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Andrea Loseries: Buddhist Images of the Feminine

 

The distinction between the sravakayana and pratyekabuddhayana schools, and the distinction between the Madhayamaka and Yogacara schools of Mahayana is a difference in methods. But the perfection of insight (prajnaparamita), associated with the mother, is the same for all four schools, which are likened to four sons. Prajnaparamita, the perfection of insight or wisdom, is considered the mother of all Buddhas and bodhisattvas. This association of wisdom and the feminine can be likened to the divine female. Still, although the Mahayana upholds the ability of a woman to attain enlightenment, it denies the possibility of a female Buddha. Female Buddhas appear only in tantric iconography. But the Prajnaparamita that is personified as a goddess in tantric iconography is the same Prajnaparamita that is mentioned in various non-tantric Mahayana scriptures. This presentation is based on the image of the divine Female as being the Great Mother, the Great Womb, absolute reality, primordial energy, the basis and beginning of all, and ultimately beyond description and attributes. It focuses on the different Buddhist images of the Feminine according to the trikaya (“three bodies”) doctrine, giving examples and explaining the symbolism.

 

 

 

 
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