The Origin of Tara

 

The Origin of Tara 

In the bustling heart of Kathmandu, as ancient traditions meet modern life, the profound wisdom of Buddhism continues to resonate. This spiritual path, born with Siddhartha Gautama over two millennia ago, offers timeless insights into suffering and liberation. Within its rich tapestry, particularly in the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions deeply woven into Himalayan culture, emerges the revered figure of Tara.  

More than just a deity, Tara embodies swift, enlightened compassion, and a promise of immediate aid to those in distress. Legend has it she sprang from the tears of the compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who wept for the world’s suffering. From this singular tear, a lotus bloomed, revealing Tara, who then vowed to lighten the burden of all beings. Her presence, deeply felt across our Himalayan landscapes, serves as a powerful reminder of boundless empathy and active support on the path to peace. While she may have many forms, the most common and widely recognized number is 21 Taras. These 21 forms of Tara represent different aspects of her compassionate and protective energy, with each having unique iconography, colors, and special benefits.  

 

1. Tara, Swift and Courageous (Pravira Tara): 

Typically colored in red, she is often depicted with a wrathful or semi-wrathful expression, but her wrath is born of compassion. Both her hands are shown holding a blooming lotus, while her right hand is usually in the gesture of supreme generosity (varada mundra), and her left hand is at her heart in the gesture of fearlessness (abhaya mundra) or teaching (dharmachakra mundra). “Swift and Courageous” signifies her immediate response to suffering and her fearless ability to overcome obstacles. She is invoked for speedy protection from dangers, dispelling all forms of negativity, and turning back hostile forces, including curses and black magic. She is the primary form of action and is often seen as a condensed essence of all Taras, ready to leap into action. 

 

2. Tara, White as the Autumn Moon (Chandrakanti Tara): 

Typically colored in white, she has a serene and peaceful expression, radiating purity and tranquillity. She is usually depicted with seven eyes: three on her face, and one eye on each palm and each sole of her feet, symbolizing her complete awareness and compassion for all beings. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity  
(varada mudra), her left hand is holding a blossoming utpala lotus, often with three flowers symbolizing the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. “White as the Autumn Moon” evokes purity, peace, and the ability to illuminate darkness. She is primarily invoked for pacification, healing, and longevity. She helps to pacify defilements, illness, and negative karma. She grants a long and healthy life and clears obstacles to physical and mental well-being.  

 

3. Tara, Golden Colored (Kanakavrana Tara): 

Typically colored in Golden or Yellow, she possesses a radiant and dignified appearance. Her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, while her left hand holds and utpala lotus. She might also be depicted with a vase or jewel, symbolizing purity. “Golden Colored” signifies wealth, prosperity, and abundance- not just material, but also spiritual. She is invoked for increasing qualities, wealth, and spiritual growth. She is said to help increase lifespan, merit, wisdom, and material resources needed for Dharma practice. She removes poverty and obstacles to prosperity, both mundane and spiritual. 

 

4. Tara, Crown Jewel of the Tathagaths (Ushnishavijaya Tara): 

Typically colored in Golden yellow or sometimes White, she represents the highest achievement and provides ultimate refuge. Her expression is serene and dignified. While her right hand makes the gesture of supreme generosity, her left hand holds a utpala lotus, sometimes with a miniature stupa (chorten) or a wheel of Dharma on top, representing the Buddha’s teachings. “Crown Jewel of the Tathagats” implies her ultimate victory and supreme protection, especially concerning the Buddha’s teachings. She is particularly effective in neutralizing the effects of poison(both spiritual and physical) and preventing ultimate death. She offers powerful protection from all forms of danger, including natural disasters and negative influences, and guides us toward enrichment. 

 

5. Tara, Proclaming the Sound of Hum (Hum-kara-nandini Tara): 

Typically colored in Golden-orange or yellow, she is often depicted with a slightly forceful or commanding expression, reflecting her power to subdue. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, often with a vajra or a lotus with a vajra on top, signifying her unbreakable resolve and power. She may also have a flame or light emanating from her body. “Proclaiming the sound of Hum” refers to the powerful, transformative sound of the syllable HUM, which is associated with subduing negative forces and drawing beings towards the Dharma. She is invoked for reversing negative influences, black magic, curses, and evil spells. She helps to bring beings under the influence of the Dharma and to subdue those who are hostile or resistant to spiritual truth. She acts to magnetize and control various forces for the benefit of all.  

