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Tara
is the Mother Goddess who answers human supplication.
Tibetan
Buddhism numbers 21 Taras, often featuring seven all-seeing eyes of compassion
(three in the forehead, one in each palm and foot sole). White
Tara, the mild form of the goddess, promises
health, long life and prosperity. Green
Tara promotes growth, solves practical
problems and protects our everyday world.
Tara's name means One Who Saves. She
epitomizes the influence of the older mother-goddess cults upon the Buddhist
Mahayana religion. Her concept evolved in India and later she became the most
important goddess in the Mahayana pantheon. She holds a very prominent position
in Tibet and Nepal.
Tara was born from a tear of the Boddhisatwa of
Compassion, Avolokiteswora. She was conceived primarily as a savioress and is,
therefore, the female counterpart of Avolokiteswora. She is also generally
regarded as his consort and is frequencly portrayed with him.
Tara is believed to protect the human beings while they
are crossing the ocean of existence. Her compassion for living beings, her
desire to save them from suffering, is said to be stronger than a mother's love
for her children.
Among the forms of Tara: when she is red, yellow
and blue, she is in menacing mood; white or green she is gentle and loving.
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