The Everlasting Legend of Tara

Tara is called the "Mother of Liberation" and "the mother of all Buddhas." She is the most revered and worshiped female figure in all sects of Buddhism, especially in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. She is considered the most prominent symbol of compassion, wisdom, and protection.

However, her quest to become a Buddha was not an ordinary one. Her story appertains the earnest extent of devotion, tireless meditation, and patience. Such a dignified and touching chronicle of the divine mother deity is not a miss for a Buddhist, but it is even more encouraging for all believers in Dharma. The magnificent and sublime Tara emits both a powerful Dakini fierceness and Bodhisattva kindness.

The Story of Tara's Emergence

It is said that this compassionate act began Tara's transition from Dakini and her ensuing manifestation as a Bodhisattva. Seeing infinite suffering and living souls, she felt empathy. She vowed to fill her life by helping them with their suffering and reaching for the light. The Bodhisattva of Compassion is said to take many forms through connection with all living things. As a female deity who embodies compassion in devotion to the gods (and people), this story from her origin tells us about how she was born.

In one legend, Avalokiteshvara, the infinite Bodhisattva of Compassion, was so moved by the world's suffering that he cried. His heart became heavy by seeing the great sufferings of life and death. His tears, containing deep regret and sabation, flowed onto the ground, leaving a still lake. And from the depths of this serene pool, a lotus flower bloomed, and its petals unfurled to reveal the radiant Tara.

The Creation of the Compassionate

This illustrious myth is a symbol that demonstrates the ability of compassion to bring forth new life and promise. Tara signifies the female manifestation of divine love and mercy after being born from Avalokiteshvara's tears. She is frequently represented as a loving mother, yet having great strength and wisdom. The lotus flower, a traditional symbol of purity and enlightenment arising from the tears of compassion, would represent at another level that transformation is possible in suffering.

As the female manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, Tara is essential in Buddhist traditions. She acts as a guardian and mentor, carrying comfort to tired hearts. Each of her many manifestations comes with its own powers to aid the practitioners in the different capacities they require.

Meanwhile, there is another legend about her birth that goes like this:
Once upon a time, in the world of ''The Light of Various Worlds,'' there lived a king's daughter named Yeshe Dawa, "the Wisdom Moon." She made offerings of the seven never-ending precious metals to the Tathagata and his entourage for a period of a trillion years, equal in number to all communities composed of both shravakas and bodhisattvas. It was then that she first experienced the mind of awakening or bodhicitta. However, the community back then was fixated on the notion that one can only gain enlightenment in a male form; hence, they suggested the princess wish to be born as a man in her next lifetime. But the princess was determined and did not heed to the accustomed convention.

She vowed, "Many seek enlightenment as men, but few labors to save all beings in a woman's form. Therefore, as long as Samsara exists, I will protect beings in a female body."

She stayed in the king's castle for a hundred billion years. Skilled in the five senses pleasures, her samadhi was firm. She attained certainty and then was full of the samadhi that frees all sentient beings from rebirth. Each morning, she liberated a trillion beings; only then would she eat breakfast with them, confirming everyone. She did the same in the afternoon, and people called her Tara, the Liberator. The Tathagata then declared that she would be forever known as Goddess Tara.

Then, during the Vibuddha Kalpa, in the presence of Tathagata Amoghasiddhi, the Goddess vowed to watch over every living being throughout all realms of Samsara, having attained the equipoise of samadhi.

The Dakini: A Force Of Nature

Prior to her revered status as Bodhisattva, Tara was a Dakini; in Tibetan Buddhism or Tantra of the Vajrayana tradition, she occupies an essential role. Like this, she is nature in a storm; raw referenced. Dakinis are revered for having supernatural powers of making and destroying, capable not only of changing form at will but also of roaming the universe freely. In spite of having been gifted with such a zestful power, she only prioritized liberation. Unlike any other being who may embezzle the capability to cause harm and havoc, the mother of liberation chose to liberate herself from the wheel of birth and rebirth, which brought suffering. She also wished for others not to suffer either.

Many Forms of Tara

Over time and distinction, Tara recognizes myriad forms to accommodate different personalities and inclinations in the spiritual guide for sentient beings. Each of her emanations has its unique attributes and powers, but they all share compassionate wisdom as a common denominator.

While there are countless variations across different Buddhist traditions, some of the most prominent forms of the goddess include:

White Tara

She is depicted in a serene and peaceful appearance. She is associated with long-life healing and alleviating obstacles. When you are in trouble, she will take care of it.

Green Tara

She showcases active compassion, service, and action, called upon to shield us from our own fears and wrathful actions induced by anger and ignorance. In times of crisis, she is a powerful ally, giving confidence and resolve.

Yellow Tara

She is related to richness and resources. Hence, this form represents the life force that attracts rudimentary financial assistance. But her blessings do not fall on material things; they come in the form of wisdom and spiritual intuition.

Blue Tara

As a source of wish fulfillment, she is an energetic form. She is often called upon to triumph, banish fear, and achieve success.

The Twenty-One Taras

The Twenty-One Taras are a well-known set of Tara emanations that are especially beloved in Tibetan Buddhism. Each form has different characteristics and serves a particular purpose. According to specific iconographic traditions, these forms are often classified into five lineages mentioned below:

Suryagupta Tradition: This is the most ancient lineage. In this tradition, the 21 emanations are usually depicted with one face and two arms, holding a circular gem with gestures of bestowing refuge.

Atisha Tradition: Similar to the Suryagupta tradition, they are depicted with a single face and two arms and are typically seated.

Chandragomin Tradition: This tradition is known for explicit delineations of depicted forms, iconographic features, symbolic implements, and mantras for every Tara.

Hevajra Tradition: In this tradition, the set of goddesses are usually depicted with multiple faces and arms, symbolizing their fierce aspect.

Chakrasamvara Tradition: This lineage emphasizes the union of wisdom and compassion, often depicting all of them together with a male figure.

Tara: The Mother of All Buddhas

"The Mother of all the Buddhas," is one of her many revered epithets. This title reflects her role as a nurturing and protective mother, guiding living entities toward enlightenment. She is a spiritual mother, providing advice as well as profound love to all those who ask for her help. As a Bodhisattva, she promised to help all sentient beings leave samsaric rebirth. But she is there, watching and helping us every step of the way. Her goodwill has no limit, and she loves any creature, be it human or animal, without discrimination, just as a mother cares for the needs of her children.

The Legacy of Tara

The tale of the divine mother, if nothing else, gives hope that transformation can happen through compassion and recognizing our own shadows. Whether perceived as a wrathful Dakini or merciful Bodhisattva, the divine mother goddess is seen rising to the rescue of individuals and nations who invoke her in times of disaster. As the living beings are all connected to her, one can invoke her through meditation and get her compassionate blessings. After all, she is a spiritual protector who accompanies us on our path, embodying power, bravery, and courage.

Now more than ever, in a time of challenge and adversity for many beings, Tara's message is what we need: love, kindness, and compassion. By embracing her teachings, we can weave together a world where all people and creatures are treated with dignity.