 

6. Tara, Victory Over the Three Worlds (Trailokyavijaya Tara): 

Typically colored in red, she is often depicted with a wrathful or semi-wrathful expression, symbolizing her power to subdue. Her right hand is usually in the gesture of supreme generosity(varada mudra), holding a blooming utpala lotus, and her left hand is at her heart, often holding a vajra or a hook(ankusha), signifying her ability to control and draw in. she might also be depicted with flames or a fiery aura. “Victory Over the Three Worlds”(desire realm, form realm, formless realm) signifies her ultimate triumph over all forms of cyclic existence and the obstacles within them. She is invoked for subduing and controlling all-powerful beings, spirits, and negative influences that might hinder spiritual progress or cause harm. She helps to purify obstructions and overcome the strongest delusions, leading to liberation from the three realms of existence. She represents the power to bring all under the sway of Dharma. 

 

7. Tara, Who crushes Adversaries (Pramardini Tara): 

Typically colored in Black or Dark Blue, she represents the fierce and uncompromising aspects of compassion that eradicates all that is harmful. She has a fierce and powerful, often wrathful, expression. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding an utpala lotus, her left hand holds a mudra of cutting or a sword, symbolizing the cutting through of ignorance and obstacles. “Who Crushes Adversaries” means she forcefully destroys all forms of internal and external hindrances. She is invoked for destroying outer negativities, black magic, curses, and inner hindrances such as anger, hatred, and deep-seated delusions. She acts to completely dismantle and eliminate whatever stands in the way of one’s spiritual path and well-being.  

 

8. Tara, Who Destroys Mara and Bestows Excellence (Mara-sudani-vasitottamada Tara): 

Typically colored in reddish-black or deep blue, she has a powerful, often wrathful expression, emanating strong energy. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand holds a hook(ankusha) or a vajra, signifying her control over negative forces and her power to bestow. She might be adorned with skulls or fierce ornaments. “Destroys Mara and Bestows Excellence” signifies her complete mastery over all types of maras (demons, obstacles, temptations, and especially the Mara of Death) and her ability to grant the highest spiritual attainments. She is invoked for destroying all forms of Maras, including the Mara of delusions, aggregates, death, and divine pride. She grants supreme spiritual powers and accomplishments (siddhis), protecting practitioners from all spiritual hindrances and leading them to ultimate realization. 

 

9. Tara, of the Khadira Forest (khadiravani Tara): 

Typically colored in green, she is the most well-known and universally recognized form of Tara, often simply referred to as Green Tara. She is depicted in a posture of immediate readiness: her right leg extended, ready to step forth, while her left leg is folded in the meditative posture. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity (varada mudra), indicating her readiness to grant boons, holding a blooming blue utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart in the gesture of granting refuge (abhaya mudra), holding another utpala lotus, symbolizing purity and power. “Of the Khadira Forest” refers to a specific sacred forest where she is believed to have manifested or been particularly active. She is the primary Tara of protection and swift action, known for instantly dispelling all fears, dangers, and obstacles. She is invoked for granting wishes, fulfilling aspirations, and providing refuge from the “eight great fears” (lions, elephants, fire, snakes, robbers, chains, floods, and evil spirits- which also symbolizes inner fears and delusions). She is universally revered for her quick and compassionate response to those who call upon her. 

 

10. Tara, Who Dispels Sorrows (Shoka-vinodana Tara): 

Typically colored in red, she is the embodiment of the compassionate wisdom that recognizes and dissolves the causes of suffering. She has a compassionate and empathetic expression, radiating solace. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding an utpala lotus, her left hand holds a lotus, often with a noose (pasha) or a vase, symbolizing her ability to draw out and purify suffering. “Who Dispels Sorrow” means she is particularly efficacious in alleviating all forms of grief, sadness, and emotional pain. She is invoked for removing suffering, sorrow, and mental anguish. She helps sentient beings overcome, depression, despair, and the heavy burdens of the mind, guiding them towards inner peace and joy. She is the embodiment of the compassionate wisdom that recognizes and dissolves the causes of suffering. 

