Tam - The Sacred Seed Syllable of Goddess Green Tara

OM TARE TUTARE TURE SOHA

Through this the strongest of poisons,

Poisonous objects and places,

Eaten or drunk by other beings,

Will be completely purified by remembering her,

Afflictions from evil spirits, diseases and poisons,

And all one's suffering shall come to cessation -

This will be so for others also.

The Bodhisattva Tara was born from the tears of Avalokitesvara as he looked down on the sorrows of the world. Her name comes from the Sanskrit word Tara and means literally: carrying across, a saviour, protector; a star, shining. Tara is usually depicted with the Tathagata Amitabha in her headdress. Green Tara is also sometimes called Arya or Noble Tara. In Tibetan she is Drolma.

Despite the connection with the Padma family via Amitabha and Avalokitesvara, she is also considered member of Amoghasddhi's Vishvavajra family, as she appears as his consort or Prajna in yab-yum (father-mother) depictions.

Her right hand is in the mudra of giving, and her left hand the mudra of fearlessness through going for refuge to the three jewels. Her left leg is tucked up in the meditation posture and her right leg is stepping down into the world. The left leg symbolises her meditation, while the right symbolises her compassionate activity in the world.

In the past, as well as today, many people have fulfilled theirs worldly needs and reached Nirvana and Enlightenment through the practice of Mother Tara. The practice of Tara is powerful to help us overcome our fears, reduce stress, achieve a better future, heal physical and mental illness, as well as improve our relationships with ourselves and others. 

If anyone completes just one Tara mantra meditation with positive intention, it is very beneficial. Taking Tara into our daily practice is extremely beneficial and helps us overcome mental, physical, and spiritual obstacles. Those who are willing to take Green Tara as their personal deity (yiddam) receive tremendous benefits.

In Tibet, where Buddhist practice originated, we see in the image of Tara frequently depicted, which shows that this is one of the main practices since the beginning of Buddhism. This is an ancient practice that has been transmitted with unbroken Lineage for over 2500 years. In Tibet, the four major schools of Buddhism (Nyngma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug) each has some unique practices, but Green Tara is common to all four of The schools and is the main practice of many highly realized people.

Goddess Green Tara is associated with the qualities of action and protection (as a mother who is willing to give her life to protect her children), kindness and caring, and a strong connection to the earth. It is said that those who meditate on Tara receive these qualities more quickly than through meditation on male Buddhas.

Tara Visualization and MotivationVisualization is a common practice in Buddhism, especially in Vajrayana Buddhism. Visualizing an image can be used at any level of spiritual practice, for Buddhists (Mahayana or Vajrayana motivations) and non-Buddhists alike. In Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism, the image is visualized based on a foundation of loving-kindness and compassion to all living beings. Sometimes it is difficult to expand your thoughts to all living beings, but it is beneficial if you can.

To generate Bodhicitta, the prayer of refuge and the four immeasurable thoughts help generate strong positive motivation. Once that feeling has been generated, it is beneficial to include a short practice on sunyata (emptiness). Generate a sense of emptiness and all ordinary (mundane) thoughts and appearances dissolve.

Tam - The Sacred Seed Syllable of Goddess Green Tara

There arises an awareness of interdependence and interconnectedness, as well as an awareness that nothing exists in the way we perceive it. Remain at that level of consciousness (state) as long as possible. Then from that state, there will arise a beautiful red open lotus, with beautiful petals. The petals are fresh and covered with dew. On that lotus, standing on a moon disc is the green letter TAM. 

Green symbolizes air, action, and protection. TAM is the seed syllable of Tara, it represents her essence. The syllable TAM and the lotus should be visualized holding the image in your mind with the same size and colours each day (which strengthens your concentration). It can be any shade of green, but should remain the same for each meditation.

If it is difficult to hold the detail of Tara, look upon the image of Tara on the cover of this booklet, or any image you find attractive. Begin with the general outline, drawing the outline of the image of Tara, and then begin to fill in the image. The brush is the wisdom and the ink is compassion. There is always the combination of wisdom and compassion, as well as inner peace and bliss during the meditation (this is the goal to constantly keep in mind).

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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.

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