The Buddhist deity Simhavaktra, a dakini

In Tibetan and related Chinese Tantric Buddhist traditions the genesis of enlightenment requires the closing down of negativity. The tantric deity (or dakini) Simhavaktra is the Lion-Faced Sky- Walker, so called for her ability not only to fly through the sky but also to reduce all negativity to emptiness via meditation.

Simhavaktra balances on one leg in a version of a classical Indian dancing position. In Tibetan Buddhist imagery, this posture signifies dynamism. In Simhavaktra’s case, it shows her dynamically transforming five psychological poisons into five corresponding wisdoms (prajna). This transformation takes place in adepts’ minds when they visualize Simhavaktra in their meditation.

Simhavaktra’s imagery is associated with the cycle of destruction and transformation always occurring in ancient Indian cremation grounds. It was there that yogis—and dakinis—attempted to attain enlightenment in this life by realizing and internalizing that all objects of attraction or repulsion are impermanent.