Dakini Redux

Early in December I had my 60th birthday. One thought that bothered me concerned what would happen to my artwork when I'm dead and gone? Would anyone really be able to trundle through endless directories of work on my computer to discover everything? True, a lot of stuff is posted on my various websites, but... So, over the holidays I printed out a bunch of my images and organized them into presentation binders.

Well, some older images bothered me greatly and I decided to go back in to rework them. Below is an example of the before and after state of one of my Dakini images. By removing a lot of the background (photo of a golden geometric pattern from a ornamental door) and remixing the figure's layers, I think the newest version is much more dynamic and allows the Dakini figure to be read better.

Dakini "before"

Dakini "after"

Sacred Art Book Available

Prajnaparamita Beauty Way Mandala

I have just created a prototype book of my sacred art images (thangkas and mandalas) which includes commentary, visualizations, prayers and biographical information. The book is a large format 11" x 13" 50 page hardcover titled "Beauty Way" which I created using Apple's iPhoto self-publishing tools. I am currently in the process of investigating other lower cost print-on-demand publishing services and ones which may allow an electronic iBook or iPad app option. Stay tuned!

For more information or to share ideas concerning book publishers, please email me.

Empowerment of PrajnaparamitaGreat Mother of Wisdom

Visualization #1: Medicine Buddha Pure Land Offering

Visualization #2: Emanation of Great Mother Prajnaparamita

Visualization #3: Prajnaparamita's Infinite Presence

Visualization #4: 3-Fold Empowerment Blessing of Prajnaparamita

Visualization #5: Prajnaparamita as Wisdom Heart Flame

Full visualization / meditation step-by-step details are available here at ShamanDreaming.org.

Yantra of Vajrayogini

One of the most powerful female deity forms is that of Vajrayogini - the Thunderbolt Dakini - whose fierce energy both protects one's dharma practices but also thrusts the practitioner through the inherently dense and difficult to traverse barriers of ego and delusion. She embodies the core feminine energy of necessary creation/destruction in its most evocative form. Here Vajrayogini is shown within a three dimensional Merkaba; she is the master of all forces of creation and duality. She holds a Vajra dagger in one hand (by which to cut through ego illusion) and drinks a skull cup overflowing with cosmic blood (the elixir of enlightenment) from the other hand.

21 Taras

Lady Tara shines her Compassion and Wisdom Bliss for all beings in all dimensions and times. Tara protects those who call upon her, guides those on the path, provides knowledge and wisdom for those who open their hearts. She is the source of one's health and well being. Hail Tara!

Om Tara Tutare Ture Swaha