Why do some deities dance?
Because they are joyful!
#Enlightened deities overflow with energy. Their state is joyful (#Ananda), & may be exuberant!
Deities portrayed in dynamic postures typically come quickly when invoked. They also tend to leave quickly.
A dynamic form of the same deity may have a different name from their static form, simply because their impact on the devotee is so distinct.
Another explanation is because certain forms are so intense. Deities are powerful, so when a deity is wild, it may be difficult for the devotee to handle their sudden arrival or departure.
There is a saying, “When elephants battle, the grass suffers.” In the case of deities, we might say, “When deities dance, devotees tremble.”
Sitting deities are more stable, peaceful, & therefore more likely to be experienced as gentle (Soumya).
Peaceful, gentle deities are not portrayed dancing, & dancing deities are not described as gentle in scripture. Usually, they’re called fierce (#Ugra).
In Tantric Buddhism, the right leg is associated with Method, & the left with Wisdom. Śrī #Kurukulla touches her left foot down. This means that she is “resting” on Wisdom, that Wisdom is the primary way to access her blessings, & the left channel (Ida Nadi) is more active. This also implies that she is associated with unconventional “Left-Hand Path” practices (#Vamacara).
NOTE: She is standing on #Rahu, the #Asura who causes the #eclipse – meaning she crushes, controls, & transforms the vices he represents.
Her name is associated with BOTH the Tantric goddess #tripurasundari of the #srividya lineage, & goddess #Kālī of the #kaula . This means that She is a bridge between both of these ancient paths of realization, the Red Path (of Desire & Desirelessness), and the Black Path (of Fear & Fearlessness).
This Friday evening, 12 April, @andy.weber.studios will lead a meditation & give a lecture to explain the significance of this iconic form. During day-time workshops on the 13th & 14th, we will paint Her in the traditional manner.
Friday night which can be paid for separately. Visit the link for details: