Delving into the mystical realms of Shakti, Hinduism unveils a pantheon of goddesses known as the Mahavidyas, who personify different aspects of cosmic energy. Beyond their ancient origins, these goddesses offer a profound journey into the intricacies of spiritual wisdom, each embodying unique qualities that resonate with the complexities of human experience. Why work with them? Many have worked with the goddesses for thousands of years creating inner healing so profound its known even to this day.
In the Tantric path to enlightenment in Hinduism, there are ten goddesses and they are known as the Mahavidyas. Before we get into the Mahavidyas I will address what I mean by Tantra as not everyone is familiar with what it actually means. When we speak of Tantra it is not as the West defines it or knows it currently. Tantra is embracing experience, living in the world, and participating in action. Many are familiar with various paths of Dharma which are performed in restriction of the senses Brahmacharya for example is an intense turning inward and abstinence from the world we know.
Returning to the Mahavidyas now that we have an idea of the path they are most associated with let’s talk about the word. Maha – in Sanskrit meaning great or beautiful and Vidya means wisdom or knowledge.
We can conclude the Mahavidya’s, the goddesses, are enlightenment through ‘The Great Wisdoms’. So each Goddess represents an aspect to overcome in our lives. The path of Tantra is seated powerfully in the divine feminine energy.
One of the Mahavidya’s most well-known has what some would consider terrifying imagery, and she is known as Kali. She is often seen sticking her tongue out, holding a severed head, and at the center of violence. She is terrifying only because she challenges us, she challenges the aggression in ourselves towards others, animals, and even aggression directed right at ourselves. Aggression healed while working with Kali becomes nonviolence.
This is an example of the aspects of Kali as a goddess and what her wisdom is for us to work with. Many are familiar with this kind of work in the modern day and often call it shadow work.
Dealing with parts of ourselves trapped in Maya ( the illusion in Hinduism) and working towards healing that space. Working with the Mahavidyas ultimately leads to liberation in the tantric path. In Dharmic paths, liberation is the goal meaning the liberation from suffering and entering into connection to the divine.
If you seek to work with the Mahavidyas then there are a few ways to do such I will mention below. Mantra, meaning the chanting of sacred sounds of the goddesses you wish to work with. Yantra, the gazing and meditating upon the goddesses sacred symbols. Even meditating upon their aspects and offering your suffering to them to assist with your inner alchemy would work. In all, the Mahavidyas are a powerful and potent wisdom to work with and I would highly encourage you to engage with them yourself.
