KURUKULLA

Prayer flags are a highly valued component of Tibetan culture. They generate merit for those who put them in place or sponsor them, and they are a means to convey the blessing power of the Buddhas, Dakinis and Protectors as well. The basic notion is that, by contact with the flags, the wind both activates and carries the essence of the prayer and image printed on them wherever it blows. The intention is that all sentient beings will benefit from the presence of the flags. The sight of prayer flags also has the practical benefit of simply reminding people to be mindful of the Dharma as they go about their business. The traditional five colors represent the five elements, and the image of the Dakini, Kurukulle, and associated prayer text and mantras invoke the blessing of this very formidable and powerful Dakini.

Kurukulle (Tib. Ri Jyema) is among the most important dakinis in the tantric Buddhist tradition. She is shown as a beautiful woman, who is a bit wrathful and certainly wildly charming - even enticing, in her iconographic depiction. Kurukulle is invoked in sadhanas of magnetizing, subjugation and transformation.

She is very powerful and the fruits of Kurukulle practice often seem very enticing to those who perhaps don’t have the spiritual fortitude to maintain perfect altruism. This is because Kurukulle has the ability to bring people what is desired, and some feel that her practices will solve their worldly problems with regard to romance and material objects. This may indeed be so, but she can also bless the devout with ultimate love, compassion, spiritual abundance and well being.