21 Mother Taras — the unlimited forms of compassionate activity with mantras and visualizations

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    Buddha Weekly 21 Tara Nyingma Terma Lineage VajrayanaPrint Buddhism
    21 Taras according to the Nyingma Terma tradition, courtesy (and with permission) of VajrayanaPrint on Etsy. This is a rare horizontal format of the 21 Taras.

    Why are there so many forms of Tara? Why is the glorious saviour Bodhisattva Tara so diversified in appearance: peaceful, powerful, attractive, wrathful, and whirling with activity? Why isn’t Tara seen as a serene, meditating Buddha? How can she be seen as a heroine, a mother, a young girl, a wrathful wonder-woman — all at the same time? How can they all be Tara?

    Then — the important question: How can I get started practicing the 21 Taras? We answer all of these questions and more in this in-depth feature — with English, Sanskrit and Tibetan 21 Praises. In this feature, we focus in more detail on Atisha’s lineage with images, symbolism, and mantras — since we’ve previously covered the other two lineages.

    21 Taras Atisha
    21 Taras according to Lord Atisha are usually visualized often with Heroic Red Tara (Tara 1 in the praise) in the center (but not always) surrounded by the other Taras, each holding Bhumpa vases with special nectars inside. (Often, however, Thangkas artists will place Green Tara in the center (see below) in which case, the only way to readily tell the difference is to look for the Bhumpa vases in the right hand. The Bhumpas are usually distinct colors as well. Meanwhile, in the 21 Tara’s according to Sadhanasamucchaya, Nyingma Terma, Green Tara is normally central, with each Tara holding a lotus with a special implement instead of a Bhumpa.

     

    Atisha’s 21 Taras is popular but —

    Lord Atisha’s system is one of the most popularly practiced, due to its relatively easy visualization — each Tara holds a Bhumpa vase, and the only differences are color (and some Tara’s have slightly wrathful expressions). Despite the popularity, it is relatively rare to find a thangka in the Atisha system — even people who practice the Atisha lineage tend to hang Nyingma Terma lineage thangkas (since they are similar color and easily to find.)

    The main difference with Atisha lineage is Green Tara is not in the center (usually Heroic Red Tara is in the center; with Atisha, Green Tara is very important but stands apart from the 21 Taras) and instead of Atisha-colored vases, in the Nyingma lineage each Tara holds a lotus with a unique implement. A quick search of available art reveals that most available art (for example on Etsy) is according to Sadhanasamucchaya, Nyingma Terma, features Green Tara in the center. It is also slightly more difficult but relatively easy to find Surya Gupta lineage Taras. Atisha’s system — even though it is arguably one of the most popularly practiced — is difficult to find in art.

     

    17th Century Atisha lineage Taras with Green Tara central Himalayan Art
    Atisha lineage or Nyingma Terma? Actually, this one is a 17th-century thangka from the Himalayan Art collection. Although it has Green Tara at the center (often the case, since Green Tara is the central Tara in most systems), the individual Taras have Bhumpa vases, per Atisha’s lineage.

     

    NOTE: We’ve previously covered the Nyingma Terma lineage and the Surya Gupta lineages:

     


     

    Shakyamuni Buddha and Tara

    According to Vajrayana tradition, it was Shakyamuni Buddha, under the Bodhi tree who first spoke the Tara Tantra — the origin of the 21 Tara’s praise. Bokar Rinpoche, in his popular book Tara the Feminine Divine wrote:

    “The night preceding his awakening, while sitting under the Bodhi tree, Shakyamuni was attacked by a horde of demons attempting to divert him from his goal. At that moment, Tara appeared and with eight great laughters made the demons fall to the ground and stopped them from doing harm. The Buddha then placed his mind in a state of perfect meditation and at dawn attained awakening. After that, he uttered the Tara Tantra…” [5]

    Buddha Weekly Shakyamuni under bodhi tree Buddhism
    The greatest of teachers, Shakyamuni Buddha. According to Vajrayana tradition, as recorded in the Tara Tantra, when Buddha sat under the Bohi tree, assailed by the maras: “Tara appeared and with eight great laughters made the demons fall to the ground and stopped them from doing harm.” The eight great laughters represent protection from the eight great fears.

     

    Whether you believe Tara literally manifested at that moment or represented the “activity” aspect of Buddha’s mind, ultimately they are the same. Tara, the embodiment of the rescuing activity of Enlightenment, represents the overcoming of the eight great fears (here, symbolized with the eight great laughters of Tara.)

     

    Buddha Weekly 21 Taras Atisha Buddhism
    21 Taras according to Sadhanasamucchaya. In this lineage, the color of each Tara is similar to the Atisha lineage, but instead of “bhumpa” vases with nectar each Tara holds a lotus — with unique implements displayed on the top of each lotus. In Atisha’s lineage, heroic Red Tara is often the center deity, while in Sadhanasamucchaya (Nyigma terma) it’s usually Green Tara in the center, as seen here.

     

    Activity and the Bodhisattva

    It is often taught that while a Buddha is Enlightened, the Bodhisattva is the Enlightened hero. Why? Because the Bodhisattva’s mission is compassion for all sentient beings — to save all beings from Samsara.

     

    Buddha Weekly Green Tara Prayer flag to catch her wind Dar Cho dreamstime xxl 93905840 Buddhism
    Wind activity is associated with Tara. Her prayer flag (green flag) with her image and praises symbolically carries her blessings on the wind to all beings. Wind symbolizes her activity power. She is the “activity of all the Buddhas” — compassionate, loving, kind energy.

     

    With that in mind, it is natural to associate Bodhisattva with activity. The ability to help all beings only arises from compassionate and wise activity. For this reason, Tara is the heroine who is relied upon by all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Without compassionate activity, the Bodhisattva mission is only an aspiration. It is activity — embodied by Tara — that has the potential to save all sentient beings. This is one reason Tara is called “the Mother of all the Buddhas.” It is also the reason Tara is universally adored.


    Previous features on Tara


     

    Tara — countless emanations; countless activities

    Noble Arya Tara — who has more names, emanations, and epitaphs than any Bodhisattva — embodies all of the compassionate and wisdom activities of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. All of them. How better to represent all of these diverse activities than in a multiplicity forms? Not just 21 Taras, but 108 Taras, and 1008 Taras, and more.

     

    Buddha Weekly 21 Taras Atisha lineage Buddhism
    Did you guess correctly? Atisha and Nyingma lineage systems are similar in body colors, but this Thangka is actually 21  Taras according to Sadhanasamucchaya, Nyingma Terma lineage, Himalayan Art.

