Tara Bodhisattva is a female Buddha born from one of Avaloketeshvara’s Tears. She chose to return always in female form. Her specialty is protection from fear.
Summary: Bodhisattva Tara
Name: Bodhisattva Tara
Type: Bodhisattva
Affiliation: Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism
Symbol: Lotus flower, blue or green skin
Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha
Role:
- Goddess of compassion and liberation
- Protector of those who travel by water or by sea
- Dispeller of obstacles and fears
Known For:
- Her 21 forms, each representing a different aspect of her power
- Her swiftness in answering the prayers of those who call upon her
- Her ability to grant wishes and provide protection
Attributes:
- Beautiful, with a serene and compassionate expression
- Often depicted with lotus flowers in her hands or seated on a lotus throne
- Often wears a green or blue robe, symbolizing her association with water and the element of air
Legends and Stories:
- According to legend, Tara was born from a tear of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
- She is said to have vowed to remain in this world until all beings are liberated from suffering
- Many stories exist of her miraculous interventions, such as calming storms and protecting travelers
Worship and Practices:
- Tara is widely venerated in Buddhism, particularly in Tibet and Nepal
- Devotees recite her mantra and perform rituals in her honor
- She is often invoked for protection, healing, and the fulfillment of wishes
Iconography:
- Tara is often depicted in the following ways:
- Seated on a lotus throne, holding lotus flowers
- Standing on a lotus pedestal, with her hands in a mudra of blessing
- With a peaceful expression and flowing hair
- Wearing a green or blue robe and adorned with jewels
Related Concepts:
- Avalokiteshvara
- Compassion
- Liberation
- Protection
- Mahayana Buddhism
- Vajrayana Buddhism
Table of Contents
Knowledge Graph Table: Tara Bodhisattva
| Entity | Description |
|---|---|
| Tara Bodhisattva | A female enlightened being in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana traditions |
| Religion/Practice | Mahayana Buddhism (especially Vajrayana traditions like Tibetan Buddhism) |
| Depiction | * Can have various colors and forms, each with specific qualities and symbolism. * Common depictions include White Tara (compassion, healing), Green Tara (activity, success), Red Tara (protection, overcoming obstacles). * Often depicted seated in a lotus posture with multiple arms holding various objects (lotus flower, book, water vase, fear-dispelling mudra). |
| Significance | * Represents various qualities like compassion, protection, wisdom, and liberation * Seen as a swift and powerful savior, particularly for overcoming obstacles and fulfilling wishes * Invoked for a wide range of needs, from physical and mental well-being to spiritual progress * Considered approachable and helpful for beginners on the Buddhist path |
| Practices | * Tara mantras, visualizations, and pujas (ritual offerings) are common practices * Tara sadhanas (meditative practices) focus on specific Tara forms * Devotees may chant Tara’s name, recite her mantra, or meditate on her form to connect with her qualities. |
| Historical Context | * Emerged within Vajrayana Buddhism in India around 8th-10th centuries CE * Gained prominence in Tibetan Buddhism and other Himalayan traditions * Tara remains a widely revered and practiced figure across Mahayana Buddhism. |
| Additional Notes | * There are 21 Taras, each with a unique color, symbolism, and area of influence. * White Tara is often considered a good starting point for Tara practice. * Tara devotion emphasizes compassion, both for oneself and all beings. |
Tara Bodhisattva Keyword
Tara Bodhisattva emerges in Tibetan Buddhism as a radiant and compassionate figure, embodying the essence of mercy and liberation. The keyword that encapsulates the profound energy of Tara is “compassion.” Tara is revered across Buddhist traditions as the embodiment of compassion and the swift-acting Mother of Liberation.
21 Tara Goddess
The expansive spectrum of Tara’s compassion is vividly represented in the form of the 21 Tara Goddesses. Each Tara manifests with distinct qualities and attributes, resonating with practitioners seeking specific blessings or guidance. The 21 Taras are revered for their ability to swiftly come to the aid of those in need, offering protection, healing, and guidance on the path to enlightenment.
Story of Goddess Tara Bodhisattva
Goddess Tara is a prominent figure in both Hinduism and Buddhism, and her story differs slightly in each tradition.
In Hinduism, Tara is considered one of the ten Mahavidyas, or “Great Wisdom” goddesses. She is often associated with the color blue, and is sometimes called “the Blue Goddess.” Tara is believed to be a manifestation of Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, who is seen as the destroyer of ego and attachment, leading her devotees towards knowledge and enlightenment.
