Wisdom Rising

May 14, 2018
In this accessible, deeply researched book, Allione (Women of Wisdom) invites Buddhist novices and practitioners to learn how meditating on the Mandala of the Five Dakinis can be used to renew energy and restore inner feminine strength and wisdom. First, she shares the poignant story of her spiritual journey to becoming the first North American woman to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1971. Although she shed her robes a few years later to become a mother, she continued her spiritual education. Allione describes the mandala as a meditation tool women can use to attain wholeness, coherence, and attunement to the universe. She then provides context and intricate details of the dakinis, enlightened feminine guides originating in ancient India who are protectors and fierce forces of truth. The five dakinis—Vajra, Karma, Buddha, Ratna, and Padma—encourage women to integrate mandala practice with all aspects of life, including relationships, sexuality, and motherhood. With clear instruction, Allione explains breathing techniques and meditation and shares numerous inspirational anecdotes from her own life and from the many holy people she met and prayed with. Buddhist women will get much out of Allione’s informative book on the mandala’s history of female empowerment.