Yeshe Tsogyal’s early life was damaging and dangerous. Her early suitors regularly tried to rape and kidnap her. Her father, frustrated with her refusal to marry, gave her to a neighbor for use in his harem. Despite this treatment, she kept searching for a divine path. Eventually, her owner gave her to a visiting yogi…
Charles Xavier’s life reads like a bad soap opera. Many torrid romances with various women. Betrayal by friends at every turn. Aliens and demons coming to hunt him down. Miraculous rescues at the last minute. Throughout it all, Charles makes good decisions, bad decisions, and follows a seemingly haphazard path. When he formed the X-Men,…
George Washington served in the militia, then worked as a surveyor and justice of the peace. In choosing to fight for a new nation, he did so without bad-mouthing the King. As a Revolutionary General, then as President, he listened to opposing counselors then looked for the best way forward based on their varied positions…
Despite having great wealth and power, Udhilipa wanted more. He wanted to fly. A guru told him to gather many panaceas and essences, to propitiate some angels, and to recite ten thousand mantras to uncover their secrets. Udhilipa did all of this, but still could not fly. His guru then asked him to refine what…
Tilopa was at the top of his game. He was in charge of spiritual teaching at court, had piles of money and was loved by everyone. Despite all of this he felt empty and unfulfilled. He knew the scriptures by heart, performed the rituals and practices religiously, and was widely seen as a powerful teacher.…
Lord Shiva is in charge of destruction, a powerful responsibility which may confuse those who don’t know much about him. He is an important example of celibacy, but has many wives and children. He is in charge of annihilation, but believes there is no death and no one to be killed. He is responsible for…
QuanYin would sit and listen to the ocean flow in and out. Absorbed in the sound of the waves and the silence they left behind, she let go of all thoughts. Without thought these sounds were just vibrations so she became perfectly still. In this stillness she moved toward Enlightenment. As she transcended other types…
The Discworld books, by Terry Pratchett, give examples of two extremely powerful women: Esme “Granny” Weatherwax and Gytha “Nanny” Ogg. Often in the stories they are shown as friendly contrasts: Granny as isolated, commanding and powerful; then Nanny as accessible, chummy and energetic. Many are familiar with the stereotype of the lone wolf working away…
Mahisa’s mother asked for a gift from Brahma, the King of Heaven. Her first request was that the child be made immortal, but Brahma refused. Then she asked that her child be made vulnerable to women alone and this wish was granted. Mahisa grew up sure that he could never be killed because women could…
Koan found in Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
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