The story of Tara’s creation in Hindu mythology is quite intriguing. According to some legends, Tara was created by the gods to defeat a powerful demon named Hayagriva. The gods Vishnu and Brahma were unable to defeat the demon, so they summoned the goddess Shakti. In her anger and frustration, Shakti let out a loud scream that resulted in the creation of Tara. With her intense radiance, Tara was able to defeat Hayagriva and restore balance to the world.
Tara is often depicted as a fierce figure, holding a sword and a severed head, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance. She is also seen as a compassionate mother figure who offers guidance and protection to her followers.
Tara in Buddhism
In Buddhism, Tara is viewed quite differently. She is revered as Tara bodhisattva, or an enlightened being who has chosen to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help all beings achieve enlightenment. In this tradition, her story begins with a princess named Yeshe Dawa, who was a devoted follower of the Buddha. She made a vow to always be reborn as a woman to help others on their path to enlightenment. After many lifetimes of practicing great generosity and virtue, she achieved enlightenment and became the bodhisattva known as Tara.
In Buddhism, Tara bodhisattva is seen as a savior and protector from dangers and misfortunes. She is also associated with compassion, long life, healing, and serenity. In Tibetan Buddhism, she is also known as “Mother of Liberation” and is represented in various forms, the most famous being Green Tara and White Tara.
Whether in Hinduism or Buddhism, Tara is seen as a powerful and compassionate deity, guiding her followers toward wisdom and enlightenment. Her story serves as an inspiration for devotees to overcome obstacles and strive for spiritual growth.
The story of Goddess Tara is steeped in myth and legend, with variations across different Buddhist traditions. One prevalent narrative tells of Tara’s emergence from the compassionate tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, as he observed the immense suffering in the world. Tara vowed to assist beings until all had achieved enlightenment, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering.
White Tara
Among the myriad forms of Tara, White Tara radiates purity, compassion, and serenity. Her white complexion symbolizes the essence of immaculate wisdom and the boundless compassion that flows without discrimination. White Tara is often depicted with seven eyes, including eyes on her forehead, palms, and soles, signifying her vigilant awareness and omnipresence in assisting those in need.
Tara Buddha
While Tara is considered a Bodhisattva, she is also revered as a deity in her own right. The concept of a Tara Buddha encapsulates the embodiment of enlightened qualities, representing the realization of wisdom and compassion that transcends ordinary dualities. Tara’s Buddhahood symbolizes the ultimate state of awakening that practitioners aspire to attain.
Difference Between White Tara and Green Tara
White Tara and Green Tara, while both manifestations of Tara Bodhisattva, differ in their symbolism and attributes. White Tara embodies serenity, purity, and maternal compassion, often depicted in a seated posture. In contrast, Green Tara is associated with dynamic compassion and swift action, portrayed in a posture of readiness to rise and assist those in need. The difference lies in the emphasis on the serene, nurturing aspect of White Tara and the dynamic, protective aspect of Green Tara.
Red Tara
The spectrum of Tara’s manifestations expands further with Red Tara, symbolizing fierce compassion and the power to overcome obstacles. Red Tara is associated with magnetizing energy, attracting positive circumstances and dispelling hindrances on the path to enlightenment. Her vibrant red hue signifies the intensity of compassionate action and the transformative power of wisdom.
Blue Tara
Blue Tara, with her deep blue complexion, represents the transmutation of anger into wisdom. She is invoked to pacify and transform destructive emotions, guiding practitioners towards a state of calm and clarity. Blue Tara’s practice aligns with the recognition of the transformative potential within challenging emotions, emphasizing the path of wisdom and skillful means.
Tara Bodhisattva stands as a luminous beacon of compassion in the vast landscape of Buddhist spirituality. Her manifold manifestations, each with unique attributes and symbolism, offer practitioners a rich tapestry of practices to invoke her compassionate presence. Whether seeking solace in the serenity of White Tara, the swift action of Green Tara, the fierce compassion of Red Tara, or the transformative wisdom of Blue Tara, devotees find resonance with Tara’s energy on their individual spiritual journeys.
In conclusion, the exploration of Tara Bodhisattva and her various manifestations reveals a nuanced understanding of compassion, wisdom, and the transformative power inherent in the path to enlightenment. Tara’s stories, representations, and the distinctions between her diverse forms provide practitioners with a kaleidoscopic array of practices to connect with the compassionate Mother of Liberation. As devotees invoke Tara’s blessings and guidance, they find solace in the unwavering compassion that transcends time and space, offering a pathway towards liberation for all sentient beings.
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May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