     

    The forms arise from her distinct activities, and especially manifest in the 21 Taras. Even within the 21 Taras, there are three distinct “systems” of 21 Taras: the lineage of Atisha and Narjuna, the lineage of Surya Gupta, and the Nyingma terma tradition. It may seem confusing — because they each are distinct in colors, attributes, pose, powers and mantras. At the same time, it’s just another way we see the unlimited activity power of Tara.

    1008 or one Tara — diverse, yet ultimately one

    You can think of all of the 1008, or any of the three systems of 21 Taras, as simply one Tara — normally manifested as Noble Green Tara, since green symbolizes enlightened activity. Or, you can see them all as individuals, with different colors, ages, attributes, expressions, activities, powers, mantras. There is no difference. The diversity is also a unifying force. Tara is Tara. She embodies any Enlightened compassionate or wisdom activity, without any exception, but her multiplicity shows there is no limit to those activities. At her most wrathful, she can be Palden Lhamo, or Ekajati. In her magnetizing, powerful form she is Vajrayogini or Kurukulle. Her ultimate serene and peaceful form is White Tara.

     

    Buddha Weekly Chittimani Tara Tara 21 Taras on Altar Buddhism
    A Tara altar with top left 21 Taras in Surya Gupta lineage, top right Chittamani Tara, in foreground Green Tara statues (2 on right) and White Tara (left statue). Slightly out of frame (in front of White Tara) is Kurukulle (Red Tara).

     

    Although the simplest way to practice and honor glorious mother Tara is as Noble Green Tara, it can be helpful to visualize her other forms simply to tap into that activity in our minds. Symbols are the language of the mind. Especially profound in terms of “tapping” the Enlightened activities is the forms, meditations, and mantras of the 21 Taras.

    We’ve covered the more complicated Surya Gupta system of 21 Taras in previous written features [Part 1 here>>] and in a series of 21 videos on our Youtube channel. In this feature, we focus on the beautifully simple, yet profound, 21 Taras according to Atisha’s lineage.

     

    Buddha Weekly 21 Taras Atisha Lineage mandala palace Buddhism
    The full mandala palace of the 21 Taras according to Atisha lineage. In the center is Chittamni Tara or Green Tara, and surrounding her are the 21 Taras of the Atisha lineage in a circle.

     

    21 Taras according to the great Atisha

     

    In Atisha’s beautiful system of visualization, the main changes in appearance among the 21 Taras is the colors and the color of the vases she holds in her hand. Broadly speaking:
    White represents pacifying activities
    Yellow represents accumulating and auspicious activities
    Red represents power or magnetizing activities
    Black represents wrathful of subduing activities
    Green represents all activities (as in Green Tara)
    Some of the Taras are also “shades” of color, such as orange or gold, or “red black” which is more of a nuanced power.

     

    For each of the 21, we list her:
    • Name in English
    • Praise: verse as spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha (from the source Tantra)

    • Praise in Sanskrit for traditional chanting
    • Color of Tara
    • Vase color
    • Nectar
    • Specialty
    • Activity
    • Visualization
    • Sanskrit Mantra

    To Practice the 21 Taras

    As advised by various teachers, including Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the simplest way to practice the 21 Taras is to chant or say the 21 verses of praise in either Sanskrit, Tibetan or English.

    Ideally, start with your daily Green Tara or White Tara practice as is your custom. Then, chant the 21 Tara praises.

    More elaborately, you can visualize each Tara as you chant, then focus on the mantra for 3, 7 or 21 repetitions after the praise verse.

    Chant-along video from Buddha Weekly with the prasies chanted by Hrishikesh Sonar:



     

    Chanting in Sanskrit

    If possible, practice chanting the praise in Sanskrit (provided below) for three reasons:
    • It is a form of mantra chanting and is the spoken word of Buddha — very profound and powerful.
    • Each line is the same number of beats for very effective chanting.
    • Sanskrit is the mother language and its fifty syllables are considered sacred.

    NOTE: Sanskrit is here transliterated in the Western alphabet for easier practice since many practitioners do not read Tibetan or Sanskrit text. For example, instead of using special characters, we have used the English-style “sh” and “ch” to make pronunciation easier — instead of the special character s and c.
    Pronunciation: If you don’t know the pronunciation of Sanskrit (and Tibetan) there are no silent vowels. An “h” following a consonant is normally aspirated, like “B-ha” rather than a silent h. “Thay” is never like “they” in English but rather “Tuh-Hey” For instance “Tare” is not pronounced “Tear” but rather “Tahreh.” Most vowels on short “e” is “eh” not “ee.” “A” is “ah” not “eh.” “I” is not “eye” but “ee”. Think “soft or short” — not long for vowels.

     

    Buddha Weekly White Tara Gaden for the West beautiful Buddhism
    White Tara. The white Tara’s are for healing, pacifying or long life, as they pacify the obstacles and negative karmas that cause illness.

     

    Special activities such as healing

    If you are focused on a specific activity, such as “healing” look up the specialty and “activity in the list below, then plan a session around that single Tara with extensive focus an visualization of that Tara, then at least 108 repetitions of the mantra.

    For Atisha 21 Taras mantras, although empowerment or “lung” transmission is preferred and more effective, anyone can practice her mantras, regardless of initiations or empowerments. Without empowerment, the deity (Tara) is always visualized in front of you.

    Best practice always includes:
    • Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
    • Bodhichitta statement: “May all beings be happy” — and the four immeasurables. For a feature on the Four Immeasurables, see>>
    • Offerings of some kind, at least “mental” offerings
    • An aspiration
    • Dedication: “I dedicate the merit of this practice for the benefit of all sentient beings.”

    Video: Four immeasurables together with Taking Refuge chanted by the amazing Yoko Dharma:

    NOTE: At the end of this commentary, we have reproduced all the verses of the 21 Praises as one chant-able script in English, Sanskrit and Tibetan (phonetic Tibetan, we use Western-style letters.)


     

     

     

    1. Swift Lady of Glory

    Homage! Tara, swift, heroic!
    Eyes like lightning instantaneous!
    Sprung from op’ning stamens of the
    Lord of three world’s tear-born lotus!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas Tare Ture vire
    kshanair dyuti nibhekshane
    trailokya nat ha vaktrabja
    vikasat kesharobhave

    Color: Red
    Vase: Red
    Nectar: Controlling nectar
    Specialty: Swift mantra activities; influences sentient beings positively
    Activity: Magnetizing

    Visualization: On the first petal is Tara the Swift Lady of Glory (Nyurma Palmo),  red in color. She is the quick one, holding in her right palm a red flask for controlling. She grants the ability to influence sentient beings so that they will listen to you and you can lead them to the Dharma.

