Tara. . .
Tara (Sanskrit; Tibetan: Dolma; literally, “Savioress,” or “she who saves”) is a deity revered as a female bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism. Tara is often referred to as the “mother of liberation” and “the mother of all buddhas” and symbolizes the feminine element of compassion as well as general success and achievement.
In Chinese Buddhism, she is known as Duoluo Pusa, while in Japan, she is called Tara Bosatsu. That she has so many names and forms (more on these below) reflects her role in inspiring and guiding tantric meditation practitioners worldwide toward spiritual liberation.
Another origin story involves a princess named Jnanachandra or Yeshe Dawa, who, millions of years ago, offered prayers to the buddha Tonyo Drupa and received instruction on bodhicitta, the boundless wisdom and compassion of a bodhisattva. When urged by monks to be reborn as a male for further progress, the princess passionately dismissed gender as an obstacle to enlightenment. Instead, she committed to being reborn as a female bodhisattva until all suffering had been eradicated. This tale aligns with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s acknowledgment of a feminist movement within Buddhism centered around Tara, marking Mahayana Buddhism’s evolving inclusivity towards women.
Tara embodies compassion, empowerment, and wisdom. Her significance is broad and enduring, from her mythical origins to the different manifestations that correspond to the needs of devotees. Her teachings encourage followers to develop compassion, insight, and bravery, enabling them to live fruitful and enlightened lives.
The importance of Tara as a guiding concept continues to be felt by those looking for spiritual truth and development as her impact continues to cut beyond cultural and chronological borders.
Peace and Love, Jim
#tara #thedailybuddha
Buy Me A Coffee – A Easy Way To support The Daily Buddha!
