Listen
Click the play button above to listen to Nirmal's recording of the Tara mantra. A free download is also available via the SoundCloud link.
The Mantra
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
This Buddhist mantra is recited in Tibetan and translates roughly as:
"Oh Tara, pray, Oh Tara,
Oh Swift One (Ture), Blessings."
The final -a changes to -e when addressing someone directly, hence Tara becomes Tare. Though svaha is used in Sanskrit, the Tibetan word varies slightly as soha. You may hear it either way depending on the artist.
Bija Mantra
A bija mantra is a seed syllable said to contain the energy of a deity. Tara's bija mantra is Tam, represented above in Tibetan script. In this spiritual practice, the sound is the sonic manifestation of Tara herself.
To view a full-screen version of the moving mandala above, click here.
About Tara
Tara is a name that comes up in various cultures. Some say her name means "star" and others say it comes from the Sanskrit root tri: "to cross over." The Tara of Buddhism is an inspiration of compassion and loving kindness. There are 21 aspects of her in Buddhism: the Green Tara is known for her protective qualities, and the White Tara for longevity. In some sects of Hinduism, Tara is worshipped as one of the ten wisdom goddesses, the Mahavidya. Her aspect there is more wrathful as she embodies the power of protection.
Tara has also been an empowering figure for women. In one story, Tara was working her way to enlightenment and had gotten quite far in her process. A fellow aspirant suggested that she be reborn as a man to finally achieve enlightenment. She refused, retorting that gender has no bearing on spiritual development.
Metta Meditation
A beautiful way to practice compassion is the Metta Meditation — metta meaning loving kindness. Recite these four phrases, envisioning a different person each time. The practice starts with yourself and expands outward, cultivating compassion for all beings.
To Yourself
May I be safe.
May I be healthy.
May I be happy.
May I be at peace.
To One You Love
May you be safe.
May you be healthy.
May you be happy.
May you be at peace.
To One You Don't Know So Well
May you be safe.
May you be healthy.
May you be happy.
May you be at peace.
To One You Are Challenged By
May you be safe.
May you be healthy.
May you be happy.
May you be at peace.
