Green Tara The Savioress - Meditation and Visualization

Green Tara Meditation Practice and visualization.

Green Tara, the savioress, is the most beloved by Tibetans of all the female awakened beings. Tara is known as “she who ferries beings across the ocean of Samsara.” She is fully enlightened and is inseparable from genuine reality, or true nature, the Dharmakaya. She rushes to the aid of beings when we call upon her with heartfelt devotion.

Peaceful and wrathful, beautiful and powerful, Tara is the actuality of wisdom and compassion. She is sensual and sexual, empty yet fully manifest, and as real as we are. She transcends dualistic limitations and leads us beyond duality to the infinite bliss and emptiness that is our true nature.

Tara is the Mother of all the Buddhas, the essence of compassion in action. Her right foot is slightly extended, because she is ready to leap to the aid of beings. Her right hand is opened out on her right knee, in the gesture of generosity. Her left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower, which is blossoming next to her left ear.

Meditating on Tara helps us awaken our Buddha nature. Through continued meditation practice on her, we can establish a relationship in which we are able to trust and rely on her. It is like getting to know a new friend — we have to invite her over to our home many times until we get to know her. The more we are able to open to her, the more she is able to benefit us.

Like all Vajrayana practices, Tara visualization can be very elaborate. Here is a basic version you can do that contains all the essential steps of deity practice. Please refer to my article below for more details of Chittamani-tara-highest-yoga-tantra dated August 18, 2022 : https://bit.ly/3ehwOnP

Let the mind settle, resting in natural open awareness. Then take refuge in the awakened ones and generate the supreme motivation to awaken yourself for the benefit of all sentient beings. Recite “Until awakening, I take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and noble Sangha / By the merit of my acts of generosity and other awakening qualities / May I attain full awakening for the benefit of all beings.”

Think that everything dissolves into emptiness/openness. Then visualize that in the sky in front of you, from her seed syllable TAM, Green Tara instantly appears, sitting on a full open lotus and moon seat. She is blue-green, the color of a mountain lake. She is arrayed in silks and jewels, symbolizing the six transcendent perfections and full awakening.

Radiate light from your heart center. Imagine that it purifies the phenomenal world, makes offerings to the enlightened ones, and invites Tara’s actual wisdom awareness to be present with you. Visualize that this happens by numerous small forms of Tara raining down into the form you have visualized. Think that the Tara you have imagined becomes inseparable from her actual wisdom awareness.

While you are repeating her mantra, Om Tare Tu Tare Ture Soha, visualize that from her outstretched right hand comes a river of wisdom elixir, turquoise-green in color. This removes all fear, gives protection, removes obstacles and obscurations, and transmits enlightened awareness to you. Make prayers to Tara, and receive her blessing.

Then Tara dissolves into light and that light dissolves into you. Think that your mind is inseparable from Tara’s enlightened mind. See yourself in the form of Tara, appearing as a body made of light, emptiness and form inseparable. In your heart area is a blue-green TAM. From it, light radiates out joy, compassion, loving-kindness, strength, and equanimity to all beings. Keep repeating her mantra.

When you have finished repeating the mantra, gradually dissolve the visualization until there is just a drop of turquoise light left in your heart area, the essence of your Buddha nature. Then this dissolves into space, like a rainbow disappearing into the sky.

Rest your mind naturally for a few minutes or longer. Dedicate the merit of the practice to all beings: “Through this goodness may awaken spontaneously arise in our streams of being / May all obscurations and distortions fall away / May all beings be liberated from suffering, and the stormy waves of birth, sickness, old age, and death.”

(Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. Thank you.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Chittamani Tara Ritual - Tara the Wisdom Mother

 

Chittamani Tara Ritual - Tara the Wisdom Mother

Chittamani Tara is the Highest Yoga Tantra aspect of Green Tara, one of the most popular yidams in Tibetan Buddhism. Tara the Wisdom Mother is invoked in times of personal difficulties, family and business problems, and when there is a need for quick wisdom action. She manifests in twenty-one different forms to benefit all beings. In the aspect of Chittamani Tara, she responds quickly to the requests those who pray to her.

By performing the practice of Tara, one can collect a great deal of merit, avoid suffering and lower rebirth, receive initiation from innumerable Buddhas and quickly attain Enlightenment. Tara's blessing is especially effective and appropriate for a person who has many virtuous missions to accomplish.

