I am drawn to Lion-faced Dakini. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the SBT in which you provided teachings on her. I've found some information about her practice on the internet. But I don't have any connection to the lineage where it originates nor do I have transmission related to her practices. So I guess my question is multi-dimensional. Can I put her on my altar with the other main 3 representations, Buddha's body, speech, and mind as a personal inspiration to me? Can I put into practice information from the internet without lineage transmission and teacher's permission? I just am wanting to connect with this dakini in an honorable way and in a way that aligns with our Ear-Whispered lineage.
Dakini's Whisper
Good questions - I look forward to reading responses to this 🙏
Thank you for asking a question that will provide me with an opportunity to re-clarify quite an important convention or commitment in Tantra.
The answer to both of your questions is *NO*.
In order to engage in the practice of a wisdom deity such as Simhamukha, it requires Tantric empowerment and/or permission, initiation and transmission from an authentic teacher who holds the lineage of that practice. As a "Tantric" practitioner, if you haven't had that, then engaging in the practice of the deity or putting a picture of the deity on your Buddhist altar is a Tantric downfall.
This is quite different from the purpose of our SBT classes where we are not receiving transmission to put into Tantric practice but are connecting to the energy of certain Dakinis to see if we can find our own awakened quality. Nowadays, Tantric sadhanas and images are readily available on the internet. However, as Tantric practitioners, we must be careful not to be strayed by this kind of information. If you honor and trust your primary lineage and the practice you've received according to an authentic lineage teacher, you would not jump from this to that practice.
Let me say one more thing related to the careless treatment of these wisdom deities in the West. Please do not commodify the images of wisdom deities (the Buddhas) by printing their images onto any personal item such as clothing or coffee cup, no matter how much you love them. In fact, this is against a basic refuge vow, even before talking about Tantric. Please review refuge vows.
Khandro-la, is the DW Supplementary Text the best source for reviewing our refuge vows?
I am so glad I asked about this, Khandro-la, and I appreciate your direct, clear response.
Yes, you can find some lists of vows in the "Supplementary Practice" text. I'm planning to offer a commentary series of vows - Refuge, Bodhisattva and Tantric - in the near future. The vow and commitment is a deep and important subject.