Tara: The Mother of Buddhas and the Energy of Action

Introduction: The Breath of Compassion in Motion

If Avalokiteshvara is the face of compassion that gazes upon the world, Tara is its right arm, the energy that immediately unfolds to act. In the Buddhist pantheon, Tara is not merely a secondary female figure; she is the "Mother of all Buddhas," whose awakening is synonymous with agility, swiftness, and fearlessness. For Buddhachannel, exploring Tara means addressing the most dynamic and accessible dimension of spiritual practice: the transition from meditation to benevolent action.

Part I: The Birth of an Icon

The Mythical Origin Legend has it that Tara was born from a tear shed by Avalokiteshvara. As he contemplated, from the heavens, the immensity of the suffering of beings in the cycle of Samsara, a tear rolled down his cheek. Upon touching the ground, this tear transformed into a lake, from which a lotus sprang forth, and from the heart of this lotus, Tara appeared. This birth underscores a fundamental truth: compassion, when pushed to its peak, cannot remain passive. It must take form to rescue.

The Vow of Princess Yeshe Dawa Another, older tradition tells the story of Princess Yeshe Dawa ("Moon of Wisdom"). Having reached a high level of realization, monks suggested she pray to be reborn in the form of a man to continue her path to enlightenment. She responded with a vow that defied the spiritual patriarchy of the time: "Here there is no man or woman, no self or person. Since I have attained enlightenment, I will remain in female form until all beings are liberated." This vow makes Tara the ultimate symbol of spiritual emancipation.

Part II: The 21 Faces of Action

A Complex Meditation Structure Tara is not limited to a single form. In tantric texts, she unfolds into 21 different aspects, each responding to a specific need of the mind or the world.

White Tara: She embodies longevity, healing, and serenity. She is the one who calms illnesses and prolongs life to enable practice.

Green Tara: She is the Tara of swift action. Her right foot is slightly forward, ready to leap to help. She protects from the eight great dangers (fear, pride, ignorance, hatred, greed, jealousy, doubt, attachment).

The Meaning of Gestures (Mudras) In iconography, Tara is always depicted with one foot placed outwards from the lotus, ready to spring into action. Her right hand is in Varada Mudra (the gesture of giving), symbolizing her willingness to grant accomplishments, and her left hand is in Abhaya Mudra (the gesture of protection), assuring the aspirant that, as long as they cultivate benevolence, they are protected.

Part III: Practice and Transmission Today

Why is Tara so modern? In an era where anxiety and feelings of helplessness are omnipresent, Tara offers a model of 'quiet strength.' She teaches us that righteous action does not stem from agitation or anger, but from a perfectly calm and lucid heart. Invoking Tara, through her mantra (Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha), is to align our own inner rhythm with that of universal compassion.

An Archetype of Empowerment Tara is the figure who reminds us that awakening has no gender, no limit, no hierarchy. She is the 'Liberator' (her name comes from the root tri, to cross). She helps us cross the troubled waters of our own disturbing emotions to reach the other shore of understanding.

aliénor and alain delaporte-digard

buddhachannel — World Traditions, Wisdom for Today