Chittamani Tara (Green Tara), is a deity of Anuttarayoga Tantra, the highest yoga tantra. There are many inner obstructions to our mental development that manifest as external obstacles. 

To be successful in our Dharma practice and to actualize the path to Enlightenment, we need to rely on a special Buddha like Green Tara. It is taught that the enlightened activity of all the Buddhas manifests in the form of Tara, who helps sentient beings successfully accomplish both temporary and ultimate happiness.

Anuttarayoga Tantra

Anuttarayoga Tantra often translated as Unexcelled Yoga Tantra or Highest Yoga Tantra, is a term used in Tibetan Buddhism in the categorization of esoteric Tantric Indian Buddhist texts that constitute part of the Kangyur, or the 'translated words of The Buddha' in the Tibetan Buddhist canon.

In the Tibetan Buddhism, Anuttarayoga Tantra is the highest of four classes and is associated with the Mahamudra route to Enlightenment. Anuttarayoga Tantra literally means 'Unexcelled Union Continuity'.

Highest Yoga Tantra is the highest of the four classes of Tantra. According to the Sarma tradition, Highest Yoga Tantras are divided into Mother Tantras, Father Tantras and Non-dual Tantras.

The four classes of Tantra

Three outer classes - 

1. Kriya Tantra
2. Charya Tantra 
3. Yoga Tantra 
4. And one inner class of tantra, which is called Highest Yoga Tantra.

The latter is divided into three:

1. Father Tantras, such as the Guhyasamaja Tantra, the King of Tantras
2. Mother Tantras, such as the Chakrasamvara Tantra
3. Non-dual Tantras, such as Kalachakra

In the Nyingma tradition, the Highest Yoga Tantra corresponds to the three inner tantras of Mahayoga, Anuyoga and Atiyoga. 

For (Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Lamp Aspiration - By Mipham Rinpoche

Why Light Offerings?

Why lights? Light means understanding because light represents wisdom. And light removes and dispels misunderstanding. All of our sufferings come from not knowing and not seeing. Offering lights or butter lamps indirectly removes the confusion. Throughout the Buddhist world, in all traditions of Buddhist practice, devotees offer light.

The life stories of accomplished men and women give examples of people beginning their path to liberation by offering light to an image or at a place of pilgrimage. We are lighting the way for ourselves and for other beings when we make the wish to dispel the darkness of ignorance!

Why lights?  Isn’t that just a cultural tradition?  What is the benefit of making light offerings?  Why should I make butter lamp offerings?  Because we are not accustomed to the practice, these doubts often arise.

Phakchok Rinpoche explains the meaning of traditional butter lamp offerings:

Why lights? Light means understanding because light represents wisdom. And light removes and dispels misunderstanding. All of our sufferings come from not knowing and not seeing. Offering lights or butter lamps indirectly removes the confusion. Moreover, to be successful in life we need to have clear ideas and a good understanding. 

We should not just believe that success and good results are based on luck. Instead, when we have problems, we search for a clear understanding and wisdom to solve those problems.

Throughout the Buddhist world, in all traditions of Buddhist practice, devotees offer light. The life stories of accomplished men and women give examples of people beginning their path to liberation by offering light to an image or at a place of pilgrimage. We are lighting the way for ourselves and for other beings when we make the wish to dispel the darkness of ignorance!

Vast Offerings

Why light offerings? And why so many? For example, we hear about the big offerings of 100,000 butter lamps. How does this benefit? The effect of making large offerings is immense. Because of this, Rinpoche reminds us that we all should make big offerings. Vast offerings reduce obstacles and achieve big results. And the good news is that even large light offerings are relatively easy for us to arrange.

The traditional offerings are butter lamps, as in the photo on this page. But, we can also use candles and lanterns. Nowadays, especially inside buildings, we often use electric or battery-operated lights.

Correct Motivation

When we make light offerings, just as when we engage in any other virtuous activity, we begin by engendering the correct motivation. Therefore, we pause before we start our offerings to recall the vast attitude of Bodhicitta.  To inspire you, here we include a beautiful aspiration prayer by Mipham Rinpoche. 