11. Tara, Who Magnetizes All Beings (Jagad-vasih Tara): 

Typically colored in Golden-Orange or Yellow, she represents the ability to harness and direct all energies for beneficial outcomes. She has a radiant and compelling presence, often with a slightly commanding but benevolent expression. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity (varada mudra), holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, often holding a vajra hook (vajrankusha) or a lotus with a jewel (cintamani). She may be adorned with jewels, symbolizing abundance and magnetizing power. “Who Magnetizes All Beings” signifies her power to draw, influence, and bring all phenomena and brings under the sway of Dharma. She is invoked for magnetizing all excellent qualities, good fortune, positive opportunities, and beneficial influences. She helps to overcome misfortunes and transform negative situations into positive ones through her compelling power. 

 

12. Tara, Bestowing Auspiciousness (Mangala-datri Tara): 

Typically colored in Golden or Yellow, she embodies the perfect harmony and blessings that lead to ultimate happiness. She has a joyful and benevolent expression, radiating good fortune. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, often holding a wishful-fulfilling jewel (cintamani) or a vase overflowing with abundance. “Bestowing Auspiciousness” means she is the source of all good fortune, positive omens, and propitious conditions. She is invoked for bringing all forms of auspiciousness, good luck, and positive circumstances into one’s life and environment. She helps to purify inauspicious signs, prevent misfortunes, and ensure that all endeavours proceed smoothly and successfully.  

 

13. Tara, Who Blazes with Fire (Chandi Tara): 

Typically colored in red and often depicted with flames, she represents the transformative power of wisdom that consumes ignorance and defilements. She has a fierce and powerful, often wrathful, expression, with flames emanating from her. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, holding a flaming vajra or a torch, symbolizing the burning away of obstacles. Her posture is often dynamic as if dancing in fire. “Who Blazes with Fire” signifies her intense energy and her power to incinerate all hindrances and negative forces. She is invoked for subduing highly powerful negative influences, curses, black magic, and harmful beings through the power of her fiery wisdom. She provides protection by forcefully burning away all that is detrimental, purifying the environment, and overcoming obstacles with overwhelming spiritual energy. 

 

14. Tara, Wrathful and Frowning (Bhrkuti Tara): 

Typically colored in black or dark blue, sometimes even reddish-black, she is the ultimate protector against severe spiritual attacks and deeply rooted negative forces. She has a deeply wrathful and intimidating expression, often with furrowed brows. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding an utpala lotus, her left hand holds a sword or a club, symbolizing her power to cut through and shatter all obstacles and negative entities. She may have fangs and a third eye. “Wrathful and Frowning” indicates her fierce determination and uncompromising power to subdue the most stubborn and destructive obstacles. She is invoked for destroying very powerful obstacles, black magic, and extremely harmful entities that cannot be subdued by milder means. She protects from all forms of malevolent spirits, evil spells, and deeply entrenched negative karma, breaking their power entirely. 

 

15. Tara, of Supreme Peace (Mahashanti Tara): 

Typically colored in white, she represents the ultimate cessation of suffering and the attainment of unshakeable peace. She has a profoundly peaceful and serene expression, radiating tranquillity. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her hand, holding a vase of nectar (kalasha) or a moon disc, symbolizing purification and ultimate peace. She might be adorned simply, emphasizing purity and calmness. “Of Supreme Peace” signifies her ability to pacify all extreme negativities, conflicts, and turmoil, bringing profound inner and outer peace. She is invoked for pacifying natural disasters, epidemics, wars, and extreme forms of collective negativity. She helps to calm the mind, resolve conflicts, and establish harmony, leading to an environment of great tranquillity and spiritual well-being. 

 

16. Tara, Who Arises from the HUM of Intrinsic Awareness (Jnana-humkara Tara): 

Typically colored in red or reddish-orange, she embodies the piercing wisdom that dispels illusion and ignorance. She has a commanding and decisive expression, emanating strong energy. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity (varada mudra), holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, often holding a flaming sword or a vajra, symbolizing wisdom that cuts through delusion. She may have a flame or light emanating from her heart. “Who Arises from the HUM of Intrinsic Awareness” refers to her manifestation from the powerful seed syllable HUM, which represents the enlightened mind and the essence of wisdom. This signifies her ability to manifest spontaneously from awakened awareness. She is invoked for reversing enhancements, hostile spells, black magic, and powerful curses. She defeats those who seek to harm through spiritual or magical means, purifying the environment and protecting the practitioner from negative influences.  

