Viewpoints of Female Embodiment in Kālacakratantra by Venus Gravagna
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Abstract
This research concerns the Kālacakratantra, focusing on the role of females and their portrayal of participation in the tantra’s practices. My aim is twofold: to identify various types of passages mentioning females in the Kālacakra system, including translated passages from the abridged root text, the Laghukālacakratantra, and essential commentary, the Vimalaprabhā, and to provide interpretive methods for women-inclusive readings of these passages. This thesis derives from methodology used by Miranda Shaw in her book titled Passionate Enlightenment. With a positive view towards equitability, Shaw examines yoginītantras— particularly the Cakrasaṃvaratantra—from a combined female and male authorship. Applying this technique to the Kālacakratantra, this research analyzes the text for objectionable, missing, practical, and inspiring passages as viewed from a female perspective. This information could help build a foundation from which those interested in reading from a female viewpoint can better do so, familiarity with the tantra’s levels and intentions, and confidence of audience by highlighting the tantra’s powerful female figures. I conclude this study by asserting that aspects regarding the examination of negative, neutral and positive female portrayals in the tantra lead to an amalgamation of knowledge and techniques allowing modern-day readers make sense of female-oriented passages and practices in Kālacakra.