Lamp Aspiration - By Mipham Rinpoche

Rikpa kadak nangsel marme di

This illuminating lamp of original pure awareness

Rikdzin kyilkhor pejung lha la bul

I offer to the mandala deities of vidyadhara Padmakara.

Rikpe gar khyap magyur drowa nam

May all beings, my mothers, wherever awareness pervades,

Riktong choku gopang topar shok

Attain the dharmakāya level of aware emptiness.

For (Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Chittamani Tara – A Highest Yoga Tantra Meditation and visualization Practice

Mother Tara’s supreme form: Chittamani Tara (Cittamani) - the “Mind Jewel” Green Tara – a Highest Yoga Tantra practice.

But many people don’t realize she has a “Highest Yoga Tantra” aspect called Chittamani Tara (translates as “Mind Jewel Tara”) — a profound “two stages” practice.

Green Tara (left) is similar to Chittamani Tara (right). In fact, they are the same being, but differ in visualization and practice (with Chittamani Tara being a Highest Yoga Tantra practice). Green Tara normally has one lotus (day lotus normally) in her left hand, blooming over her shoulder, while Chittamani Tara is distinguished by TWO uptala (blue night lotus) flowers, one over each shoulder. 

Often, the two are confused, and the two-flower Chittamani Tara is labeled as Green Tara. (Which, of course, is fine with Tara, since Tara is Tara.)

“Tara is the mother of all the Buddhas; when you practice Tara you become closer to Tara; you feel her motherly love. If Tara is good enough to be the mother of all the Buddhas, then she can certainly become a great mother to you, taking you into her loving care.”

Her loving care can be as simple as motherly protection — for which she is famous — or at this level, at the Chittamani Tara level, her motherly arms can carry us right to ultimate Enlightenment.

Tara is Accessible to All

Green Tara Buddha is almost certainly one of the most popular Yidams in Vajrayana Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism especially, Green Tara is accessible to all, Mother of all the Buddhas, and virtually a “universal” symbol of Active Compassionate Wisdom. 

Green Tara, who is also a Savior Goddess, is as accessible to the prisoner in jail as to the most benevolent of monks — she is Universal and open to all. With her right leg outstretched, ready to leap to our aid, she is among the most approachable of Buddhist deities.

But many people don’t realize she has a “Highest Yoga Tantra” aspect called Chittamani Tara (translates as “Mind Jewel Tara”) — a profound “two stages” practice.

Green Tara (left) is similar to Chittamani Tara (right). In fact, they are the same being, but differ in visualization and practice (with Chittamani Tara being a Highest Yoga Tantra practice). Green Tara normally has one lotus (day lotus normally) in her left hand, blooming over her shoulder, while Chittamani Tara is distinguished by TWO uptala (blue night lotus) flowers, one over each shoulder. 

Often, the two are confused, and the two-flower Chittamani Tara is labeled as Green Tara. (Which, of course, is fine with Tara, since Tara is Tara.)

Tara is everywhere. 

Tara is in the pure lands. Tara is here also. Why is Tara in the pure lands? Tara is in the pure lands to teach to the Bodhisattvas, the highly realized beings… Then, Tara comes down to us, many aspects of Tara — 21 Taras and so on — and there are other aspects of Tara, like Vajrayogini, Palden Lhamo, and so on and so on. Tara comes to us as deities, as Dharma protectors — so Tara is here, now.

Tara for all levels of practice

She also appeals to all needs and levels of practice. No initiation is needed to chant her mantra — even the most casual of admirers can benefit from her practice:

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

Yet Tara also has the Highest Yoga Tantra aspect known as Chittamani Tara (sometimes spelled Cittamani, but pronounced ‘ch’.) Visually, aside from two blue uptala (night lotus) flowers in full bloom, she appears to be Green Tara. 

(Green Tara typically has one fully open uptala in left hand (also called blue night lotus) flower  — and, in some visualizations, one which is “about to open”. Cittamani Tara has two fully open blue uptala flowers. (Sometimes, as in Khadiravani Tara — Tara of the Khadira Forest — she also has two uptala flowers.) She is described as:

Chittamani Tara, the transcendental deity of emerald colour, with her right hand in the gesture of supreme generosity, and she left, at her heart, in the gesture of bestowing refuge in the three jewels. Each hand holds the stem of an utpala flower. She is beautifully adorned with silks and precious ornaments, seated in the centre of an aura of light with right leg extended and the left drawn in. In her heart a green TAM radiates light.”