 

17. Tara, Who causes the Three Realms to Tremble (Trailokya-kampa Tara): 

Typically colored in reddish-orange or deep red, she represents the forceful transformation of negative energies. She has a powerful, often wrathful, expression, sometimes with fangs, indicating her ability to shake the foundations of existence. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, holding a vajra or a bell, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion, and the sound that causes trembling. She is often depicted in a dynamic, forceful posture. “Who Causes the Three Realms to Tremble” signifies her immense power to shake and disturb the foundations of all negative existence and evil forces within cyclic existence. She is invoked for destroying the most stubborn and powerful evil forces, highly destructive obstacles, and deeply entrenched negative karma. She ensures the complete subjugation of those who are fundamentally opposed to the Dharma, making them tremble in fear and clearing the path to enlightenment. 

 

18. Tara, Who Neutralizes Poison (Vishahari Tara): 

Typically colored in white, she embodies the healing aspect of enlightened activity. She has a peaceful and compassionate expression, radiating purity and healing. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, holding a vase filled with nectar or a medicinal herb, symbolizing her power to purify and heal. She is sometimes depicted with a snake or other venomous creature being subdued. “Who Neutralizes Poison” means she has the power to completely remove all forms of poison, both physical and spiritual. She is invoked for neutralizing all kinds of poisons, including snake venom, food poisoning, environmental toxins, and the inner poisons of attachment, hatred, and ignorance. She offers powerful protection from all toxic influences, purifying the body and mind, and ensuring well-being. 

 

19. Tara, Who Alleviates All Suffering (Dukha-vinodana Tara): 

Typically colored in white or reddish-white, she embodies the pervasive compassion that seeks to free all from the burdens of samsara. She has a profound compassionate and empathetic expression, radiating solace and relief. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, often holding a bowl of medicinal nectar or a lotus, symbolizing the removal of suffering. “Who Alleviates All Suffering” means she compassionately removes every type of suffering, whether physical, mental, or emotional. She is invoked for reliving all forms of pain, illness, and distress, whether mundane or deeply spiritual. She acts as a universal balm, bringing comfort and solace to all sentient beings enduring hardship, amd guiding them towards freedom from the causes of suffering. 

 

20. Tara, Who Removes Pestilence (Pishachi-pramardini Tara): 

Typically colored in orange or yellow, she is a powerful guardian against collective suffering caused by disease. She has a firm and protective expression, radiating power to dispel illness. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, holding a utpala lotus, her left hand is at her heart, often holding a skullcup filled with nectar or a bell, symbolizing the subjugation of negative influences and purification. “Who Removes Pestilence” signifies her powerful ability to eliminate widespread diseases, epidemics, and infectious illnesses. She is invoked for protecting from and removing all forms of infectious diseases, plagues, and ailments caused by malevolent spirits or environmental imbalances. She purifies the environment and the body, ensuring health and freedom from contagious suffering. 

 

21. Tara, Who Grants all Accomplishments (Siddhasiddha Tara): 

Typically colored in white or green, she embodies the culmination of all Tara’s activities, bringing ultimate fulfilment and liberation. She has a serene and benevolent expression, radiating fulfilment and blessings. While her right hand is in the gesture of supreme generosity, often holding a vajra or a wish-fulfilling jewel(cintamani), her left hand is at her heart, holding a utpala lotus. She may be seated on a moon disc and lotus throne, symbolizing ultimate attainment. “Who Grants All Accomplishments” signifies her role as the ultimate granter of both mundane(common) and supreme(spiritual) accomplishments or siddhis. She is invoked for granting all aspirations, wishes, and spiritual attainments, leading to ultimate enlightenment. She helps practitioners achieve success in their Dharma practice, overcome all remaining obstacles, and realize their full potential. 

 

Drawing to a close, the revered figure of Tara, while her origins are rich with layered narratives, stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassion in the Buddhist tradition. From the tale of her birth from Avalokiteshvara’s tears to the inspiring legend of Princess Yeshe Dawa’s vow to liberate all beings in a female form, her story resonates deeply. For us in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha himself, Tara’s presence, whether through ancient texts or vibrant local practices, serves as a powerful reminder that enlightened activity is swift, boundless, and ever-present, ready to offer solace and guidance in our daily lives and on our spiritual journeys. Her varied forms, from fierce protectors to gentle healers, collectively embody the multifaceted compassion that continues to illuminate the path to peace for countless individuals across the Himalayas and beyond.