The 21 Taras: Embodiments of Enlightened Compassion

Introduction

In the vast universe of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Tara emerges as one of the most revered embodiments of enlightened compassion. Known as the “Mother of all Buddhas,” she is a female bodhisattva who protects, liberates, and guides beings with infinite compassion and wisdom. Among her many manifestations, the 21 Taras represent a spectrum of enlightened qualities, each one signifying a specific type of spiritual empowerment and protection.

In this in-depth blog post, we will explore:

• The origins and meaning of Tara
• The spiritual qualities of each of the 21 Taras
• How to practice and integrate Tara into daily life

Part I: Origins and Role of Tara in Buddhism

1.1. Who is Tara?

Tara (Sanskrit: तारा) is a female bodhisattva in Buddhism, considered an active expression of compassion. In Tibetan, she is called “Jetsun Dolma.” The name Tara means “She Who Liberates” or “Savior”—one who helps beings cross the ocean of suffering, samsara, and ignorance.

1.2. Legend and History

One well-known legend tells of Tara as a devoted princess who vowed to attain enlightenment in female form throughout countless lifetimes. When advised to pray for a male rebirth, she rejected the notion, affirming that gender is no obstacle to enlightenment. Her vow became an icon of empowerment and ultimate compassion.

1.3. Tara in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism

In the Vajrayana tradition, there are 21 primary manifestations of Tara. These forms are recorded in ancient texts like the “Praise to the 21 Taras” and were transmitted through lineages such as that of Atisha. Each Tara represents a unique enlightened activity, from dispelling epidemics and famines to overcoming spiritual obstacles and inner fears.

Part II: The 21 Taras and Their Spiritual Qualities

This section presents a detailed overview of the 21 Taras, highlighting their Sanskrit names, English epithets, attributes, and spiritual significances.

1. Arya Tara (Swift Heroine)

• Sanskrit: Ārya Tārā Nyurma Pamo
• Function: Swiftly rescues beings from danger, fear, and suffering.
• Significance: Responds immediately to the prayers of devotees, offering rapid assistance.

2. Tara of Supreme Power

• Sanskrit: Vasitottama-Śakti Tārā
• Function: Empowers practitioners with mastery over body, speech, and mind.
• Significance: Represents spiritual sovereignty and control over inner and outer conditions.

3. Conqueror of the Three Worlds

• Sanskrit: Trailokya-vijaya Tārā
• Function: Overcomes the three poisons—desire, hatred, and ignorance.
• Significance: Conquers suffering in all realms of existence.

4. Dispeller of Sorrow

• Sanskrit: Śoka-vinodana Tārā
• Function: Eliminates grief and inner despair.
• Significance: Brings peace to distressed hearts.

5. Calmer of the Storm

• Sanskrit: Pralaya-śamani Tārā
• Function: Pacifies natural disasters and mental turbulence.
• Significance: Associated with restoring harmony in chaotic situations.

6. Destroyer of Death

• Sanskrit: Maraka-vināśinī Tārā
• Function: Protects against untimely death and terminal illness.
• Significance: Helps overcome fear of mortality.

7. Wrathful Frowner

• Sanskrit: Bhrū-kuṭī Tārā
• Function: Subdues demons and obstacles with fierce compassion.
• Significance: A powerful ally in times of spiritual attack or deep karmic hindrance.

8. Radiant as Lightning

• Sanskrit: Vidyut-prabhā Tārā
• Function: Illuminates the mind with instantaneous wisdom.
• Significance: Symbolizes clarity and rapid insight.

9. Bestower of Boons

• Sanskrit: Vara-da Tārā
• Function: Grants wishes and fulfills righteous aspirations.
• Significance: Aids in the accomplishment of noble goals.

10. Tara of Diamond Strength

• Sanskrit: Vajra Tārā
• Function: Fortifies resolve and unshakeable focus.
• Significance: Represents indestructible commitment on the spiritual path.

11. Fierce Tara

• Sanskrit: Krodha Tārā
• Function: Dispels enemies and hostile energies.
• Significance: Embodies fierce love that destroys illusion.

12. Tara of Great Peace

• Sanskrit: Mahā-śānti Tārā
• Function: Instills deep meditative serenity.
• Significance: Calms mental afflictions and emotional unrest.

13. Remover of Suffering

• Sanskrit: Duḥkha-nivāriṇī Tārā
• Function: Uproots pain and karmic consequences.
• Significance: Associated with healing and liberation from suffering.

