Naro Dakini is one of the most important female deities in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism.
Naro Dakini [Tibetan: »Na ro mkha’ spyod« - »ན་རོ་མཁའ་སྤྱོད་མ།«] is a manifestation of Vajrayogini. She is closely associated with the Indian mahāsiddha Naropa (1016 - 1100), from whom she derived her name. According to tradition, she appeared to Naropa and imparted to him the highest tantric teachings.
Her most important characteristics include:
A red body color, symbolizing transformed wisdom and compassion.
- In her right hand, she holds a »kartika« [ritual cleaver], which severs ignorance and self-clinging.
- In her left hand, she holds a skull cup [»kapala»«] filled with the nectar of wisdom.
- A khatvanga staff rests over her left shoulder, symbolizing the union of wisdom and skillful means.
- She stands in a dynamic dance posture atop symbols of conquered passions and is surrounded by flames of wisdom.
In the Kagyu tradition, as well as in the Sakya and Gelug schools, Naro Dakini is considered one of the most important meditation deities (yidams). Her practice is among the highest tantric exercises and is traditionally performed only after receiving the appropriate initiation [wang].