Photo of a Chittamani Tara. On Chittamani Tara’s crown is Amitabha Buddha, her “spiritual father” — she is part of the Compassion Lotus family of Amitabha. She is also green, associating her with Buddha Amoghisiddi, and “action.” Chittamani Tara is distinguished by two night lotus (Uptala) flowers over her shoulders. She still has her right leg outstretched, as with Green Tara, ready to leap to the aid of her followers

Yet Tara also has a Highest Yoga Tantra aspect known as Chittamani Tara (sometimes spelled Cittamani, but pronounced ‘ch’.) Visually, aside from two blue uptala (night lotus) flowers in full bloom, she appears to be Green Tara. (Green Tara typically has one fully open uptala in left hand (also called blue night lotus) flower — and, in some visualizations, one which is “about to open”. Cittamani Tara has two fully open blue uptala flowers. (Sometimes, as in Khadiravani Tara — Tara of the Khadira Forest — she also has two uptala flowers.) She is described as:

Chittamani Tara, the transcendental deity of emerald colour, with her right hand in the gesture of supreme generosity, and her left, at her heart, in the gesture of bestowing refuge in the three jewels. Each hand holds the stem of an utpala flower. She is beautifully adorned with silks and precious ornaments, seated in the centre of an aura of light with right leg extended and the left drawn in. In her heart a green TAM radiates light.”

To make a long story short, by about this time Tara manifested so many manifestations everywhere, particularly the Twenty-One Taras and the One hundred thousand Taras. The Twenty-One Tara manifestation is very meaningful. When Tara came out of Avalokitesvara’s heart as a helper, a handy-person to all the Buddhas, this handy-person then created another handy-person, who again created another handyperson. All these big manifestations came about at that moment, particularly the White Tara for longevity.

Also Rigjema, used for power. Then there is Yangchenma, who is Saraswati in Sanskrit. She is special for literature and language. All these are manifestations of Tara. Even the wrathful protector, Palden Lhamo, is a manifestation of Tara. In that case she is not a yidam but a protector. Palden Lhamo also manifested at that time.”

Chittamani Tara is a Highest Yoga Tantra practice (Maha anu yoga) of Tara. This does not mean She is a “higher deity” — the Boss Tara. She is still Tara. Tara is always Tara. The Enlightened Mind has no limitations in terms of form. Here, with Chittamani Tara, the form is similar to regular Green Tara — the main difference is only in the practice, and the twin blue uptabla flowers visualized (instead of the single with Green Tara). There are 21 Taras, and 108 Taras for a reason — there are that many ways to practice, and more. There are even other Higher Tantric forms of Tara, including Vajrayogini.

Yet, Chittamani Tara is the “Highest Yoga” Tara from the point of view of Tantric practice as Green Tara. (Not to be confused with Cintamani Tara “Wish-fulfilling” golden Tara.)

What’s Different with Cittamani Tara?

The mantra and overall appearance of Tara is green Tara — apart from two flowers versus one. So, what are the differences?

As this is a practice of Highest Yoga Meditation, most of the details are not revealed publicly — although as a Mother Tara practice, it is a very supportive, nurturing, protective and wonderful practice (in the author’s experience.) The key practice differences are in the visualization, and mostly in the practices —  especially in three key areas (without revealing secrets):

1. Body mandala — a wonderful, nurturing, compassionate and healing visualization, visualizing Taras as part of your internal body. (The net effect is quite healing and peaceful)
2. Uncommon Guru Yoga — uncommon in the best possible way (an easy and affirming visualization!)
3. The protectors of this mandala are all Taras — the 21 Taras! Plus two other aspects of Tara. There’s no elaborate visualization, and we stay warm in the embrace of protecting Mother Tara.

There are, of course, other differences, relating to profound practices — for example, a Phowa practice that is uniquely comforting.

* Footnote 

For those who had received the empowerment of this Tantric practice, you are reminded not intentionally or unintentionally to disclose the mantra to the public or anyone who may not have the empowerment or permission to practice, and by disclosing the mantra intentionally or unintentionally is a form of breaking your Tantric Samaya vows to the lineage masters and Dharma protectors. 

