnamasta in

which she is able to stay alive and being a vital cosmic force despite

decapitated herself.

 

Baba remarked "… bears the relation of "father" to Lalita, although

pictured as a Devi. The mother form is Kurukulla Tara". This is a

prime example of Devi liminal quality. In the Shakta Theology, Devi is

the Brahman. She can be what she chooses herself to be: a male or

female or neuter. Krishnan have several instances manifest himself in

a form of a woman, and if Krishnan = Kali ( in some popular believe )

and Kali = Devi, isn't it logical to say that Varahi with the "male"

or "fatherly" attributes such as " strong courage and fearless" is

infact Devi herself ( the inauspicious aspect of Devi ).

 

 

Om ParaShaktiye Namaha

[Guest guest]

Very Thorough Nora. Thanks. This chapter gives light on my dream

 

In association with the Saptamatrkas, Varahi can be said to be the

representation of the controlled energy of courage and fearless that

have gone out of control, to such an extent that it have cause envy,

greed and leads to attachment ( material and general ) We need

courage

in order to fight against enemy, but sometimes success have make us

blind that it lead to arrogance and greed. Meditating and worshipping

Sree Varahi is like a reminder to us of the basic nature that is

inherent in us that we must constantly be aware of. This is how I

interprete Sree Varahi.

 

In my dream someone like Mahesh Yogi was sitting and had huge long

face, and some people and myself were looking at him and I commented

that he looks to have all the characteristics of Varaha. His face

had huge jowly cheeks that could have help tusks in them. I guess

Mahesh has always had a beard.

 

Perhaps in this way, as commander and chief Varahi preserves and is

Vishnu Shakti when showing the courage to protect life, but when that

courage and fearlessness becomes follhardy and insolent perhaps

through victory too often then it becomes the force of Yama Shakti or

death itself. Too much force without mercy is considered in

Kabballah the dissipation of life.

 

I know that Maharishi took a chance and brought Sri Vidya mantras to

the West and his techniques were immensly popular. However, much time

passed where Mahesh became insolent and too powwerful and wants his

own government, money and who knows what would be next - army? How

do these things relate to his holy tradition and the simple act of

meditation. My guess is that Mahgesh is in fact a very good example

of Varahi Devi and my dream intuition came up with a very lucid

example. This discussion has led to many great insights for me, and

I would like to thank all involved for the time and enthusiasm.

 

People may recall that I have mentioned how soon I will take

Kalachakra Tantra with Dalai Lama because I want to learn tantra from

someone respectable. I am not really a Buddhist but I feel that all

religions are one. I bellieve that Kalachara Mandala is closest

Buddhist approximation to Sri Chakra and some have noted that they

both were developed perhaps at the same time?

 

I feel that it cannot hurt to study both in tandem, especially since

it seems to me that many Buddhists are very snooty and as fanatical

as any born again Christians. I have yet to find many helpful

Buddhists at any , though there are a few. Buddhism

seems overly intellectual and I wonder if they have any real

transcending techniques and forms of worship. Plus there is too much

emphasis on holiness of things and particular people as opposed to

what's in front of one - the elements, and typical people. Not to

mention Buddhism seems very judgemental and righteous. I find it

hard to live up to such ideals and so am rightly confused and prefer

the more forgiving Devi now. I think Kali cannot much mind my poor

sordid personality since I am not even a fleck in terms of time and

space. Just rambling....

 

I have resorted to this Kalachakra Tantra because at least I know the

source, but I really am more drawn to the Devi traditions of Bharat

rather than Tibet. Plus I don't know how to pronounce anything

Tibetan but I have had a year of sanskrit. I guess I have many

questions as always. What do you all think?

[Guest guest]

vajraberry,

 

I have found the people at the local Tibetan Buddhist center here in

Denver to be very helpful, down to earth and loving. Also, when I

spent time up at the center at Red Feather Lake (northern Colorado) on

retreat, the folks there were similarly earthy and helpful.

 

I think it depends on the temple or center and maybe on the region

where you are seeking. Also, you may have a different experience from

written materials. I happen to enjoy the teachings of Pema Chodron,

and not so much other authors from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

 

I approach this from the perspective of a student from the outside. I

always let people know that I am Wiccan, a Goddess worshipper, that I

am not seeking to convert to another tradition, that I respect their

teachings and their ways and wish to learn from them and that I do now

wish to give offence. It is important to me that I not pretend to be a

potential convert just to get access to the teachings. Also it is

important that people understand that I am not disrespecting or

abandoning my own tradition.

