Dena Merriam began working in the inter-faith movement in the late 1990s when she served as Vice Chair of the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders held at the United Nations in New York in 2000.
She subsequently convened a meeting of women religious and spiritual leaders at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and, from that gathering, founded the Global Peace Initiative of Women (GPIW) in 2002, an organization chaired by a multi-faith group of women spiritual leaders. In 2008, Ms. Merriam was one of the founding members of the Contemplative Alliance, which later became a GPIW program. The purpose of the Alliance is to bring together meditation teachers and practitioners in a collective effort to uplift and transform society while caring for and honoring Mother Earth. For over 40 years, Dena Merriam has been a Paramahansa Yogananda student and a Kriya Yoga meditation practitioner.
She is also a long-time student of the great texts of the Vedic tradition. Ms. Merriam received her master’s degree from Columbia University and has served on numerous boards. She is the Chair of the International Advisory Council of the Auroville Foundation in India.
In 2014, she received the Niwano Peace Prize for her interfaith peace efforts and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Peace Studies from Mahachulalongkornvajravidyadara University (MCU) in Thailand. She is the author of My Journey Through Time, The Untold Story of Sita, When the Bright Moon Rises, Rukmini and the Turning of Time, and To Dance with Dakinis.
Dena Merriam won an Ommie Award for Spiritual Novels in 2022 for her book When The Bright Moon Rises.
An Interview with Dena Merriam – Dancing With Dakinis
OMTimes: How did this story come to you? Was it a surprise for you to find yourself in Tibet?
Dena Merriam: Most books come to life through an opportune encounter with a person or place that ignites my imagination. It’s as though the universe conspires to reveal stories hidden within the fabric of reality, waiting for someone to unravel them. Such was the case with “To Dance with Dakinis.”
The journey began with a simple conversation with my grandson, whose innocent inquiries about Tibet sparked a cascade of memories within me. Memories that had long lain dormant, buried beneath the weight of time and distance. Suddenly, I was transported back to the mystical landscapes of Tibet, a land of ancient wisdom and spiritual mysteries.
But what caught me off guard was the revelation of my unexpected connection to the indigenous religion of Tibet—Bon. It was as if the echoes of centuries past had summoned me to rediscover a part of myself I never knew existed. The rich tapestry of Bon’s teachings and traditions became a guiding light on my literary odyssey, leading me deeper into the heart of Tibetan spirituality.
As I delved into the intricacies of Bon, I found myself drawn to its profound philosophy and profound practices, each revelation adding another layer to the narrative taking shape within my mind. Through meditation and introspection, the story unfolded organically, weaving together threads of personal discovery and cultural exploration.
And so, “To Dance with Dakinis” emerged from the depths of my consciousness, a testament to the power of connection and the transformative journey of self-discovery. Ultimately, it was not just a book but a reflection of my spiritual quest, a dance with the divine beings that inhabit the realms beyond our comprehension.
OMTimes: In this book, you describe three successive lives trying to show the law of cause and effect. Has this made you look at your current life differently? Tell us a little more about that.
Dena Merriam: Through my writings, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-discovery that has profoundly deepened my understanding of the law of cause and effect, significantly influencing how I perceive and live my life. Exploring this concept has made me realize the profound impact our actions can have on our lives and those around us. It has transformed the way I approach my relationships, especially when faced with challenges. Instead of simply reacting to conflicts or disagreements, I now take a step back to analyze the underlying causes and effects at play. This introspective approach allows me to identify areas where I can improve and take proactive steps to address any issues that may arise.
Rather than letting troubled relationships fester or deteriorate, I’ve learned to invest time and effort into finding solutions and resolving difficulties. This might involve open and honest communication, seeking compromise, or even seeking outside help if necessary. By actively working to mend and strengthen these relationships, I’ve found that I can cultivate deeper connections and greater harmony in my life.
OMTimes: What are your feelings about Tibet today?
Dena Merriam: The story of Tibet stretches far beyond its past and current struggles. While challenges and occupation have marked its history, the narrative of Tibet’s sovereignty is far from concluded. It’s a tale with many chapters yet to be written, each waiting to be filled with its people’s resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.
