Yogini in Hinduism

Yogini in its authentic meaning is a woman who practices and has mastered the art of yoga. However, in formal terms it also represents a modern female spiritual teacher. Popular in both Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of a Yogini is famous in the countries of India, Nepal and Tibet. In its literal meaning a yogini is someone who is a wisdom seer. This is the reason why, some of the greatest saints and rishis of all time have been women. In a general context and in several popular literatures, a yogini can be someone who possesses supernatural powers through the disciplined practice of yoga. It is believed that they even hold the capacity to slow down the process of aging through internalization of the reproductive power, and even avoid death through the attainment of immortal divine body.

Social and religious contexts

In the Hindu tradition, one can attain liberation only through proper respect of a Yogini. She is a sacred feminine force who has both human as well as divine qualities within her, which include enlightenment, spiritual powers, exuberant passion, deep insight, peace makers and capability of giving birth to saints. The moral code of sacred sexuality is borne by them through the self-mastery of sexual energy and not only through yoga asanas. The Vedas have repeatedly taken the names of female mystics and yoginis. In Sanskrit Literature, Yogini is also a tantric sorceress who was one of the many female figures liberated by Godess Durga. Thus, the power of the feminine to restore balance in the living sphere, is what a Yogini represents.