 

As far as I know, many of the most spiritual leaders of this world

have had education in more traditions than just their own. I think

this offers a very wholistic insight into the many aspects of human

spirituality and spiritual expression and desire.

 

To be honest, I have felt that the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is much

more dense than I have been able to penetrate, perhaps because of the

lack of English translations of some of the lesser known texts and the

myths inherent to the culture that might not be thought of as

"important" to transmitting the religious path to a western audience.

 

I am particularly curious about the female divine in the Tibetan

tradition. I don't feel we've seen enough of that yet. Perhaps it is

screened out unintentionally by the masculine bias of the monastic

traditions, or by the illiteracy of the female side of the

population, or the lack of resources in documenting and publishing

the complete works.

 

I'm afraid much will be lost by the stress of the Tibetan - Chinese

conflict, the flight of so many from their homeland and the march of

modernization in what was until recently such a remote region.

 

I wish you luck in your seeking. I'm sure the Goddess will guide you,

even on these unfamiliar paths. You are not alone.

 

prainbow

 

, "vajraberry" <eve__69@h...> wrote:

> Very Thorough Nora. Thanks. This chapter gives light on my dream

>

> In association with the Saptamatrkas, Varahi can be said to be the

> representation of the controlled energy of courage and fearless that

> have gone out of control, to such an extent that it have cause envy,

> greed and leads to attachment ( material and general ) We need

> courage

> in order to fight against enemy, but sometimes success have make us

> blind that it lead to arrogance and greed. Meditating and

worshipping

> Sree Varahi is like a reminder to us of the basic nature that is

> inherent in us that we must constantly be aware of. This is how I

> interprete Sree Varahi.

>

> In my dream someone like Mahesh Yogi was sitting and had huge long

> face, and some people and myself were looking at him and I commented

> that he looks to have all the characteristics of Varaha. His face

> had huge jowly cheeks that could have help tusks in them. I guess

> Mahesh has always had a beard.

>

> Perhaps in this way, as commander and chief Varahi preserves and is

> Vishnu Shakti when showing the courage to protect life, but when

that

> courage and fearlessness becomes follhardy and insolent perhaps

> through victory too often then it becomes the force of Yama Shakti

or

> death itself. Too much force without mercy is considered in

> Kabballah the dissipation of life.

>

> I know that Maharishi took a chance and brought Sri Vidya mantras to

> the West and his techniques were immensly popular. However, much

time

> passed where Mahesh became insolent and too powwerful and wants his

> own government, money and who knows what would be next - army? How

> do these things relate to his holy tradition and the simple act of

> meditation. My guess is that Mahgesh is in fact a very good example

> of Varahi Devi and my dream intuition came up with a very lucid

> example. This discussion has led to many great insights for me, and

> I would like to thank all involved for the time and enthusiasm.

>

> People may recall that I have mentioned how soon I will take

> Kalachakra Tantra with Dalai Lama because I want to learn tantra

from

> someone respectable. I am not really a Buddhist but I feel that all

> religions are one. I bellieve that Kalachara Mandala is closest

> Buddhist approximation to Sri Chakra and some have noted that they

> both were developed perhaps at the same time?

>

> I feel that it cannot hurt to study both in tandem, especially since

> it seems to me that many Buddhists are very snooty and as fanatical

> as any born again Christians. I have yet to find many helpful

> Buddhists at any , though there are a few. Buddhism

> seems overly intellectual and I wonder if they have any real

> transcending techniques and forms of worship. Plus there is too

much

> emphasis on holiness of things and particular people as opposed to

> what's in front of one - the elements, and typical people. Not to

> mention Buddhism seems very judgemental and righteous. I find it

> hard to live up to such ideals and so am rightly confused and prefer

> the more forgiving Devi now. I think Kali cannot much mind my poor

> sordid personality since I am not even a fleck in terms of time and

> space. Just rambling....

>

> I have resorted to this Kalachakra Tantra because at least I know

the

> source, but I really am more drawn to the Devi traditions of Bharat

> rather than Tibet. Plus I don't know how to pronounce anything

> Tibetan but I have had a year of sanskrit. I guess I have many

> questions as always. What do you all think?

