Today, June 22nd, we celebrate Mother Tara’s Sacred Day — Celebrating special people who protect trees (That’s You Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec! )

In the Buddhist tradition, Tara — the compassionate mother who responds to the cries of suffering beings — holds a special connection to the natural world. One of Her sacred names is Tara of the Fragrant Forest (Khadira Tara), because trees are deeply sacred to Her. Even Her Pureland, the Turquoise Pure Land Yurlod Kurpa, is envisioned as a pristine, wild paradise of verdant forests, turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife — the perfect celestial home for nature lovers and tree-huggers alike. 🌲💚

🍃 A Historic Moment for Trees

It feels especially meaningful today to celebrate that a small town in Canada has made history!

Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec, has become the first municipality in Canada to formally recognize trees as living beings with legal rights. Their groundbreaking declaration affirms:

“That trees are worthy of protection, including the right to life, to natural growth, to integrity and to regeneration.”

This isn’t just symbolic — it’s a legal commitment to honor the intrinsic value of trees, not merely as resources, but as vital beings deserving of dignity and protection.

🔗 Read more about this tree-protecting town>> 

🌬️ Tara’s Element Is Air — The Breath of Life

It is no accident that Mother Tara’s element is wind/air — the very air we breathe, the life force that sustains every living being. And who produces that air? The trees.

When we protect trees, we protect Tara’s element. We protect the breath of life itself. Every tree is a living shrine to Mother Tara, purifying our air, offering shelter, and teaching us the dharma of interconnectedness.

🌳 The Buddhas and the Trees

Throughout Buddhist history, trees have been silent witnesses to enlightenment. The Seven Successive Buddhas, from Vipassī up to Shakyamuni Buddha, all attained perfect enlightenment beneath trees — each under a different species of tree, as beautifully recounted in the sacred texts.

🎵 Listen to the 3 Gems Band sing the mantras of the Seven Buddhas, honoring the unique trees of each Buddha’s enlightenment:

(In the video, you’ll see the sacred trees associated with each of the Seven Buddhas.)

💎 Aspire to Tara’s Turquoise Pure Land

For those who cherish nature, Tara’s Pure Land is a vision of ecological harmony and blissful awakening. As described by Delog Dawa Drolma, a revered Tibetan dakini who visited this sacred realm in the 1920s:

“Those sentient beings who actually wish to see the pure realm of Tara in their minds will rejoice in the cooling rays of pure vision in the soothing shelter of the blooming lotus of faith.”

Tara’s Turquoise Pure Land is described as:

• 🌄 Verdant forests and mountain landscapes
• 💧 Crystal-clear turquoise lakes and waterfalls
• 🦚 Birds and wildlife as emanations of the Noble Lady
• 🌸 Flowers blooming everywhere, with no concept of summer or winter
• 🎶 Celestial music and Dharma teachings filling the air

Imagine a place where all beings are 16 years old, ever youthful, free from aging, sickness, and death — where every sound is a Dharma teaching, and every sight is a blessing.

🔮 Explore more about Tara’s Turquoise Pureland>>

🌱 How We Can Honor Mother Tara Today

On this sacred day, let us honor Mother Tara by:

1. 🌳 Planting a tree or pledging to protect existing trees in our communities.
2. 🌬️ Taking a mindful walk in nature — breathing in the air that trees provide — and offering gratitude to Tara for the gift of life.
3. 🕯️ Reciting Tara mantras with the intention of protecting the environment and all living beings.
4. 📖 Educating ourselves and others about the rights of trees and the importance of ecological stewardship.
5. 💚 Supporting initiatives like Terrasse-Vaudreuil’s declaration — because when we protect trees, we protect Tara’s element and all life.

🙏 May All Beings Be Free, Just as Tara Intends

As we celebrate Mother Tara’s Special Day, let us remember: Tara is everywhere — in the rustling leaves, the fresh mountain air, the flowing streams, and the heart of every being who loves and protects this precious Earth.

Let us pray:

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha!

May Mother Tara bless all trees and forests. May She protect all beings who cherish nature. May Her Turquoise Pure Land manifest here on Earth through our loving actions.

Happy Mother Tara’s Day, dear Dharma friends! 🌿💚🌿

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