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE VASHAM KURU SVAHA

    2. Lady of Supreme Peace

    Homage! She whose face combines a
    Hundred autumn moons at fullest!
    Blazing with light rays resplendent
    As a thousand-star collection!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah shata sharac chandra
    sampurna patalanane
    Tara sahasra nikara
    prahasat kira noj jvale

    Color: White
    Vase: White
    Nectar: Pacifies disease
    Specialty: Healing diseases
    Activity: Pacifying
    Associations with other practices: She is also known as Sarasvati.

    Visualization: On the second petal is Tara, Lady of Supreme Peace (Shiwa Chenmo), white in color, holding a white flask containing nectar for pacifying disease.

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SHANTIM KURU SVAHA

    3. Lady of Golden Yellow Color

    Homage! Golden-blue one, lotus
    Water born, in hand adorned!
    Giving, effort, calm, austerities,
    Patience, meditation her sphere!

    Sanskrit
    Namah kanaka nilabja
    pani padma vibhu shite
    dana virya tapah shanti
    titik sha dhyana gochare

    Color: Golden Yellow
    Vase: Yellow
    Nectar: Increases lifeforce and long life
    Specialty: Long life
    Activity: Accumulating

    Visualization: On the third petal is Golden-Colored Tara, Giver of Supreme Virtue (Serdok Chen), yellow-gold in color, holding in her hand a yellow flask containing nectar for increasing life and fortune. Her mantra is:

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE PUSHTIM KURU SVAHA

    4. Lady of Complete Victory, Embodying All Positive Qualities

    Homage! Crown of tathagatas,
    Actions triumph without limit!
    Relied on by conquerors’ children,
    Having reached ev’ry perfection!

    Sanskrit
    Namas tat hagatosh nisha
    vijayananta charini
    ashesha paramita prapta
    jina putra nishevite

    Color: Yellow
    Vase: Yellow
    Nectar: Increasing lifeforce
    Specialty: Increasing lifespan, long life
    Activity: Accumulating
    Associations with other practices: She is also known as Ushnishavijaya (although in other stand-alone practices her color/attributes vary).

    Visualization: On the fourth petal is Tara Completely Victorious, Embodying All Positive Qualities (Tsuktor Nampar Gyalma), yellow in color, holding a yellow flask containing nectar for increasing the lifespan.

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE AYUR-JYANA PUSHTIM KURU SVAHA

    5. She Who Proclaims the Sound of Hum

    Homage! Filling with TUTTARE,
    HUM, desire, direction, and space!
    Trampling with her feet the seven worlds,
    Able to draw forth all beings!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas Tuttara Hum kara
    puritasha dig antare
    sapta loka kramakranti
    asheshak arshanak shame

    Color: Red-yellow
    Vase: Red
    Nectar: Enchanting
    Activity: Enchanting and magnetizing
    Specialty: Attracting others to you, although should be with positive motivation.
    Associations with other practices: She is also known as Kurukulla (Kurukulle) or Red Tara

    Visualization: On the fifth petal is Tara Proclaiming the Sound of HUM (Hung Dradrokma), red-yellow in color, holding a red flask containing nectar with the function of enchanting other sentient beings, causing them to be attracted to you.

    (Note: Before you think of (incorrectly) Tara as a “love goddess,” remember she is an Enlightened Being and her magnetizing activity can only be focused on positive karma activities — not selfish love. Attracting someone to you to receive Dharma is her highest purpose. Mundane love is not generally positive karmic activity.)

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SHTRI AKARSHAYA HRIH SVAHA

    Lama Zopa indicates: “If there is somebody you need to influence, such as somebody who is extremely deluded and tries to harm you and others and to harm the Dharma, in order to help that person transform their mind into the Dharma, then you can recite this mantra and insert that person’s name between the tuttare shtri and the akarshaya, so the mantra transforms slightly into…” (with the same proviso as above — only for positive karmic intentions):

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SHTRI [the name of the person] AKARSHAYA HRIH SVAHA.

    6. She Who Is Completely Victorious Over the Three Worlds

    Homage! Worshipped by the all-lords,
    Shakra, Agni, Brahma, Marut!
    Honored by the hosts of spirits,
    Corpse-raisers, gandharvas, yakshas!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah shakranala Brahma
    marud vishvesh varachite
    bhuta vetala gand harva
    gana yaksha puras krte

    Color: Red-black
    Vase: Blue
    Nectar: Nectar intoxicates the spirits
    Activity: Enchanting and magnetizing
    Specialty: Attracting

    Visualization: On the sixth petal is Tara Completely Victorious Over the Three Worlds (Jikten Sumle Nampar Gyalma), red-black in color, who is victorious over the three realms. She holds a blue flask containing nectar that intoxicates the spirits.

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SHATRUN UCCHATAYA SVAHA

    Lama Zopa indicates: “By intoxicating the spirits, they become unable to function and so unable to cause harm to others. I guess it’s a bit like taking a business client to dinner and getting them drunk, making it a lot easier to get them to agree to any deal you have to make.”

    7. She Who Conquers Others

    Homage! With her TRAD and PHAT sounds
    Destroying foes’ magic diagrams!
    Her feet pressing, left out, right in,
    Blazing in a raging fire-blaze!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas trad iti phat kara
    para yantra pramardani
    praty alid ha pada nyase
    shik hi jvalakulek shane

    Color: Black
    Vase: Black
    Nectar: Nectar that averts black magic sent against you
    Activity: Wrathful
    Specialty: Overcoming black magic

    Visualization: On the seventh petal is Tara Who Conquers Others (Shen Jom-Ma), black in color, destroying those possessing black magic. She has a slightly wrathful appearance—her forehead
    is wrinkled—and she holds a black flask containing nectar that averts mantras and black magic sent against you.

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA VIDYA APARA VARANAYA SVAHA

    8. She Who Conquers Maras and Enemies

    Homage! TURE, very dreadful!
    Destroyer of Mara’s champion(s)!
    She with frowning lotus visage
    Who is slayer of all enemies!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas Ture maha ghore
    mara vira vinashani
    bhrku ti krta vaktrabja
    sarva shatrum nishudani

    Color: Red-black
    Vase: Red
    Nectar: Overcomes maras and enemies
    Activity: Wrathful
    Specialty: Defeats enemies, demons, evil spirits

    Visualization: On the eighth petal is Tara Who Conquers Maras and Enemies (Dru Dra Jom-Ma), red-black in color. Her right hand holds a red flask containing nectar whose function is to defeat maras and enemies.

    Mantra

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA MARA SHATRUN MARAYA PHAT SVAHA

    9. She Who Protects from All Fears

    Homage! At the heart her fingers,
    Adorn her with Three Jewel mudra!
    Light-ray masses all excited!
    All directions’ wheels adorn her!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas tri ratna mudranka
    hrdyanguli vibhushite
    bhu shitashesha dik chakra
    nikara sva Karakule

    Color: White
    Vase: White
    Nectar: Protective nectar
    Activity: Pacifying and protecting
    Specialty: Protection from any fear or danger.

