KHADIRAVANI TARA (Tara of the acacia forest) Card, by Robert Beer

KHADIRAVANI TARA (Tara of the acacia forest) Card

by Robert Beer

(Tibetan: Sengden-nagki Drolma) Khadiravani Tara, meaning 'Tara of the acacia forest', is represented here with her two attendant bodhisattvas Marici and Ekajata at her right and left sides. Marici (Tibetan: Od-zer-can-ma), meaning 'goddess of light rays', is a solar goddess Ekajata (Tibetan: Ral-chig-ma) holds the attribute of a skull-cup in her left hand. Khadiravani Tara is shown seated beneath an ashoka tree upon a lotus throne and moon disc, within a beautiful landscape of rocks, clouds, lakes and flowers. As an early form of Green Tara she sits with her right leg outstretched and her left drawn in- symbolizing that she rejects all evil defects, develops positive qualities, and has abandoned the extremes of samsara and nirvana. Her green color of the element air symbolises the perfection of her activies in all directions simultaneously. Her right hand is extended in the gesture of generosity- symbolising that she bestows liberation upon all beings. Her left hand is held at the level of her heart in the gesture of protection, symbolising that she protects from the 'eight great fears'- thieves (false views), snakes (jealousy), fire (anger), lions (pride), elephants (ignorance), drowning (attachment), demons (doubt) and imprisonment (greed). Both hands hold the stems of utpala lotus flowers which blossom at the level of her shoulders- symbolising her compassionte activities of method and wisdom. She is beautiful and smiling, as youthful as a sixteen year old, endowed with the thrity-two major and eight minor marks of an enlightened being, and wears the heavenly attire of divine silks, golden ornaments and jewels.