Please consult your Guru or a qualified lineage master for Vajrayana practice! Should a devotee even want to start studying and contemplating the Vajrayana practice, then it is truly necessary to first have completed the preliminaries and to be certain and sure that Bodhicitta has arisen and developed in one’s mind.

Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods which, if they are practiced in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. It is absolutely necessary to have the pure motivation and to know that Vajrayana practice is not carried out to increase one’s own ego, power and self-interests.

(Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Chittamani Tara - the “Mind Jewel” Green Tara – A Highest Yoga Tantra practice

Mother Tara’s supreme form: Chittamani Tara - the “Mind Jewel” Green Tara – A Highest Yoga Tantra practice.

Many Tara practitioners wonder why there are so many Taras: 21 Taras, 108 Taras, 1008 Taras — and more. Peaceful Taras. Motherly Taras. Green, White, Black, Blue, Red, Yellow, Gold, Orange Taras. And Taras in all four of the levels of Yogas from Kriya through to Highest Yoga Tantra. And, why do we even need a Higher Yoga Tara? What’s so special about her? Yes, she is famous as a protector, who rescues beings from trouble — but is she more than this?

She manifests in so many ways because each of us is different. Each of us is a “world unto ourselves.” Each of us has different needs. Some of us need a Tara, who is our friend. Others need a mother. Some need a ferocious mother, ready to defend us from all harm. 

Everyone loves Tara!

“Tara is the mother of all the Buddhas; when you practice Tara you become closer to Tara; you feel her motherly love. If Tara is good enough to be the mother of all the Buddhas, then she can certainly become a great mother to you, taking you into her loving care.”

Her loving care can be as simple as motherly protection — for which she is famous — or at this level, at the Chittamani Tara level, her motherly arms can carry us right to ultimate Enlightenment.

What’s Different with Cittamani Tara?

The mantra and overall appearance of Tara are Green Tara — apart from two flowers versus one. So, what are the differences?

As this is a practice of Highest Yoga Meditation, most of the details are not revealed publicly — although as a Mother Tara practice, it is a very supportive, nurturing, protective and wonderful practice (in the author’s experience.) The key practice differences are in the visualization, and mostly in the practices —  especially in three key areas (without revealing secrets):

1. Body mandala — a wonderful, nurturing, compassionate and healing visualization, visualizing Taras as part of your internal body. (The net effect is quite healing and peaceful) 
2. Uncommon Guru Yoga — uncommon in the best possible way (an easy and affirming visualization!)
3. The protectors of this mandala are all Taras — the 21 Taras! Plus two other aspects of Tara. There’s no elaborate visualization, and we stay warm in the embrace of protecting Mother Tara. There are, of course, other differences, relating to profound practices — for example, a Phowa practice that is uniquely comforting.   

Which Tara is Which?

Tara is Tara. Whether Chittamani Tara (Cittamani), Green Tara, Khaidira Tara, White Tara, Red Tara, Black Tara, Yellow Tara, Blue Tara, 21 Taras, 108 Taras — these are all aspects of the glorious Mother of all the Buddhas, Tara. The distinguishing aspect is the practice  — Chittamani Tara is an advanced meditation, requiring instruction — while Green Tara’s arms are wide open to all.

White Tara may specialize in “long life” — to remove the obstacles of negative health — but she is still Tara. The 21 Taras represent her many activities on our behalf, saving us from obstacles as the savior heroine — but they are Tara; and there are three full systems of 21 Taras, each with different appearances and mantras! (But they, too, are Tara!)

The different forms have different practices and instructions, and appearance also slightly varies. Chittamani Tara’s main distinguishing characteristic is that she holds two blue, fully blooming Uptala Flowers (nicknamed night-lotus) — rather than one. Some Taras have different colors of lotus or their bodies of light are a different color.

For (Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Wang Du : The Great Cloud of Blessings - By Mipham Rinpoche

Note: Everyone is advised to recite the Wangdu prayers for a minimum 25 times.

Wang Du: The Great Cloud of Blessings

This prayer is called “that which brings within one’s power all that appears and all that exists’. It goes by such a name because if you make this prayer fervently, you will be able to magnetize or bring within your power the phenomena of the entire universe. This comprises both the inanimate environment and its animate inhabitants, sentient beings.

