Tara practice is among the most beautiful and inspiring practices in Mahayana Buddhism, but — why are there so many Taras? In every Mahayana tradition, there are many aspects or emanations of Tara — seemingly one for every fear or danger sentient beings face. Is it because she is so beloved? Probably. Is it because she represents the activities of all the Buddhas, and therefore emanates in many helpful ways? This is certainly true.

 

 

21 Taras are well known, but there are also 108 Taras, 1008 Taras, and many more. Even within the 21 Taras, there are five main lineages of practice, each visualized slightly differently — although you could group (for simplicity, as we’re doing here) several lineages under the teachings of Atisha and Jigme Lingpa (Nyingma) as they are similar and use the same names.

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• For our in-depth feature on the 21 Taras according to the lineage of Lord Atisha, see this companion feature>>
• For our in-depth feature on the 21 Taras (in three parts) covering the Surya Gupta lineage of 21 Taras, see part 1 here>>

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NOTE: These images are copyright Lasha Mutual. Please visit her website for information. They are available in book, poster and card form.

It may seem unnecessarily complicated, but the symbolism is quite profound. Tara emanates in these countless forms because we have countless fears and obstacles. None of our fears are unimportant: epidemics, war, poverty, the list is endless. Fortunately, Tara is heroic and tireless! From our end, all of our obstacles must be faced with heroic resolve — Tara’s resolve.

In part 1 of this series, we focus on the Praise to 21 Taras — which is consistent across all lineages — and the four language versions: Sanskrit, Tibetan, English (non-musical), and English for chanting. In part 2 we compare the differences, Tara 1-21 between Atisha lineage, Nyingma Terma lineage, and Surya Gupta lineage.

The 21 Taras praises in an English video with Atisha/Nyingma- style visualizations

Tara’s activity in our lives is why we should practice

Why should we practice? Tara, as an aspect of the Enlightened Buddhas, is the one we go to for activities. She is literally the activity of all the Buddhas. Anything to do with Karma and activity is her “Domaine” — which, let’s face it, is everything in our lives. As much as we talk about the Bodhichitta goal of Enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, to get there, we need Tara’s help. And, never fear, if you don’t have time for the 21 Taras praise (which takes moments each day!) simply chanting her mantra will bring you into Tara’s loving and compassionate, motherly care.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha (Tibetan pronunciation)

Simplified 21 Taras!

Fortunately, the 21 Taras practice — which is a daily practice to most Tibetan Buddhists of most lineages — has a simplified visualization and practice as taught by the great Mahasidda Atisha, which focuses mostly on color and minor attributes. The lovely Nyingma style is more-or-less the same Taras, names, and colors, but adds a lotus with a meaningful symbol on the blossom (such as a flaming vajra or a Dharma wheel.)

Unlike the Surya Gupta lineage, which requires 21 days for initiation (one for each Tara) due to the complexity of visualization, Atisha and Nyingma lineage 21 Taras can be practiced by anyone. The complexity is reduced to a level anyone can practice — even those limited by time constraints. This means the profound realizations, powerful activities and pleasing devotional aspects are accessible to everyone.

 

 

The Atisha and Nyingma (and related) lineages of 21 Taras became the most popular and important in all Tibetan Buddhism, in part, due to devotional simplicity. With the other main system, which comes down in unbroken lineage from the great Mahasiddha Surya Gupta, the 21 Taras are visualized in much more detail, with various appearances, sometimes multiple arms and different attributions. (If you are interested in this practice, please see our 3-part series on the Surya Gupta lineage, found here>>)

No matter which tradition or version of the 21 Taras you practice, the essence is the same — that each one is there to protect you from a different kind of danger or obstacle. They are all important, and each one has something valuable to teach us. At the same time, all are Tara — in other words, if you are in trouble, just call out Tara’s name!

Quick Comparison: Atisha and Nyingma

Although we’ll covering this detail-by-detail in part two of this series, it’s worth pointing out the major difference in visualization between the Nyingma (top below) and the Atisha (bottom). In

Nyingma lineage Tara is red and holds a lotus stem in her left hand on top of which is her symbol, a Conch shell:

 

Atisha lineage Tara is red with a vase in right hand:

 

 

A pleasing, profound, powerful, precise practice!

21 Taras Lineage practice is a profound, powerful, precise, pleasing daily practice. It is also a Mahayana found in all of the Tibetan Buddhists of most lineages. The 21 Taras practice is one of the most popular and important in all Tibetan Buddhism.

The praises to the 21 Taras contain the heart of Atisha practice, when combined with visualizations of the Taras in their different aspects. Even if Atisha’s clear and concise practice seems difficult — it is enough to remember that all Taras are Tara. The emanations symbolize her many activities and powers and compassion.