[Guest guest]

Yes, I'm sorry but my negative experience has just been through

dealing with people over the internet. So I know I shouldn't judge

from that experience alone. But also would it not be fair to judge

Shaktas from these very divine people here at SS? So I will put off

judging yet for awhile. As for divine female in TB, there is

Pragyamaramita, Vishvamata, and a common tantric practice is for

Vajrayogini. Agai9n, I wasn't judging all Buddhists. I agree that

Tibetan Buddhists probably have the closest tradition to Shaktism. I

just need to study it more.

 

 

, "prainbow61" <paulie-rainbow@u...> wrote:

> vajraberry,

>

> I have found the people at the local Tibetan Buddhist center here

in

> Denver to be very helpful, down to earth and loving. Also, when I

> spent time up at the center at Red Feather Lake (northern Colorado)

on

> retreat, the folks there were similarly earthy and helpful.

>

> I think it depends on the temple or center and maybe on the region

> where you are seeking. Also, you may have a different experience

from

> written materials. I happen to enjoy the teachings of Pema Chodron,

> and not so much other authors from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

>

> I approach this from the perspective of a student from the outside.

I

> always let people know that I am Wiccan, a Goddess worshipper, that

I

> am not seeking to convert to another tradition, that I respect

their

> teachings and their ways and wish to learn from them and that I do

now

> wish to give offence. It is important to me that I not pretend to

be a

> potential convert just to get access to the teachings. Also it is

> important that people understand that I am not disrespecting or

> abandoning my own tradition.

>

> As far as I know, many of the most spiritual leaders of this world

> have had education in more traditions than just their own. I think

> this offers a very wholistic insight into the many aspects of human

> spirituality and spiritual expression and desire.

>

> To be honest, I have felt that the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is

much

> more dense than I have been able to penetrate, perhaps because of

the

> lack of English translations of some of the lesser known texts and

the

> myths inherent to the culture that might not be thought of as

> "important" to transmitting the religious path to a western

audience.

>

> I am particularly curious about the female divine in the Tibetan

> tradition. I don't feel we've seen enough of that yet. Perhaps it

is

> screened out unintentionally by the masculine bias of the monastic

> traditions, or by the illiteracy of the female side of the

> population, or the lack of resources in documenting and publishing

> the complete works.

>

> I'm afraid much will be lost by the stress of the Tibetan - Chinese

> conflict, the flight of so many from their homeland and the march

of

> modernization in what was until recently such a remote region.

>

> I wish you luck in your seeking. I'm sure the Goddess will guide

you,

> even on these unfamiliar paths. You are not alone.

>

> prainbow

>

> , "vajraberry" <eve__69@h...> wrote:

> > Very Thorough Nora. Thanks. This chapter gives light on my

dream

> >

> > In association with the Saptamatrkas, Varahi can be said to be

the

> > representation of the controlled energy of courage and fearless

that

> > have gone out of control, to such an extent that it have cause

envy,

> > greed and leads to attachment ( material and general ) We need

> > courage

> > in order to fight against enemy, but sometimes success have make

us

> > blind that it lead to arrogance and greed. Meditating and

> worshipping

> > Sree Varahi is like a reminder to us of the basic nature that is

> > inherent in us that we must constantly be aware of. This is how I

> > interprete Sree Varahi.

> >

> > In my dream someone like Mahesh Yogi was sitting and had huge

long

> > face, and some people and myself were looking at him and I

commented

> > that he looks to have all the characteristics of Varaha. His

face

> > had huge jowly cheeks that could have help tusks in them. I

guess

> > Mahesh has always had a beard.

> >

> > Perhaps in this way, as commander and chief Varahi preserves and

is

> > Vishnu Shakti when showing the courage to protect life, but when

> that

> > courage and fearlessness becomes follhardy and insolent perhaps

> > through victory too often then it becomes the force of Yama

Shakti

> or

> > death itself. Too much force without mercy is considered in

> > Kabballah the dissipation of life.

> >

> > I know that Maharishi took a chance and brought Sri Vidya mantras

to

> > the West and his techniques were immensly popular. However, much

> time

> > passed where Mahesh became insolent and too powwerful and wants

his

> > own government, money and who knows what would be next - army?

