Machig's Influence On Buddhism

Around 1055 C.E., Tibet was experiencing great development and progress, as the region was undergoing remarkable innovation and a cultural rebirth of religion. At this period of religious renaissance, Machig Labdron was born. Machig’s life began as a cherished protégé in the Buddhist hierarchy of her time. However, as she grew older, she gave up this privilege to become a yogini and later a mother. Throughout this journey and her experiences, the presence of the Sacred Feminine was always prevalent in various aspects of her life. From the very moment Machig was born, she exhibited distinct, special signs and a strong glow exuding from her body. Her father noticed she had a shape of a third eye on her forehead. In fact, he saw a sacred letter written very delicately in her third eye. He believed that Machig had all the signs of a wisdom Dakini, or a feminine wisdom being. The presence of the Sacred Feminine early on proved to be an extraordinary sign, as …show more content…
Machig reflected that perhaps she needed to actually be a mother to experience the challenges and attachments of this very humanizing experience, before she could truly know her connection to the Great Mother. Later at the age of forty-one, Machig went into retreat in a cave, and the female Buddha Tara, appeared to her surrounded by many dakinis. At that time, Machig believed she was weak and unworthy, yet was reassured by Tara that her teachings would spread and she would attain enlightenment. The goddess Tara gave Machig ground to stand on and confidence about who she was. This strong female connection pushed Machig and made her even more mentally strong and capable. As a result, the impact of the Sacred Feminine has influenced Machig throughout her life, from a baby to an adult. She has been blessed with a sharp mind and has used her talents to guide and teach others. She has even challenged traditional perspectives of women and their role in