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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.
But even in Her wrathful aspect, Tara's role is to dispel the
fear of death and foster the evolution of compassion. Notice her foot is
outstretched, instantly ready to meet her supplicants.
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.
Her most distinctive emblem is the blue lotus which she
carries in her left hand.
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. This is
the same twofold nature as Shiva's wife.
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