I firmly believe that Tibet will one day reclaim its rightful place as a sovereign nation, standing tall and proud among the world’s countries. However, the question of when this will come to fruition remains uncertain, bound by the intricate workings of karma and destiny.
The occupation of Tibet by external forces was not merely a geopolitical event but a reflection of deeper karmic conditions at play. These conditions, shaped by individuals’ and nations’ collective actions and intentions, have cast a shadow over Tibet’s sovereignty for decades. Yet, as the wheel of karma turns, so too do opportunities for resolution and transformation emerge.
The outer conditions of Tibet will begin to shift through the reconciliation of these karmic imbalances. This process requires external actions, inner reflection, and spiritual growth. For the outer world is but a reflection of the inner landscape, and true change can only manifest when the seeds of transformation are sown within.
Thus, the path to Tibet’s sovereignty is not only one of political negotiation and advocacy but also of inner healing and spiritual awakening. It is a journey that calls upon the collective consciousness of humanity to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and the inherent dignity and rights of the Tibetan people. But let us not lose sight of the resilience and courage that define the Tibetan spirit.
OMTimes: How does the past shape who one is today?
Dena Merriam: Our past shapes our present in many ways. We carry with us from one life to the next unresolved relationships as well as beautiful friendships. We carry patterns of thinking and behavior, aspirations and desires that have not been met, and so on. All of our present life’s conditions are due to what we have created in the past. We have created our present.
OMTimes: You have written a lot about the past. Do you have any thoughts on the future?
Dena Merriam: I am writing a book titled Memories of a Future Life, in which I project myself two hundred years into the future. Just as our past created our present conditions, our present set the blueprint for the future.
OMTimes: What are the elements in these past lives that affect who you are today?
Dena Merriam: In the past, I have struggled to resolve different religious traditions. In my present life, I am a leader in the interfaith movement. This is a result of these efforts from the past. In the past, I struggled to find my voice as a woman. I have been able to create a global platform for women. This is a culmination of efforts from the past. Many other ways in my past have affected who I am today.
OMTimes: Meditation, compassion, and studying ancient wisdom were the pillars of Tibet’s spiritual strength. How can the ordinary person approach these ways to grow spiritually?
Dena Merriam: Some spiritual practice is essential. I practice meditation. For others, it might be prayer or mantra, repeating a sacred name. But meditation is only half the battle. The other half is the attitude one carries into the day – remaining positive, attentive to one’s mental state, etc. Inner reflection is part of spiritual practice as it helps highlight what one needs to work on.
OMTimes: What is the main lesson or theme that touched you the most about this lifetime story?
Dena Merriam: I received many lessons through the writing, but one of the main messages is that love is the foundation of all. One must aspire toward that higher unconditional, inclusive love, which alone brings true happiness.
OMTimes: What is a dakini? It seems from your writing that they are female figures who help a seeker deepen their spiritual realization. Would we be able to recognize Dakinis in this day and age in Tibet? Outside Tibet? Why is the feminine energy of a dakini important for spiritual practice for both men and women? You write much about the Goddess in this book. Can you speak more about the Goddess and how to invite this energy into our lives?
Dena Merriam: Dakinis are female beings of the higher realm. They can take physical form. All the ancient traditions recognized the Goddess, Devi, or feminine form of the Divine Reality. We can attune ourselves to this feminine aspect of the Divine to balance the masculine energy. The universe is about balance. The law of karma is for the sake of regaining this balance. Bringing the power of the feminine is also about regaining balance.
OMTimes: What do you think about the current situation in Tibet, where it is under the sovereign of a powerful communist regime, millions of Tibetans died, and more than 6000 monasteries were destroyed? How could such a thing happen? What do you think will occur in the future in Tibet?
Dena Merriam: The complex karmic conditions of Tibet led to the current situation, and the spiritual practice of many Tibetans and friends of Tibet will help change the current conditions. Tibet will be free when the karmic conditions are ripe – when the dharma is purely reflected in the minds and actions of many.
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