Arya Tara

The Goddess Tara, a female Buddha and meditation deity, is arguable the most popular goddess in the Buddhist pantheon. She is considered to be the goddess of universal compassion who represents virtuous and enlightened activity.

The word Tara itself is derived from the root 'tri' (to cross), hence the implied meaning: 'the one who enables living beings to cross the Ocean of Existence and Suffering'. Her compassion for living beings, her desire to save them from suffering is said to be even stronger than that a mother's love for her children.

The appearance of Arya Tara is dependent on the aspect of her that one wants to emphasize. The most widely known are Green Tara and White Tara. However there are 21 different manifestations of her, which celebrate her qualities and powers.