Who are the “Taras”?
The legend goes that Avalokiteshvara, in attempting to accomplish the task of rescuing all sentient beings from suffering, grew tired and despaired. At that moment, he cried two tears that fell to the ground and grew as lotuses. When the flowers blossomed, the Bodhisattvas, Green Tara and White Tara were emerged. Both the Taras are always depicted as female and represents the idea that it is equally possible to attain enlightenment regardless of gender. They are also known as the “Mothers of Compassion”. The Green Tara is always depicted as one foot outstretched from the meditation posture indicating her readiness to come to the aid of suffering beings.
