Tara, the mother of liberation,
is of Avalokitesvara, as she transforms
from the tears of Avalokitesvara. According
to The Origin of Tara, Avalokitesvara
was in tears when she saw numerous mortals
in misery and hardship. Her tears turned
into a lotus blossom which then transformed
into a total of twenty-one forms of Tara,
including Green Tara, White Tara and Red
Tara. The task of the twenty-one Taras
was to save people from disaster, fulfill
their wishes, and bring hope to them.
Each Tara has its unique color. In addition,
they are classified according to virtues
into pacifying, fulfilling and wrathful
action.
Green Tara is the first
of the twenty-one Taras. Her green colour,
representing life and hope, is the root
of all human creations. Green Tara is
mostly taken as a beautiful young girl.
Her body is as green as imperial jade.
Devout Buddhists believe that the practice
of Green Tara conjuration and recital
of Green Tara Dharma can free oneself
from calamities and evils as a result
of accumulation of virtues.
White Tara, also known
as Tara of Longevity, has the power of
protecting all mortals. The white color
of her body signifies her purity. In the
eyes of the Tibetans, she is elegant,
honest and beautiful. Having an eye on
each of her hands and feet, and three
eyes on her face, White Tara is also known
as Seven-eye Tara. Buddhists believe that
the practice of White Tara conjuration
can increase longevity and prevent sickness
and calamities. She can fulfill all the
entreaties and bring hope to mankind.
Accordingly, White Tara is known as Relieving
Tara.
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