Tara is a beloved female bodhisattva in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, revered as the embodiment of compassionate action and the swift remover of obstacles. The Twenty-One Praises to Tara is a popular liturgy in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, practiced within the four main schools (lineages) of Tibetan Buddhism: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. The verses describe twenty-one different forms of Tara, along with the postures, mudras, implements, abilities, and qualities of each. The syllables of Tara’s root mantra—OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA—are included in the first verse.

The liturgy itself explains that practicing the recitation of the Twenty-one Praises to Tara helps eliminate both internal and external obstacles by invoking her blessings and protection. Engaging with this practice develops an awareness of Tara’s compassionate qualities; her wisdom and actions work to clear inner and outer hindrances. Each of the twenty-one aspects of Tara symbolizes a specific obstacle to be removed, which is ultimately associated with some mental affliction.

According to traditional accounts, Tara was originally a princess named Yeshe Dawa (Moon of Wisdom), who, after generating bodhicitta, vowed to always manifest in female form to benefit beings until samsara is emptied, embodying the ideals of compassion and fearlessness. Internally, Tara represents the enlightened mind, transcending the dualities of samsara and nirvana. She is not only a symbol of protection but also of the awakened qualities that all can develop: wisdom, compassion, and the ability to swiftly act to remove suffering. She is also known as the “mother of all buddhas.” Ultimately, the purpose of this practice is to transform oneself by developing Tara’s qualities, allowing embodiment of her virtues of fearlessness, loving-kindness, and wisdom, and thus empowering oneself to overcome obstacles on one’s own path and the paths of others.

The praises to Tara can simply be read as a practice, but there are also different variations, including making offerings, using visualizations, and reciting the praises within the context of longer practices (sadhanas).

This practice of reciting the praises to Tara deepens our connection to compassionate and enlightened qualities, offering insight into how we can cultivate virtues like fearlessness, wisdom, and loving-kindness within ourselves to overcome both internal obstacles (such as fear, anger, or self-doubt) and external challenges.

Consider one verse of the Twenty-one Praises to Tara and reflect on the feeling and mood this language evokes. If possible, listen to a traditional chanting of the praises and notice how the sound affects your mental state.

• What do you notice in your body or mind when you repeat the praises?
• How can the qualities of compassion and fearlessness help us overcome both internal and external obstacles?
• In what ways can we cultivate Tara's virtues of wisdom and loving-kindness to transform ourselves and help others?
• How might devotional practices like this differ from analytical meditation or study in their effects on the mind?

Analyze specific examples of Tara’s virtues (compassion, fearlessness, and wisdom) as described in selected verses from the Twenty-one Praises to Tara, and evaluate how devotional practices like chanting or recitation can cultivate positive mental qualities in practitioners.