Tara
Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Tara is a female Buddhist deity of compassion. Her name suggests "one who carries across", meaning she helps people across danger and suffering. She is very important in Vajrayana, a later ritual-based form of Buddhism, and in Tibetan Buddhism. She is often linked with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Example
Tara is usually shown in two main forms. Green Tara protects devotees from fears and dangers. White Tara is linked with long life and healing. Both forms are worshipped widely in Tibet and Nepal.
Don't confuse with
- Tara, the Hindu goddess: In Hindu Tantric tradition, Tara is one of the ten Mahavidyas, the forms of the great goddess. The Buddhist Tara belongs to a different tradition.
Related concepts
- Mahayana
- Hinayana
- Bodhisattva
- Avalokiteshvara
- Maitreya
- Vajrayana Buddhism
- Nagarjuna
- Madhyamaka
- Yogachara
- Vasubandhu