How

> > do these things relate to his holy tradition and the simple act

of

> > meditation. My guess is that Mahgesh is in fact a very good

example

> > of Varahi Devi and my dream intuition came up with a very lucid

> > example. This discussion has led to many great insights for me,

and

> > I would like to thank all involved for the time and enthusiasm.

> >

> > People may recall that I have mentioned how soon I will take

> > Kalachakra Tantra with Dalai Lama because I want to learn tantra

> from

> > someone respectable. I am not really a Buddhist but I feel that

all

> > religions are one. I bellieve that Kalachara Mandala is closest

> > Buddhist approximation to Sri Chakra and some have noted that

they

> > both were developed perhaps at the same time?

> >

> > I feel that it cannot hurt to study both in tandem, especially

since

> > it seems to me that many Buddhists are very snooty and as

fanatical

> > as any born again Christians. I have yet to find many helpful

> > Buddhists at any , though there are a few. Buddhism

> > seems overly intellectual and I wonder if they have any real

> > transcending techniques and forms of worship. Plus there is too

> much

> > emphasis on holiness of things and particular people as opposed

to

> > what's in front of one - the elements, and typical people. Not

to

> > mention Buddhism seems very judgemental and righteous. I find it

> > hard to live up to such ideals and so am rightly confused and

prefer

> > the more forgiving Devi now. I think Kali cannot much mind my

poor

> > sordid personality since I am not even a fleck in terms of time

and

> > space. Just rambling....

> >

> > I have resorted to this Kalachakra Tantra because at least I know

> the

> > source, but I really am more drawn to the Devi traditions of

Bharat

> > rather than Tibet. Plus I don't know how to pronounce anything

> > Tibetan but I have had a year of sanskrit. I guess I have many

> > questions as always. What do you all think?

[Guest guest]

vajraberry,

 

I respect that it can be very challenging when you are reaching out

to a somewhat new tradition and encounter people who do not seem

welcoming and helpful. I like that in this group hospitality does

seem to be the rule. It's refreshing.

 

As to the female divinity in TB, thank you for your suggestions. I

look forward to exploring that.

 

I have been intrigued myself by the figure called Yeshe Tsogyal. I'm

considering pursuing more information on her.

 

Good luck on your explorations!

 

prainbow

[Guest guest]

"I have been intrigued myself by the figure called Yeshe Tsogyal. I'm

considering pursuing more information on her"

 

Thank you Prainbrow. How about sharing what ever information you have

on Yeshe tsogyal. Ive been trying to search the net on her but

without avail.

 

Thanks again

 

Om ParaShaktiye Namaha

[Guest guest]

"I have resorted to this Kalachakra Tantra because at least I know

the source, but I really am more drawn to the Devi traditions of

Bharat rather than Tibet. Plus I don't know how to pronounce anything

Tibetan but I have had a year of sanskrit. I guess I have many

questions as always. What do you all think?"

 

 

Good luck to you Vajraberry. My prayers to you and your journey. I

know Devi will guide you throughout.

 

Om ParaShaktye Namaha

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Nora.

 

I have a book somewhere on Women in Tibet that introduced the figure

to me. I'll have to find it and tell you exactly what it is, and look

for quotable passages.

 

In my brief web search I found two links that led me to three book

recommendations. I have not yet pursued the book recommendations. The

first link is very general, but interesting because it briefly covers

a very wide area. The second link was helpful because of the book

hints. The links on that page take you to a page on Amazon.com

unfortunately the links I copied here don't link and don't include

the author.

 

Female Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

http://lhamo.tripod.com/9deity.htm

 

Women and Buddhism

http://www.meditationclub.com/women.htm

 

The book recommendations are:

Lady of the Lotus-Born : The Life and Enlightenment of Yeshe Tsogyal

 

Mother of Knowledge (The Teachings of Lady Yeshe Tsogyal)

 

Meeting the Great Bliss Queen: Buddhists, Feminists and the Art of

the Self

 

Again, I appreciate your great work for the group!

 

prainbow

 

 

 

 

, "nora55_1999" <nora55_1999> wrote:

> Thank you Prainbrow. How about sharing what ever information you

have

> on Yeshe tsogyal. Ive been trying to search the net on her but

> without avail.

>

> Thanks again

>

> Om ParaShaktiye Namaha