If you look more deeply, Wang Dü is magnetizing but it is also taming your mind. Transforming your mind is the most powerful Wang Dü. Practising Wang Du brings more *Wang Tang.

*which literally means a "field of power." However, since this term refers to a human quality, we have loosely translated it here as "authentic presence." The basic idea of authentic presence is that, because you achieve some merit or virtue, therefore that virtue begins to be reflected in your being, your presence. So authentic presence is based on cause and effect. The cause of authentic presence is the merit you accumulate, and the effect is the authentic presence itself.

Even though Wang Du is not identified as a terma, it is generally understood to have come from Ju Mipham Rinpoche’s wisdom mind, from the great Bodhisattva Manjushri. Wang Du is an extraordinary prayer that brings within one’s power, all phenomena in the entire universe, while at its most powerful, it bestows the ability to tame one’s mind.

Therefore, it can be said to have two main effects: an outer and an inner one. By relying on the prayer, one gains in the outer sense, the ability to benefit all living beings; while its inner effect offers one the ability to control discursive thoughts, and thereby attain unrestrained control of the body and the mind.

How to Pray?

When you chant and practice, Wang Dü, you can follow the instructions of the common or advanced Tantric practices. Of course, uninitiated practitioners, or practitioners who are foreign to Tantric practice can practice, Wang Dü using the Sutrayana method. 

Mipham Rinpoche did not require people to strictly practice this prayer in the way of the generation or perfection stages. As long as we pray to the magnetizing deities with devotion, all animate and inanimate worlds will resonate. This will allow the essence of samsara and nirvana to be gathered into oneself.

For people who are new to Dharma practice, the practice of magnetizing would definitely be of benefit. In this degenerate age, people have difficulty truly absorbing the Dharma because they lack inner strength; their path in learning the Dharma is filled with obstacles. If you are one of these people, by practicing magnetizing you will develop inner strength, and be able to bring the Dharma into your mind more easily. Then, no matter what kind of obstacle you encounter, you will be capable of handling it.

Wangdu: The Great Cloud of Blessings

The Prayer, which Magnetizes All that Appears and Exists - By Mipham Rinpoche

Om ah hung hrih

Om ah hung hrih

Dechen barwa wang gi podrang du

In the palace of power, the blazing of great bliss,

Detong sosor tokpe yeshe ku

Are the embodiments of the wisdom of discernment, union of bliss and emptiness:

Machak deden pemé rangzhin le

Each on a lotus, its nature bliss free from all attachment,

Dorje nyima nangwa chenpo pal

And the splendour of a great, illuminating vajra sun

Choku nangwa taye dorje cho

Dharmakaya Amitabha and Vajradharma,

Jikten wangchuk tukje jechak zuk

Avalokiteśvara, Lord of the World, the very manifestation of compassion,

Pema gyalpo khorde ngawang gyur

Padma Gyalpo, all of saṃsara and nirvaṇa beneath your control,

Nangsi zilnon wangchen heruka

Powerful heruka, subjugator of all that appears and exists,

Sangwa yeshe benza varahi

Secret Wisdom (Guhyajnana) and Vajravarahi,

Demchok dope gyalpo dechen ter

Dope Gyalpo, King of Desire, ecstasy supreme, source of the wisdom of great bliss,

Malu kyegu yitrok rikjema

Kurukulla, who captivates the mind of every living being without exception,

Choktun chakgye wangchuk detong gar

Masters and mistresses of supreme and ordinary mudras, dancing in bliss and emptiness,

Wangdze dorje pawo daki tsok

Hosts of vajra ḍakas and dakinis attract and magnetize.

Nangtong nyampa chenpo ngang nyi du

Remaining always within the state of great equality of appearance and emptiness,

Dorje ku yi gar gyi si sum yo

With the dance of your vajra body, you cause the three planes of existence to tremble;

Gakme sung gi zhe dre kham sum guk

With the sound of your laughter, your unceasing enlightened speech, you draw in the three worlds;

Ozer marpo khorde yong la khyab

Rays of red light burst out to fill all of saṃsara and nirvaṇa

Sizhi dangchu yo zhing duparje

And cause the vital essence of conditioned existence and ultimate peace to vibrate and be gathered in.

