Goddess Tara is a Buddhist savior-goddess especially popular in Tibet, Nepal and Mongolia. She is the most important deity in Tibet. The goddess of universal compassion, Tara represents virtuous and enlightened action. It is believed that she was born when the bodhisattva Avalokiteswara cried, the first tears of compassion as he witnessed the suffering of humankind. From his tears, Tara rose on a white lotus. Born from compassion, Tara is the very essence of compassion. She is one among the oldest Hindu goddesses still worshipped widely, who is the symbol of peace and protection. She is also a Hindu symbol of eternal light and love, a Buddhist goddess of compassion, teaching the wisdom of non-attachment and a Tibetan goddess of love. It is said that her compassion is stronger than a mother's love for her children. She also brings about longevity, protects earthly travel, and guards her followers on their spiritual journey to enlightenment. She governs the Underworld, the Earth and the Heavens. She is depicted as a slender and beautiful woman of white complexion, long golden hair and blue eyes. 

There are many incarnations of Tara, but the best known are White Tara and Green Tara, whose energies are very different. The peaceful, sympathetic White Tara gently protects and brings long life and peace. White Tara is sometimes called the Mother of all Buddhas and she represents the motherly aspect of compassion. Her white color signifies purity, wisdom and truth. Her right hand makes the boon-granting gesture and her left hand holds an elaborate lotus flower that contains three blooms. She is believed to help her devotees to overcome obstacles. She is also associated with longevity. Green Tara, the more dynamic goddess, is the 'Mother Earth' that brings fertility to the earth, overcomes obstacles and saves us from physical and spiritual danger. She is a goddess of activity and the fiercer form of Tara, but is still a savior-goddess of compassion. She is the consort of Avalokiteshvara and considered by some to be the original Tara. She is believed to help her followers overcome dangers, fears and anxieties, and she is especially worshipped for her ability to overcome the most difficult of situations.

Goddess Tara is an archetype of our own inner wisdom. She guides and protects us as we navigate the depths of our unconscious minds, helping us to transform consciousness, our own personal journeys of freedom. She is considered the supreme creator and mother of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In Hindu scriptures, she is a gorgeous looking deity whose favorite animals are the sow, mare, owl and raven.All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India.