 

 

Sanskrit, Tibetan and English, plus English?

Teachers are clear that it doesn’t matter if you chant these in the original Sanskrit — although it is profoundly beautiful — in Tibetan, or in English. The main complication with English, if you wish to “chant” it musically — which, let’s face it, makes it more memorable and beautiful — is the number of beats. While Sanskrit and Tibetan both have eight beats per line, making musical offerings easier, the English translations for the most part are uneven — 16 on one line, 8 on the next. This is a language structural issue.

In this feature, we will provide the Sanskrit praise, Tibetan Praise, and TWO English versions — one of which we’re produced as a beautiful chanted version. The first English version is the commonly accepted translation with uneven beats. If you choose to practice this one, it’s best to just speak it, rather than try to chant.

 

 

We also provide an 11-beat English version approved by Venerable Zasep Rinpoche (author of Tara in the Palm of Your Hand, and a notable “Lotsawa” or translator of both Tibetan and Sanskrit texts). This carefully went back and forth from editor to translator to ensure none of the intentions and meanings changed — and in the end, we had a beautiful eleven-beat version and melody. Please enjoy below.

 Praises to the Twenty-one Taras

The praises as chanted and practiced today usually open with a lovely introductory verse sometimes called the praise of the mantra or just simply the homage to Tara. This honors the mantra, and some teachers advocate that if you are in a hurry, you can chant this several times instead of the entire 21 verses — but clearly, this is a compromise for modern, busy lives. If you have time, it is always best to chant the original 21 verses from the texts.

Then, the question becomes do you chant in Tibetan, Sanskrit, or English? Tibetan and Sanskrit are both 8 beats per line, and lend themselves to music. It’s one of the joys of Tibetan practices — its lovely musicality. Most English translations, as discussed, are irregular. Now, with an 11-beat version, you can chant the English version as well. (There are other versions of “English chant-able” as well, although some slightly change the “meaning’ of the translation.)

 

 

The Tibetan text and the non-equal beat English translations are courtesy of “Tara in the Palm of Your Hand” — an amazing book by Venerable Zasep Rinpoche.[1] The Introductory Tibetan praise is cited from Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal’s “Tara’s Enlightened Activity” another amazing book.[2] The Tibetan version is from FPMT’s Praises to Twenty-one Taras practice. [3]

Whether English, Tibetan or Sanskrit, all are reproduced below.

NOTE: Sanskrit and Tibetan are here transliterated in the Western alphabet for easier practice since many practitioners do not read Tibetan or Sanskrit text.

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.

Praise to the Mantra

Before the main 21 Taras Praises, early commentaries added the praise to the mantra at the beginning. Think of this as an introductory, or a stand-alone practice, as many teachers say it is a powerful practice in its own right.

Sanskrit praise to the mantra

In Sanskrit (CAPS are on the actual words from the mantra, Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha.)

OM! Namas TARE Ture vire

TUTTARE bhaya na shane

TURE sarvart ha da TARE

SVAHA kare namo stute

(So, as an example, pronouncing the first line in the above verse would more or less be: Aum! Nah-Mahs Tah-ray Two-ray Vee-ray)

Tibetan praise to the mantra

CHAG TSHAL TA RE NYUR MA PA MO

TU TA RA YI JIG PA SEL MA

TU RE DON KUN JIN PE DROL MA

SO HE YI GE CHO LA DU DO

Normal English (nonchantable)

Homage to Tara, quick one, heroine. (9 beats)

With TUTTARA, you are the one who banishes all fear. (14 beats)

With TURE, the liberator who bestows all benefits. (15 beats)

With SOHA, I pay homage to you. (9 beats)

Chantable English (used in the video)

Approved by Venerable Zasep Rinpoche

Homage to Tara the Swift and Courageous, (11 beats)

You drive away all our fears with TUTTARE, (11 beats)

Saviouress fulfilling all aims with TURE, (11 beats)

With syllables SVAHA, we offer homage. (11 beats)

21 Praises in English – Chantable version

Since many are probably reading this feature for the 11-beats sung version featured in the video, we’re starting with this one. Try the music developed in 11 beats by Hrishikesh Sonar, or, if you’re developing your own chant, structure it for 11 syllables per line.

We’re just labeling Tara 1-21, since the names of the Taras vary between lineages:

 

Tara 1

Homage to You, the Swift One, the Heroine,

Your gaze is as quick as flashes of lightning

Who arose from the majestic carolla

From the Lotus face of the Lord of Three Worlds.

