key term - Tara

Definition

Tara is a prominent female bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often regarded as the embodiment of compassion and action. She is known for her ability to respond swiftly to the needs of beings in distress, representing the qualities of nurturing, protection, and liberation. Tara is depicted in various forms, with Green Tara symbolizing active compassion and White Tara embodying purity and longevity, showing her adaptability across different cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tara is often depicted in Buddhist art as a beautiful woman, usually seated on a lotus, representing purity and enlightenment.
2. Green Tara is particularly revered for her swift assistance in overcoming obstacles and fears, while White Tara is associated with healing and long life.
3. Practices involving Tara often include recitation of her mantras, which are believed to invoke her protective qualities and bring blessings.
4. Tara's iconography varies across different cultures, adapting to local beliefs and customs, illustrating her role in cultural adaptations of Buddhism.
5. The worship of Tara has gained popularity in Tibetan Buddhism, where she is seen as a key figure for both practitioners and laypeople seeking guidance and support.

Review Questions

• How does Tara embody the principles of compassion and action in Mahayana Buddhism?
  • Tara embodies compassion and action by being a bodhisattva who responds swiftly to the suffering of others. Her different forms represent various aspects of compassion; for instance, Green Tara is known for her active engagement in alleviating fears and obstacles. This reflects the Mahayana ideal that emphasizes not only personal enlightenment but also the importance of helping others on their path.
• Discuss how the depiction and worship of Tara illustrate cultural adaptations within Buddhism.
  • The depiction and worship of Tara demonstrate cultural adaptations by showing how she has taken on different forms and significance in various Buddhist traditions. For example, while Green Tara is predominantly recognized in Tibetan Buddhism for her active support, White Tara is celebrated for her qualities related to purity and longevity. These variations highlight how local customs and beliefs influence the understanding and practices surrounding Tara across different cultures.
• Evaluate the impact of Tara's role in Buddhist practice on the overall perception of female figures within Buddhism.
  • Tara's role as a prominent female bodhisattva significantly impacts the perception of women in Buddhism by providing a powerful symbol of compassion and agency. Unlike many traditional representations where women are often seen in more passive roles, Tara actively engages with the world to alleviate suffering. This redefines women's roles within Buddhist practice, encouraging both female practitioners to embrace their potential as leaders and nurturers, while also challenging patriarchal views within some Buddhist traditions. Her presence helps promote gender equality by illustrating that women can embody enlightenment and spiritual authority.

Related terms

Bodhisattva:

A being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve liberation.

Mahayana Buddhism:

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the bodhisattva and the importance of compassion and altruism.

Mantra: A sacred utterance or phrase in Buddhism, often chanted to invoke the qualities of a deity or bodhisattva.