Who is Tara? She is the Buddhist savior goddess with numerous forms, known throughout Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. She is the feminine counterpart of the bodhisattva (the buddha to be) Avalokiteshvara. Avalokiteshvara Boddhisattva is the most popular Mahayana Buddhist deity. He is the earthly manifestation of Amitabha, guarding the world between the departure of the historical Buddha, Gautama and the appearance of the future Buddha, Maitreya.

She was born when a tear from Avalokiteshvara fell to the ground and formed a lake. Out of its waters, rose up a lotus, which on opening, revealed the goddess. Like Avalokiteshvara she is compassionate, and she helps mortals to cross to the other side. She is the protectress of navigation and earthly as well as of spiritual travel along the path to enlightenment. Tara is ethereal in her beauty and in all her forms she appears graceful and mystical.

Foundation Tara mantra

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha

Om and salutations to she (Tara), who is the source of all blessings. This mantra helps one to get through obstacles of relationships, be more emotionally balanced and find deep connection with one’s inner self.

Tara universal peace mantra

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Sarva Shantim Kuru Svaha

Om and salutations to she who is the source of all blessings, please bring peace to all.

When Tara prayed, she made a commitment to work for the benefit of all beings.

‘All the positive deeds that I do may they give me the power to release beings from their fear. Anyone who remembers me, thinks of me, says my name or prays to me, may they be blessed with fearlessness.’

It is only possible to receive her blessings if we place our trust in her, offer prayers to her and this interdependence leads her fearless energy granting us the blessings. In praise of Tara.

Your beauty tames the mind of living beings.
You draw all beings to yourself,
Your virtue calms their fears and brings them all fresh happiness.

You are swift to regard, quick to respond,
The remover of obstacles.

You are our protector
You are grace and blessings,
The relative and ultimate liberator of beings.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture by Anonymous Tibetan artist, 13th century – scan of painting, Public Domain