Dorje chakpa chenpo tuk kyi ni

With your enlightened mind of great vajra passion,

Nam nyi ngodrub do gu chok tsol zhing

You grant the supreme of all things desired—the two kinds of siddhis;

Dorje chakkyu zhakpa chenpo yi

And with your great vajra hooks and lassos

Nangsi dewa chenpor domjepa

You bind the world of appearance and existence in great bliss.

Taye gyutrul drawe rolgarchen

Dancers in the play of the limitless net of illusion,

Til gyi gongbu chewa zhin zhukpe

Who fill space to overflowing, like a vast outpouring of sesame seeds,

Rabjam tsa sum wang gi lhatsok la

Vast array of the Three Roots, hosts of magnetizing deities,

Gupe solwa deb so jingyi lob

In devotion we pray to you: inspire us with your blessings,

Choktun ngodrub do gu pal tadak

Grant us attainments, ordinary and supreme, and so the siddhi

Tokme wang du jepe ngodrub tsol

Of magnetizing, without obstruction, whatever we desire!

This was composed on the first day of the seventh month of the Earth , Hare year (1879) by one named Dhiḥ. Anyone who prays in this way will, without any doubt, accomplish all magnetizing activities exactly according to their wishes. This prayer may be written on red flags and flown in the air, or used in prayer wheels powered by heat or wind.

Mangalam.

For (Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Tara of All Colours: Wrathful, Peaceful and Everything In-Between

 

Tara can manifest in myriad—literally endless—forms, suited to the need of the practitioner. Iconographically, She can appear in any color. Famously, She is Green Tara, the saviors—and the chief manifestation of Tara. She is equally known as White Tara, the Goddess of Long Life and Healing.

She can be Ugra Tara, the Black Tara, who is the secret Mantra emanation—the very source of All, since sound (or frequencies) are often considered the source of manifestation in some Budhdist and Hindu beliefs.

Red Tara enjoys much love for her passionate role as the magnetizing Tara, who attracts and who helps beings with the power of positive attraction.

Yellow Tara helps those struggling with poverty, or just to help provide the resources to help other sentient beings. In higher Tantric practices Tara can manifest in the body mandala as simultaneous multi-coloured Taras at each of the body’s chakras.

Tara Does What?

Although all Buddhas and enlightened beings have the same realizations, the first question from people newly introduced to Tara, or any deity, is often “What does She do?”

What does Tara do? “Does” is a relative term. Relatively, She is wisdom in action. She is compassion in action. Tara is the penultimate combination of both wisdom and compassion. Ultimately, She is Wisdom realizing emptiness. Relatively, She is the ultimate action hero—means and method. Her names include “Swift Heroine,” which describes Her perfectly.

With Tara, Wisdom and Compassion are perfectly combined.

She is swift like the wind. Her green color is representative of the swift, active wind element, fearlessness, and imperturbable wisdom—very much a reflection of Her male consort, Amoghasiddhi. Also, without contradiction, often Tara is seen as the consort of other male Buddhas. She can also be thought of as the female aspect of Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig).

Tara – The Female Buddha

Tara is actually the perfection of wisdom, and she is the mother of all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Shravakas, and Pratyeka Buddhas. This wisdom is actually beyond any forms or signs or descriptions. But out of great compassion, in order to help sentient beings, she appears in a physical form that is the Tara. The word Tara means “Saviour” or “One Who Saves”.

Why Tara is called as the female Buddha?

There are male and female Buddhas just as there are male and female people. There are many female Buddhas, not just Tara and Vajrayogini; there are so many female deities! For some people, it is much easier to practice female deities. 

It depends on one’s own karmic connections. For some, female deities are more suited, and for others, male deities are more suited. Although is it said, in terms of their wisdom, compassion, and power, that all deities are the same, but due to their motherly figure, it is easier to invoke the blessing of female deities.

Why is Tara in particularly regarded for her compassion?

Basically, all the deities are the nature of compassion and emptiness, but Tara is special in two ways: firstly, she is in the motherly figure, and secondly, she is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the manifestation of all the Buddhas’ compassion. Therefore, there is a particular connection between compassion and Tara.

For (Donations for our Buddhist research and development) 

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 13 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.

Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.