    Visualization: On the ninth petal is Tara Who Protects from All Fears (Jikpa Kunkyob Ma), white in color, her gesture signifying the Three Rare Sublime Ones. She holds a white flask containing nectar whose function is to protect all sentient beings from fear and dangers.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE MAM UPAKRAMA RAKSHA RAKSHA SVAHA

    If there are dangers such as earthquakes, floods, typhoons, or the like, you can take strong refuge and recite this mantra, or visualize Tara in front of you.

    10. She Who Brings Maras and the World Under Her Power

     

    Homage! She so joyous, radiant,
    Crown emitting garlands of light!
    Mirthful, laughing with TUTTARE,
    Subjugating maras, devas!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah pramudita topa
    muku ta kshipta malini
    hasat prahasat Tuttare
    mara loka vashamkari

    Color: Red
    Vase: Red
    Nectar: Overcomes the Maras and demons who control the world
    Activity: Enchanting
    Specialty: Overcomes Maras.

    Visualization: On the tenth petal is Tara Who Brings Maras and the World Under Her Power (Dudang Jikten Wangdu Dema), red in color, holding a red flask containing nectar whose function is to destroy Mara and to control the world.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA MARA PRAMARDHANI SVAHA

    11. She Who Eradicates Poverty

     

    Homage! She able to summon
    All earth-guardians’ assembly!
    Shaking, frowning, with her HUM sign
    Saving from every misfortune!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah samanta bhu pala
    patalakarshana kshame
    chalat bhrku ti hum kara
    sarvapada vimoch ani

    Color: Yellow-red — sparkling gold
    Vase: Yellow
    Nectar: Overcomes all poverty
    Activity: Attracting and affluence.
    Specialty: Accumulating wealth and overcoming poverty.

    Visualization: On the eleventh petal is Tara Who Eradicates Poverty (Ponpa Selma), red-yellow in color, like refined gold. She holds a yellow flask containing nectar whose function is to eliminate poverty.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE VASUDHARINI SVAHA

    Lama Zopa commentary: “This is the Tara you use when you make a Tara wealth vase for prosperity. When you put a statue or drawing of this Tara in a wealth vase, to eliminate either your poverty or that of others, you take strong refuge and recite this mantra in front of the vase. “

    12. She Who Grants All That Is Auspicious

     

    Homage! Crown adorned with crescent
    Moon, all ornaments most shining!
    Amitabha in her hair-knot
    Sending out much light eternal!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah shikhanda kandendu
    muku tabha ranojjvale
    Amitabha jata bhara
    bhasvare kirana dhruve

    Color: Gold
    Vase: White
    Nectar: Performs auspicious activities.
    Activity: Peaceful
    Specialty: Pacifying for auspiciousness. Calming negative obstacles hindering auspiciousness.

    Visualization: On the twelfth petal is Tara Who Grants All that Is Auspicious (Trashi Tamche Jinma), golden in color, performing auspicious activities.  She holds a white flask containing nectar that performs auspicious actions.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE MANGALAM SVAHA

    13. She Who Blazes Like Fire

     

    Homage! She ’mid wreath ablaze like
    Eon-ending fire abiding!
    Right stretched, left bent, joy surrounds you
    Troops of enemies destroying!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah kalpanta hutabhug
    jvala malan Tara sthite
    alidha muditabandha
    ripu chakra vinashani

    Color: Red like a blazing fire
    Vase: Red
    Nectar: Destroys enemies and protects from obstacles.
    Activity: Intense magnetizing and enchanting
    Specialty: Removing obstacles (especially to Dharma practice) or to life circumstances that influence Dharma practice.

    Visualization: On the thirteenth petal is Tara Who Blazes Like Fire (Metar Barma), red in color and blazing like fire. She holds a red flask containing nectar that destroys enemies and protects from obstacles.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE BHAYA BHASMIM KURU SVAHA

    14. She Who Is Frowning Wrathfully

     

    Homage! She who strikes the ground with
    Her palm, and with her foot beats it!
    Scowling, with the letter HUM the
    Seven levels she does conquer!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah kara talaghata
    charana hata bhu tale
    bhrkuti krta Hum kara
    sapta patala bhedini

    Color: Black and wrathful
    Vase: Dark blue
    Nectar: Controls and subdues interferences
    Activity: Wrathful power
    Specialty: Controller and subduer.

    Visualization: On the fourteenth petal is Tara Who Is Frowning Wrathfully (Tronyer Chen), having a slightly wrathful appearance, black in color. She holds a dark blue flask containing nectar that controls and subdues interferences.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE VAJRA MAHA PADA BHASMIM KURU SVAHA

    15. She of Supreme Peacefulness

     

    Homage! Happy, virtuous, peaceful!
    She whose field is peace, nirvana! S
    he endowed with OM and SVAHA,
    Destroyer of the great evil!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah shive shubhe shante
    shanta nirvana gochare
    svaha pranava samyukte
    maha papaka na shani

    Color: White
    Vase: White
    Nectar: Pacifying and purifying negative karmas
    Activity: Pacifying
    Specialty: Purification of negative karmas that cause sickness, spirit harm and obstacles.

    Visualization: On the fifteenth petal is Tara the Supremely Peaceful One (Shiwa Chenmo), white in color. She holds a white flask containing nectar whose function is pacifying and purifying negative karma.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA PAPAM PRASHAMANAYA SVAHA

    Lama Zopa comments: “Reciting her mantra pacifies sickness, spirit harm, obscurations, and negative karma.”

    16. Tara Who Arises from the HUM of Intrinsic Awareness

     

    Homage! She with joy surrounded
    Tearing foes’ bodies asunder,
    Frees with HUM and knowledge mantra,
    Arrangement of the ten letters!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah pramudi tabandha
    ripu gatra vabhedini
    dashakshara pada nyashe
    vidya Hum kara dipite

    Color: Red
    Vase: Red-yellow
    Nectar: Increases wisdom
    Activity: Magnetizing
    Specialty: Accumulating wisdom

    Visualization: On the sixteenth petal is Tara Who Arises from the HUM of Intrinsic Awareness (Rikpa Hungle Drölma), red in color. She holds a red-yellow flask containing nectar whose function is to increase wisdom.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA DHARMAH PRATI-PARISHODHAYA SVAHA

    17. She Who Causes the Three Realms to Tremble

     

    Homage! TURE! With seed letter
    Of the shape of syllable HUM!
    By foot stamping shakes the three worlds,
    Meru, Mandara, and Vindhya!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas Ture pada ghata
    Hum karakara bijite
    meru mandara kailasa
    bhuvana traya chalini

    Color: Red-yellow
    Vase: Yellow
    Nectar: Overcomes and pacifies all maras and obstacles, shaking the three worlds
    Activity: Magnetizing and controlling the power of mantras
    Specialty: Calms all obstacles no matter how overwhelming.

