Tara

Taaraa

Sanskrit Name

तारा

Meaning

The Star, The One Who Helps Cross Over

Preferred Time

Early morning or midnight

Tara is one of the Mahavidyas, a form of the Divine Mother who guides devotees across the ocean of existence. While similar to Kali in appearance, she represents compassionate protection and spiritual guidance. In Tibetan Buddhism, she is known as the 'Mother of Liberation' and in Hindu Tantra as the 'Second Mahavidya' who offers swift salvation.

Significance

  • ❁ Standing on a corpse symbolizing transcendence of ego
  • ❁ Blue complexion representing infinite space
  • ❁ Four arms showing divine powers
  • ❁ Scissors for cutting bondage
  • ❁ Sword indicating discrimination

Spiritual Practice

Daily Practices

  • ❁ Regular meditation
  • ❁ Mantra recitation
  • ❁ Contemplation on form
  • ❁ Inner surrender

Essential Aspects

  • ❁ Development of discrimination
  • ❁ Cultivation of devotion
  • ❁ Practice of detachment
  • ❁ Service to guru

Key Aspects

  • ❁ Divine guide across existence
  • ❁ Protector of spiritual aspirants
  • ❁ Bestower of swift liberation
  • ❁ Mother of compassion
  • ❁ Granter of spiritual wisdom

Common Misconceptions

Same as Kali Distinct aspect of Divine Mother
Only for tantriks For all spiritual seekers
Too fierce Supremely compassionate
Only Buddhist deity Important in both traditions

Special Observances

Full moon nights Eclipse periods Early morning hours Spiritual retreats

Forms and Aspects

Neel Tara Blue form
Ugra Tara Fierce aspect
Maha Tara Great form
Ekajata Unified form

Modern Applications

Personal Growth

  • ❁ Finding direction
  • ❁ Navigating difficulties
  • ❁ Developing wisdom
  • ❁ Building connection

Spiritual Development

  • ❁ Understanding guidance
  • ❁ Inner transformation
  • ❁ Spiritual navigation
  • ❁ Divine protection

Spiritual Benefits

Swift spiritual progress Protection during journeys Guidance in practice Removal of obstacles Liberation from bondage

Additional Information

Yantra

Tara Yantra

Direction

North

Colors

Blue, White

Elements

Water and Space

Gemstones

Blue Sapphire, Moonstone

Core Essence

Tara embodies the guiding light of divine wisdom that helps seekers navigate through the darkness of ignorance to the shore of enlightenment. She represents the perfect combination of motherly protection and spiritual guidance that ensures safe passage across the ocean of worldly existence.