Praises to White Tara

Tara is portrayed seated upon a white lotus and moon seat. In her white emanation, Tara is in a deep meditative state.
In her green emanation, she is all action, responding swiftly to the prayers of all out of great compassion. What follows is
an excerpt from "Praise to White Tara," by Gedun Drukpa (1391-1475), the first Dalai Lama.

Excerpt from Praises to White Tara

By Gedun Drukpa, the first Dalai Lama

Namo Arya Tara-yai! Seated on a white lotus and cool moon the supreme goddess, White Tara, is the glory and beauty
of youth, radiant like the snow mountain, the embodiment of ever-extending wisdom and compassion. To you, White
Tara, I pay homage.

She has one face and two arms and sits cross-legged with a moon cushion for back rest. Symbolizing the expansion of
great bliss, she displays elegant gestures, expanding her bosom. To you, White Tara, I pay homage. Making the
gesture known as "the bestowing of supreme bliss," you display the actions of infinite peace, the eight accomplishments
and the state of complete Buddhahood. To you, White Tara, I pay homage.

You hold the blue lotus in your left hand while making the gesture of bestowing refuge. You protect sentient beings from
the fear of the lion (arrogance), of the elephant (stupidity), of fire (anger) and of snakes (jealousy). You are the Mother
of all the Buddhas of the three times. To you, White Tara, I pay homage.

Through the eyes on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, which symbolize the doors of liberation of
emptiness, you lead all sentient beings to the island of bliss and freedom. To you, White Tara, refuge of all sentient
beings, I pay homage.

To those who respectfully bow to you and merely say your mantra, you bestow all accomplishments and give whatever
one wishes, including long life, wisdom and merit. To you, White Tara, I pay homage.

You are the embodiment of all the Buddha's compassion, wisdom and spontaneous activity, given form as a beautiful
goddess. I take refuge in you and request your blessings that all obstacles be overcome and all purposeful attainments
be realized.

Please quickly dispel the fears that act as obstacles to my enlightenment.

Please quickly bestow the ability to accomplish all activities that increase my virtuous activities - long life, merit,
compassion and perfect wisdom. Help me accomplish the Three Trainings - listening, contemplating and meditation.

Please give your blessing to those spontaneous actions that quickly bring all that one wishes, including the respect of all
beings.
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Please give your blessing to those spontaneous, wrathful actions that uproot all demons and obstacles that stand in the
way or harm the Buddha's teachings...

From today until the heart of enlightenment is reached, I will go to you for refuge and bow to your lotus feet. Please think
of me and hold me in your compassion and protection.

By this merit may I never be separated from Tara's compassionate mind; may we never be apart for a single moment.

May all sentient beings be born in the presence of the Sage Amitabha in the Western Paradise...

Having realized all the ocean-like holy texts and scripture of sutra and tantra, may I continue to hold the victorious flag of
practice and teach others until the end of samsara.

Recite Tara's Mantra many times.

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