    Visualization: On the seventeenth petal is Tara Who Causes the Three Realms to Tremble (Drölma Jikten Sumyowa), red-yellow in color. Pacifying maras and obstacles, shaking the triple world, she holds a yellow flask containing nectar whose function is to control the power of mantras, which means controlling those who try to harm you using mantras.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA STAMBHANI TARE SVAHA

    18. She Who Neutralizes Poison

     

    Homage! Holding in her hand the
    Hare-marked moon of deva-lake form!
    With twice spoken TARA and PHAT,
    Totally dispelling poison!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah sura sarakara
    harinika karast hite
    Tara dvir ukta Phat kara
    ashesha visha nashani

    Color: White
    Vase: White
    Nectar: Pacifies every poison, sickness and illness
    Activity: Neutralizing and healing or pacifying
    Specialty: Eliminates poisons and sickness.

    Visualization: On the eighteenth petal is Tara Who Neutralizes Poison (Dukselma), white in color. She holds a white flask containing nectar whose function is to eliminate all sicknesses and poison.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE NAGA VISHA SHANTIM KURU SVAHA

    Lama Zopa: “If somebody poisons you or you have taken some poison by mistake, this is the mantra you can chant to eliminate it.”

    19. She Who Alleviates All Suffering

     

    Homage! She whom gods and their kings,
    And the kinnaras do honor!
    Armored in all joyful splendor,
    She dispels bad dreams and conflicts!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah sura ganadh yaksha
    sura kimnara sevite
    abandha mudita bhoga
    kali duhs vapna nashani

    Color: White
    Vase: White
    Nectar: Eliminates disputes, nightmares and suffering
    Activity: Pacifying
    Specialty: Overcomes disputes and suffering peacefully.

    Visualization: On the nineteenth petal is Tara Who Alleviates All Suffering (Duk-Ngal Tamche Selwé Drölma), white in color. She holds a white flask containing nectar that eliminates disputes, bad dreams, and other sufferings.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE MOCANA SVAHA

    20. She Who Removes Pestilence

     

    Homage! She whose two eyes bright with
    Radiance of sun and full moon!
    With twice HARA and TUTTARA
    She dispels severe contagion!

    Sanskrit:
    Namah chandrarka sampurna
    nayana dyuti bhas vare
    hara dvir ukta Tuttare
    vishama jvara nashani

    Color: Red
    Vase: Red
    Nectar: Eliminates all epidemics and contagious disease
    Activity: Magnetizing and drawing good health, immune response and healing
    Specialty: Epidemics.

    Visualization: On the twentieth petal is Tara Who Removes Pestilence (Rimne Selwé Drölma), red in color. She holds a red flask containing nectar whose function is to eliminate all epidemics and contagious diseases.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE VISARATA SVAHA

    Lama Zopa: “If there is a contagious disease or epidemic in the country, this is the specific Tara to be practiced.”

    21. She Who Completely Perfects All Enlightened Activities

    Homage! Full of liberating
    Pow’r by the set of three natures!
    Destroys hosts of spirits, yakshas,
    And raised corpses! Supreme! TURE!

    Sanskrit:
    Namas tri tattva vinyasa
    shiva shakti saman vite
    graha vetala yakshaugha
    nashani pravare Ture

    Color: White but radiating multi-colored light
    Vase: Green
    Nectar: Nectar of magical attainments
    Activity: Pacifying
    Specialty: All enlightened activities
    Associations with other practices: She is also associated with/equated with Marichi (Marici)

    Visualization: On the twenty-first petal is Tara Who Completely Perfects All Enlightened Activities (Trinle Tamche Yongsu Dzokpar Jepé Drölma), white in color and radiating varicolored lights. She holds a green flask containing nectar that accomplishes various magical attainments.

    Mantra:

    OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA SIDDHI SADHANAM SVAHA


    Below: Surya Gupta lineage visualizations are entirely different. See the Heroic Red Tara image below and link to our series on this lineage.

    Buddha Weekly Feature Image Tara Surya Gupta Buddhism
    Detail of a painting of Tara 1, Heroic Red Tara, by V.V. Sapar of the first Tara in the Surya Gupta sytem. In the background is the Lotus Face of Avalokiteshvara. (Full image below in the feature.)

    Surya Gupta and Nyingma lineages

    Although we’ve covered these lineages in separate features [Feature found here>>] for convenience here is the list of names of these two other lineages:

    Suryagupta Tradition

    1 Tara, Swift and Courageous or Tara, Heroic (Skt. Tārā Tura-vīrā or Tārā Pravīrā; Wyl. sgrol ma myur ma dpa’ mo or sgrol ma rab tu dpa’ mo)
    2 Tara, White as the Autumn Moon or Tara, Brilliant Like the Moon (Skt. Tārā Śuklakānti or Tārā Candra-kānti; Wyl. sgrol ma ‘od dkar can or sgrol ma zla mdangs)
    3 Tara, Golden Coloured (Skt. Tārā Kanaka-varṇī; Wyl. sgrol ma gser mdog can)
    4 Tara, Crown Jewel of the Tathāgatas or Tārā, Victorious Crown Jewel (Skt. Tārā Tathāgatoṣṇīṣā or Tārā Uṣṇīṣa-vijayā; Wyl. sgrol ma de bzhin gshegs pa gtsug tor can or sgrol ma gtsug tor rnam rgyal ma)
    5 Tara, Resounding with Hung (Skt. Tārā Hūṃ-kāra-nādinī or Tārā Hūṃ-svara-nādinī; Wyl. sgrol ma hUM sgra sgrogs ma)
    6 Tara, Victor Over the Three Worlds (Skt. Tārā Trailokavijayā; Wyl. sgrol ma ‘jig rten gsum rgyal ma or sgrol ma khams gsum rnam rgyal ma)
    7 Tara the Destructor or Tara, who crushes adversaries (Skt. Tārā Pramardinī or Tārā Apavādi-pramardanī; Wyl. sgrol ma rab ‘joms ma or sgrol ma rgol ba ‘joms ma)
    8 Tara who destroys mara or Tara who destroys mara and bestows excellence (Skt. Tārā Māra-mardaneśvarī or Tārā Māra-sūdanī-vaśitottama-dā; Wyl. sgrol ma bdud ‘joms dbang phyug ma or sgrol ma bdud ‘joms dbang mchog ster ma)
    9 Tara of the Khadira Forest or Tara who grants all wishes (Skt. Tārā Khadira-vaṇī or Tārā Vara-dā; Wyl. sgrol ma seng ldeng nags ma or sgrol ma ‘dod ster ma)
    10 Tara who dispells sorrow (Skt. Tārā Śoka-vinodanī; Wyl. sgrol ma mya ngan sel byed ma)
    11 Tara who magnetises all beings, or Tara who magnetises all beings and dispels their misfortune (Skt. Tārā Jagad-vaśī or Tārā Jagad-vaśī-riṣṭa-nirvahaṇī; Wyl. sgrol ma ‘jig rten dbang sdud ma or sgrol ma ‘gro ba kun ‘gugs phongs pa sel ma)
    12 Tara who is the light of auspiciousness or Tara who bestows prosperity (Skt. Tārā Maṅgalālokā or Tārā Kalyāna-dā; Wyl. sgrol ma bkra shis snang ma or sgrol ma bkra shis ster ma)
    13 Tara who ripens all (Skt. Tārā Pari-pācakā; Wyl. sgrol ma yongs su smin byed ma)
    14 Tara, Furrowing Brow, or Tara who enthrals all (Skt. Tārā Bhṛkuṭī or Tārā Vaśīkārī; Wyl. sgrol ma khro gnyer can ma or sgrol ma ‘gugs ma)
    15 Tara who is great peace (Skt. Tārā Mahā-śānti; Wyl. sgrol ma zhi ba chen mo)
    16 Tara who destroys attachment (Skt. Tārā Rāga-niṣūdanī; Wyl. sgrol ma chags ‘joms ma)
    17 Tara who accomplishes bliss (Skt. Tārā Sukha-sādhanī; Wyl. sgrol ma bde ba sgrub ma)
    18 Tara, white and victorious (Skt. Tārā Vijayā or Tārā Sita-vijayā; Wyl. sgrol ma rnam par rgyal ma)
    19 Tara who burns suffering (Skt. Tārā Duḥkha-dahanī; Wyl. sgrol ma sdug bsngal sel byed ma or sgrol ma sdug bsngal bsregs ma)
    20 Tara who is the source of attainments (Skt. Tārā Siddhi-saṃbhavā; Wyl. sgrol ma dngos grub ‘byung gnas ma)
    21 Tara who perfects all (Skt. Tārā Pari-pūraṇī; Wyl. sgrol ma yongs su rdzogs byed ma)


    Here is Heroic Red Tara in the Nyingma Terma tradition. Here, the visualization is different, with various implements (in this case a conch shell) on the blue lotus held in Tara’s hand. See our feature on this lineage>>

    Buddha Weekly Tara 1 Tara who is swift and courageous Drolma Nyurma Pamo red conch shell swift elimination suffering Buddhism
    Tara 1 in the Nyingma lineage visualization has the sacred conch shell on top of a lotus in Tara’s left hand. Art by Lasha Mutul.

     

    Nyingma terma tradition of Jigme Lingpa

    For our feature on the Nyingma terma tradition of 21 Taras, see>>

    1 Tara who is swift and courageous (sgrol ma myur ma dpa’ mo; Drolma Nyurma Pamo; Skt. Tārā Turavīrā) for development of bodhichitta
    2 Tara who is melodious (sgrol ma dbyangs can ma; Drolma Yangchenma; Skt. Tārā Sarasvatī) for knowledge and wisdom (i.e. Sarasvati)
    3 Tara who grants supreme merit (sgrol ma bsod nams mchog gter; Drolma Sonam Chokter; Skt. Tārā Puṇyottama-dā) for the force of merit
    4 Tara who is completely victorious (sgrol ma gtsug gtor rnam rgyal; Drolma Tsuktor Namgyal; Skt. Tārā Uṣṇīṣa-vijayā) for long life (i.e. Ushnishavijaya)
    5 Tara Kurukulla (sgrol ma rig byed ma; Drolma Rikchema; Skt. Kurukullā) for magnetising people and wealth
    6 Tara who causes terror (sgrol ma ‘jigs byed chen mo; Drolma Jikché Chenmo; Skt. Tārā Mahābairavā) for destroying the power of harmful influences (i.e. Vajravidarana)
    7 Tara who is invincible (sgrol ma gzhan gyis mi thub ma; Drolma Shyenkyi Mitupma; Skt. Tārā Aparadhṛṣyā) for protection from hailstorms and lightning
    8 Tara, triumphant over others (sgrol ma gzhan mi rgyal ba; Drolma Shyen Migyalwa; Skt. Tārā Aparajitā) for repelling blame
    9 Tara of the Khadira Forest (sgrol ma seng ldeng nags; Drolma Sengdeng Nakkyi; Skt. Tārā Khadira-vaṇī) for protection from the eight great fears. (She is the main Tara, green in colour)
    10 Tara who conquers the three worlds (sgrol ma ‘jig rten gsum rgyal; Drolma Jikten Sumgyal; Skt. Tārā Trailokavijayā) to have power over the world
    11 Tara who bestows wealth (nor ster ma; Drolma Nor Terma; Skt. Tārā Vasudā) for dispelling poverty and granting good fortune
    12 Tara who brings auspiciousness (bkra shis don byed; Drolma Tashi Dönché; Skt. Tārā Maṅgalārthā) for the auspiciousness of children, fame, rain and so on
    13 Tara who destroys the power of enemies (sgrol ma dgra dpung ‘joms ma; Drolma Drapung Jomma; Skt. Tārā Ripu-cakra-vināśinī) for victory in war
    14 Tara Furrowing Brow (sgrol ma khro gnyer can mdzad; Drolma Tronyer Chendze; Skt. Tārā Bhṛkuṭī) for protection from spirits
    15 Tara who is perfect peace (sgrol ma rab tu zhi ma; Drolma Rabtu Shyiwa; Skt. Tārā Praśāntī) for purifying harmful actions
    16 Tara who is ablaze with light (sgrol ma ‘bar ba’i ‘od can; Drolma Barwé Öchen; Skt. Tārā Kiraṇojjvalā) for dispelling spells and negative effects
    17 Tara of limitless subjugation (sgrol ma dpag med gnon ma; Drolma Pakmé Nönam; Skt. Tārā Aprameyākramaṇī) for protection from robbers, thieves, animals and hunters
    18 Tara, majestic as the Great Peahen (sgrol ma rma bya chen mo; Drolma Mabja Chenmo; Skt. Tārā Mahāmāyūrī) to protect from and neutralize poison
    19 Tara who is unconquerable and victorious (sgrol ma mi pham rgyal mo; Drolma Mipam Gyalmo; Skt. Tārā Ajitarājñī) for protection from quarrels and bad dreams (i.e. Sitatapatra)
    20 Tara, Dweller in the mountains (sgrol ma ri khrod ma; Drolma Ritröma; Skt. Tārā Śabarī) for protection from epidemics
    21 Tara, ‘Rays of Light’ (sgrol ma od zer can ma; Drolma Özer Chenma; Skt. Tārā Mārīcī) for restoring the spirits and energies of sick people (i.e. Marichi)

