Tara is the most beloved of female deities. She is protectress and saviour of the Tibetan people. Lovable and deeply loved, Tara is close to the hearts of all Tibetan, Mongolian and Nepali Buddhists. In Hinduism, it is said of Tara - perfection of Tara is possible just by remembering her with true devotion. If one just calls her name at the moment of distress, she appears and helps. She is said to respond upon the instant should one do more than call her name aloud with heart and fervor. Her mantra is OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA or OM TARE TAM SVAHA or OM TARE TUTARE SOHO.

The word TAM, the bija or seed mantra, contains the the essence of Tara. By meditating and holding her in your heart one develops wisdom and compassion so profound that enlightenment is possible within a single lifetime.

Tara is said to be born of a tear shed by Avalokita, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, for the suffering of all sentient beings. She is visualized as a sweet matron or a 16 year old maiden. In China, she is known as Kwan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Kwan Yin translated means "she who harkens to the cries of the world".

Green Tara, the liberator, is a female Buddha and the Mother of all Buddhas. She is the manifestation of wisdom, compassion, love, and in particular, the skillful activity of all enlightened beings. She is seen as the protector against all dangers, fears and unfavorable circumstances. Contemplating Tara brings quick results in whatever we want and need. She is associated with the night. White Tara, associated with day, is protector of all sentient beings and when invoked dispels fears, bestows happiness, long life and good fortune. Black and Red Tara are fiercer guises and may use suffering to foster the devotee's healing and courage but Tara's role is to dispel the fear of death and foster the evolution of compassion.