14. Radiant Desire

• Sanskrit: Kāma-śobhanā Tārā
• Function: Transforms desire into spiritual realization.
• Significance: Symbolizes the alchemy of transforming passion into wisdom.

15. Keeper of the Vows

• Sanskrit: Samaya-sattvā Tārā
• Function: Safeguards tantric vows and ethical discipline.
• Significance: Strengthens resolve and purity in the practitioner.

16. Tara of Wisdom

• Sanskrit: Jñāna Tārā
• Function: Grants profound understanding of ultimate truth.
• Significance: A source of non-conceptual realization.

17. Tara of Attainment

• Sanskrit: Prāpti Tārā
• Function: Bestows siddhis and spiritual success.
• Significance: Embodies fruition of diligent practice.

18. Tara of All Accomplishments

• Sanskrit: Sarva-siddhi Tārā
• Function: Enables the completion of all virtuous projects.
• Significance: Supports full awakening and worldly service.

19. Auspicious Tara

• Sanskrit: Śubha Tārā
• Function: Attracts blessings, fortune, and favorable conditions.
• Significance: Heralds auspiciousness in all endeavors.

20. The Ripener Tara

• Sanskrit: Pari-pācaka Tārā
• Function: Ripens positive karma and latent potential.
• Significance: Speeds up spiritual maturation.

21. The Great Protector

• Sanskrit: Mahā-pratisarā Tārā
• Function: Offers ultimate protection and dispels the most severe dangers.
• Significance: Embodies the fearless guardian of the Dharma and its followers.

Each of the 21 Taras plays a vital role in the spiritual landscape of Vajrayana practice. Whether approached as divine archetypes or living embodiments of awakened activity, these Taras offer practitioners the inspiration, power, and blessings to walk the path of liberation with courage and compassion.

Part III: Benefits of Practicing the 21 Taras

3.1. Removing Obstacles and Spiritual Protection

Practicing Tara is considered one of the most effective protective practices, especially during troubled times. The powers of the 21 Taras help dispel:

• Demonic influences, wrong views, and negative energies
• Accidents, plagues, war, and violence
• Fear, depression, anxiety, and inner suffering

3.2. Enhancing Merit and Wisdom

Tara is not only a divine protector but also an inner teacher who fosters:

• Bodhicitta (the mind of awakening)
• Discerning wisdom
• Stability and clarity in meditation

3.3. Supporting Meditation and Mantra Recitation

• Tara’s mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha is one of the most widely used and powerful mantras.
• Practitioners may combine mantra recitation with visualization and prostrations to the 21 Taras to attain mental clarity and transform karma.

Part IV: Integrating Tara Practice into Daily Life

4.1. Morning Practice

• Recite the “Praise to the 21 Taras”
• Chant 108 recitations of Tara’s mantra
• Meditate by visualizing green light from Tara enveloping your body

4.2. Dealing with Daily Suffering

• When feeling anxious or afraid, recite “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha”
• Visualize Tara smiling gently, surrounding you with her compassionate aura

4.3. Weekly and Monthly Tara Practices

• Each day of the week can correspond to specific Taras
• On lunar days such as the 8th, 15th, and 30th, make offerings of incense, flowers, and pure food

Part V: Tara in Buddhist Culture and Art

5.1. Statues and Thangka Paintings

Tara is depicted in various forms:

• Green Tara: The most common form, holding a blue utpala lotus.
• White Tara: Associated with longevity and healing, characterized by three eyes symbolizing the Three Bodies of the Buddha.

5.2. Ritual Music and Performance

In regions like Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, ritual dances and chants devoted to Tara are widespread. Many traditional melodies are dedicated to Tara, performed during sacred ceremonies.

5.3. Tara in Poetry and Personal Devotion

Many practitioners write devotional poems or keep meditation journals describing their spiritual experiences with Tara. Symbols such as lotus flowers, radiant light, and the whispering female voice often evoke Tara in East Asian culture.

Part VI: Conclusion

Tara is not only a sacred figure but a living embodiment of healing, love, and awakening. Practicing with Tara—whether through recitation, meditation, or simply living with compassion and awareness—is a way of bringing her light into the world.

In this anxious and unpredictable age, Tara serves as a bridge between the wounded heart of humanity and the clear sky of enlightenment. Calling her name is, in essence, calling forth the most luminous qualities within ourselves.

May all beings be protected by Tara’s compassion.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

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