     

    21 taras Atisha Lineage Buddha Weekly
    21 Tara’s according to Sadhanasamucchaya, Nyingma Terma

    21 Praises to Tara in English

    Venerable Zasep Rinpoche’s careful English translation (without equal beats) is reproduced below from his beautiful book Tara in the Palm of Your Hand (on Amazon here>>):
    Tara 1
    Homage to you, the Swift One, the Heroine,
    Whose eyes are like an instant flash of lightning,
    Who arose from the open corolla
    Of the lotus face of the Lord of the Three Worlds.
    Tara 2
    Homage to you whose face is like one hundred autumn moons
    Completely full, and gathered into one,
    Radiating a great and distinguished light,
    Superior to the gathering of a thousand stars.
    Tara 3
    Homage to you who are golden blue,
    Whose hands are beautifully decorated with a water-born lotus;
    Who embody the Six Perfections of giving, moral discipline,
    Patience, perseverance, concentration, and wisdom.
    Tara 4
    Homage to you, who crown the Buddhas’ ushnishas,
    Whose victorious actions are without limit,
    Who have attained all transcendental wisdoms without exception,
    And on whom the Bodhisattvas themselves rely.
    Tara 5
    Homage to you, who, uttering TUTTARE and HUM,
    Fill the worlds of desire, direction and space,
    Who with your feet press down the seven worlds,
    And who by your power draw all beings without exception.
    Tara 6
    Homage to you to whom Indra, Agni,
    Brahma, Vayu, Ishvara and the other gods offer prayers,
    And who are praised by spirits, zombies,
    Smell-eaters and Yakshas.
    Tara 7
    Homage to you who with the mantras TRA and PHAT
    Completely destroy all the magic wheels,
    Crushing them with your right leg bent and your left stretched out,
    Burning them completely in a blazing whirl of fire.
    Tara 8
    Homage to you, TURE, the Great Fierce One,
    Who totally destroy the leaders of the maras,
    Whose lotus face forms wrathful wrinkles,
    And who annihilate all enemies without exception.
    Tara 9
    Homage to you whose fingers, held at your chest,
    Are in the mudra of the Three Jewels;
    The gathered light from your hands,
    Decorated with wheels, extends in all directions.
    Tara 10
    Homage to you who are so joyful,
    With a garland of light around your crown,
    And whose great laughter of TUTTARA
    Overpowers all the worlds and maras.
    Tara 11
    Homage to you, endowed with the power
    To draw the assembly of worldly guardians,
    The One who with the HUM of wrathful wrinkles
    Rescues completely from all poverty.
    Tara 12
    Homage to you who are crowned with a crescent moon,
    And whose ornaments shine brightly,
    With Amitabha Buddha seated in front of your ushnisha
    Eternally sending forth beams of light.
    Tara 13
    Homage to you who dwell within a garland of flames
    Like the fire at the end of the aeon;
    With your right leg outstretched and your left bent with joy,
    You destroy all enemies.
    Tara 14
    Homage to you who strike the ground with the palm of your hand
    And trample it with your foot;
    With a wrathful, wrinkled face and the sound of HUM,
    You subdue all seven levels of the world.
    Tara 15
    Homage to you, the happy, virtuous, peaceful one,
    Who act from the eternal bliss of Nirvana,
    And who with the pure sounds of SOHA and OM
    Eliminate even the strongest unwholesome Karmas.
    Tara 16
    Homage to you who turn the sharp Wheel of Dharma
    For those who love the teachings,
    And who crush all inner and outer enemies,
    With the ten-syllable mantra and the seed syllable HUM.
    Tara 17
    Homage to you who stamp your feet while reciting the sound of TURE,
    Whose essence syllable is HUM;
    You cause Mount Meru, Mandhara and Vindhya
    And all three worlds to tremble and shake.
    Tara 18
    Homage to you who hold in your hand
    A beautiful moon resembling a celestial lake;
    Saying TARA twice, and the letter PHAT
    You dispel poisons completely and forever.
    Tara 19
    Homage to you on whom the lords of the hosts of devas rely,
    And also the lords of the Gandharvas;
    By the splendor of your joyful armour,
    You eliminate arguments and nightmares as well.
    Tara 20
    Homage to you whose two eyes
    Are so beautiful and bright, like the sun or moon;
    Saying HARA twice, and TUTTARE again
    You quell and eliminate the most fearful epidemics.
    Tara 21
    Homage to you who by embodying the three Ultimates
    Are perfect with the strength of peace,
    Able to eliminate maras, Dons, zombies, and Yakshas;
    TURE is the most exalted syllable of the Supreme.

     

    21 Praises to Tara in Sanskrit (Western characters)

     

    Om namah spukasam namah Taraye mi Tara
    1
    Namas Tare Ture vire
    kshanair dyuti nibhekshane
    trailokya nat ha vaktrabja
    vikasat kesharobhave
    2
    Namah shata sharac chandra
    sampurna patalanane
    Tara sahasra nikara
    prahasat kira noj jvale
    3
    Namah kanaka nilabja
    pani padma vibhu shite
    dana virya tapah shanti
    titik sha dhyana gochare
    4
    Namas tat hagatosh nisha
    vijayananta charini
    ashesha paramita prapta
    jina putra nishevite
    5
    Namas Tuttara Hum kara
    puritasha dig antare
    sapta loka kramakranti
    asheshak arshanak shame
    6
    Namah shakranala Brahma
    marud vishvesh varachite
    bhuta vetala gand harva
    gana yaksha puras krte
    7
    Namas trad iti phat kara
    para yantra pramardani
    praty alid ha pada nyase
    shik hi jvalakulek shane
    8
    Namas Ture maha ghore
    mara vira vinashani
    bhrku ti krta vaktrabja
    sarva shatrum nishudani
    9
    Namas tri ratna mudranka
    hrdyanguli vibhushite
    bhu shitashesha dik chakra
    nikara sva Karakule
    10
    Namah pramudita topa
    muku ta kshipta malini
    hasat prahasat Tuttare
    mara loka vashamkari
    11
    Namah samanta bhu pala
    patalakarshana kshame
    chalat bhrku ti hum kara
    sarvapada vimoch ani
    12
    Namah shikhanda kandendu
    muku tabha ranojjvale
    Amitabha jata bhara
    bhasvare kirana dhruve
    13
    Namah kalpanta hutabhug
    jvala malan Tara sthite
    alidha muditabandha
    ripu chakra vinashani
    14
    Namah kara talaghata
    charana hata bhu tale
    bhrkuti krta Hum kara
    sapta patala bhedini
    15
    Namah shive shubhe shante
    shanta nirvana gochare
    svaha pranava samyukte
    maha papaka na shani
    16
    Namah pramudi tabandha
    ripu gatra vabhedini
    dashakshara pada nyashe
    vidya Hum kara dipite
    17
    Namas Ture pada ghata
    Hum karakara bijite
    meru mandara kailasa
    bhuvana traya chalini
    18
    Namah sura sarakara
    harinika karast hite
    Tara dvir ukta Phat kara
    ashesha visha nashani
    19
    Namah sura ganadh yaksha
    sura kimnara sevite
    abandha mudita bhoga
    kali duhs vapna nashani
    20
    Namah chandrarka sampurna
    nayana dyuti bhas vare
    hara dvir ukta Tuttare
    vishama jvara nashani
    21
    Namas tri tattva vinyasa
    shiva shakti saman vite
    graha vetala yakshaugha
    nashani pravare Ture