 

 

Tara 2

Homage to You with a face that resembles

The gathering of one hundred autumn full moons

And who with the brightness of stars by the thousands

Shines in a vast perfect light of resplendence.

 

 

Tara 3

Homage to You divine golden-blue Goddess

Whose hands are adorned by water-born lotus.

Embody Six Perfections: Giving, Patience

Ethics, Concentration, Vigor, and Wisdom

 

 

Tara 4

Homage to You who crowns Buddha’s ushnishas,

Whose victorious actions have no limit.

Who has attained ev’ry transcendent wisdom,

On whom the Bodhisattvas themselves rely.

 

 

Tara 5

Homage to You who with HUM and TUTTARA,

Fill all worlds of desire, direction, space.

Who with your feet press down on the Seven Worlds;

You subdue all beings under your power.

 

 

Tara 6

Homage to You praised by Indra and Agni,

Brahma, Vayu, Ishvara and all the gods

All the spirits, zombies, and the smell-eaters,

Even the Yakshas give praise in Your presence.

 

 

Tara 7

Homage to You who with the TRAY and PEY sounds,

Crush every magical wheel, evil forces,

Right leg extended and left bent, you trample,

You burn them completely in Your whirling fire.

 

 

Tara 8

Homage to You, TURE, the Boundless Fierce One,

Who totally destroys leaders of maras.

Whose lotus-like face forms furious wrinkles,

You annihilate foes without exception.

 

 

 

Tara 9

Homage to You whose fingers held at Your chest,

Displaying the mudra of the Three Jewels;

Beautiful swirling light in your precious hands

Dharma wheels connect every direction.

 

 

Tara 10

Homage to You, the majestic and joyful

With brilliant garlands of light around your crown

With the great clangor of laughter TUTTARA

Over power all the worlds and the maras.

 

 

 

Tara 11

Homage to You, endowed with the great power,

To draw assembly of worldly guardians.

The One who with the HUM of wrathful wrinkles

You rescue completely from all poverty.

 

 

Tara 12

Homage to You, who is crowned with crescent moon,

And whose ornaments so brilliantly sparkle.

Amitabha in front of your ushnisha,

Eternally radiating beams of light.

 

 

 Tara 13

Homage to You, who dwell in garlands of flames

Engulfed in fire like the end of the aeon.

Right leg outstretched and left bent with blissful joy

Who with your power destroy all enemies.

 

 

Tara 14

Homage to You, striking the ground with your hand

And crushing the earth with your majestic foot.

With wrathful, wrinkled face and the sound of HUM

You fully subdue seven levels of worlds.

 

 

Tara 15

Homage to You, happy, virtuous and peaceful,

Who acts from eternal bliss of Nirvana.

And who with the pure sounds of OM and SVAHA,

Eliminates the most unwholesome Karmas!

 

 

 

Tara 16

Homage to You, who turns the Wheel of Dharma

For truly devoted, who love the teachings

Crushing enemies — all types of obstacles

with the Hum and the ten-syllable mantra.

 

 

Tara 17

Homage to You with feet stamping and Ture

Whose essence is the sacred syllable Hum.

You cause Mount Meru, Mandhara and Vindhya

Making all three worlds to tremble and shake!

 

 

Tara 18

Homage to You, holding the moon in Your hand

Like a celestial ocean of nectar.

Sound of the PEY and the twice uttered TARA

You completely dispel every poison.

 

 

Tara 19

Homage to You on whom the devas rely

And also the lords of all the Gandharvas.

Your armor of joy, a radiant brightness,

You eliminate arguments and nightmares.

 

 

Tara 20

Homage to You, whose two eyes are shining bright,

Brilliant with light like the sun and the full moon.

Saying HARA twice and TUTTARE again

You clear and eliminate epidemics.

 

 

 

Tara 21

Homage to You whose pure Body, Speech and Mind

Are perfect with the strength and power of peace.

Suppressing Maras, Dons, Zombies and Yakshas

With the most exalted syllable TURE.

English without the 11 beats

Venerable Zasep Rinpoche’s careful English translation (without equal beats) is reproduced below from his beautiful book Tara in the Palm of Your Hand:

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 Tara Praise in Sanskrit

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 Taras Praise 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

 

• In part 2 of this series, we compare the visualizations and attributes of the various lineages.

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SOURCES

[1] Tara in the Palm of Your Hand, Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, Windhorse Press.

[2] Khenchen Palden Sherab;Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal. Tara’s Enlightened Activity: An Oral Commentary On The Twenty-One Praises To Tara (Kindle Location 409). Kindle Edition.

[3] Praises to the 21 Taras, FPMT (this link downloads a PDF>>)

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