The New York Times reviews the exhibit “Female Buddhas” at the Rubin Museum of Art and Bruce Museum:
TIBETANS who trekked to the caves and forests of India to absorb Buddhist teachings a thousand years ago discovered female tantric masters, called yogini, practicing esoteric disciplines with bands of female followers. Fierce, independent and strict, yogini conveyed their secrets to men longing to be initiated, propelling the development of tantric Buddhism. Then these extraordinary women dropped out of sight.
But not out of mind. Their beatified counterparts dance in the heart of mandalas throughout the Tibetan pantheon.
The article also includes a multimedia feature.