    21 Praises to Tara in Tibetan

     

    Chhag tshäl dröl ma nyur ma pa mo
    Chän ni kä chig log dang dra ma
    Jig ten sum gön chhu kye zhäl gyi
    Ge sar je wa lä ni jung ma

    Chhag tshäl tön käi da wa kün tu
    Gang wa gya ni tseg päi zhäl ma
    Kar ma tong thrag tshog pa nam kyi
    Rab tu chhe wäi ö rab bar ma

    Chhag tshäl ser ngo chhu nä kye kyi
    Pä mä chhag ni nam par gyän ma
    Jin pa tsön drü ka thub zhi wa
    Zö pa sam tän chö yül nyi ma

    Chhag tshäl de zhin sheg päi tsug tor
    Tha yä nam par gyäl war chö ma
    Ma lü pha röl chhin pa thob päi
    Gyäl wäi sä kyi shin tu ten ma

    Chhag tshäl TUTTARA HUM yi ge
    Dö dang chhog dang nam kha gang ma
    Jig ten dün po zhab kyi nän te
    Lü pa me par gug par nü ma

    Chhag tshäl gya jin me lha tshang pa
    Lung lha na tshog wang chhug chhö ma
    Jung po ro lang dri za nam dang
    Nö jin tshog kyi dün nä tö ma

    Chhag tshäl TRAD che ja dang PHAT kyi
    Pha röl thrül khor rab tu jom ma
    Yä kum yön kyang zhab kyi nän te
    Me bar thrug pa shin tu bar ma

    Chhag tshäl TURE jig pa chhen po
    Dü kyi pa wo nam par jom ma
    Chhu kye zhäl ni thro nyer dän dzä
    Dra wo tham chä ma lü sö ma

    Chhag tshäl rab tu ga wa ji päi
    U gyän ö kyi threng wa pel ma
    Zhe pa rab zhä TUTTARA yi
    Dü dang jig ten wang du dzä ma

    Chhag tshäl sa zhi kyong wäi tshog nam
    Tham chä gug par nü ma nyi ma
    Thro nyer yo wäi yi ge HUM gi
    Phong pa tham chä nam par dröl ma

    Chhag tshäl da wäi dum bü u gyän
    Gyän pa tham chä shin tu bar ma
    Räl päi khur na ö pag me lä
    Tag par shin tu ö rab dzä ma

    Chhag tshäl käl päi tha mäi me tar
    Bar wäi threng wäi ü na nä ma
    Yä kyang yön kum kün nä kor gäi
    Dra yi pung ni nam par jom ma

    Chhag tshäl sa zhii ngö la chhag gi
    Thil gyi nün ching zhab kyi dung ma
    Thro nyer chän dzä yi ge HUM gi
    Rim pa dün po nam ni gem ma

    Chhag tshäl de ma ge ma zhi ma
    Nya ngän dä zhi chö yül nyi ma
    SVAHA OM dang yang dag dän pä
    Dig pa chhen po jom pa nyi ma

    Chhag tshäl kün nä kor rab ga wäi
    Dra yi lü ni nam par gem ma
    Yi ge chu päi ngag ni kö päi
    Rig pa HUM lä dröl ma nyi ma

    Chhag tshäl TURE zhab ni deb pä
    HUM gi nam päi sa bön nyi ma
    Ri rab Mandhara dang big je
    Jig ten sum nam yo wa nyi ma

    Chhag tshäl lha yi tsho yi nam päi
    Ri dag tag chän chhag na nam ma
    TARA nyi jö PHAT kyi yi ge
    Dug nam ma lü pa ni sel ma

    Chhag tshäl lha yi tshog nam gyäl po
    Lha dang mi am chi yi ten ma
    Kün nä go chha ga wäi ji gyi
    Tsö dang mi lam ngän pa sel ma

    Chhag tshäl nyi ma da wa gyä päi
    Chän nyi po la ö rab säl ma
    HARA nyi jö TUTTARA yi
    Shin tu drag pöi rim nä sel ma

    Chhag tshäl de nyi sum nam kö pä
    Zhi wäi thü dang yang dag dän ma
    Dön dang ro lang nö jin tshog nam
    Jom pa TURE rab chhog nyi ma

    Sources

    1. Rinpoche, Lama Zopa. The Power of Mantra: Vital Practices for Transformation (Wisdom Culture Series) (pp. 97-98). Wisdom Publications. Kindle Edition. The mantras quoted here are from the teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and are the Sanskrit versions of the mantras. In Tibetan they sound slightly different. (For example, “Svaha,” which is Sanskrit becomes “Soha” in Tibetan phonetics.) As quoted here, from Lama Zopa’s book The Power of Mantra: Vital Practices for Transformation (full details in Citations). For the mantras according to Surya Gupta, see our previous series. [Found here>>]
    2. Sanskrit names and praises from: In Praise of Tara, Martin Wilson
    3. Surya Gupta names: Tara in the Palm of Your Hand, Venerable Zasep Rinpoche
    4. Nyingma Lineage names: Rigpawiki.
    5. Bokar Rinpoche. Tara The Feminine Divine (Kindle Locations 402-405). Kindle Edition.

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    Lee Kane

    Author | Buddha Weekly

    Lee Kane is the editor of Buddha Weekly, since 2007. His main focuses as a writer are mindfulness techniques, meditation, Dharma and Sutra commentaries, Buddhist practices, international perspectives and traditions, Vajrayana, Mahayana, Zen. He also covers various events.
    Lee also contributes as a writer to various other online magazines and blogs.

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