DDSC Monthly — Tara Teaching

Join your palms and recite:

We read in the Vimalakirti Nirdesha Sutra, that Tara says:
“In this life there is no such distinction as ‘male’ and ‘female,’ ‘self-identity,’ ‘a person,’ nor any perception (of such). Therefore, attachment to the idea of ‘male’ and ‘female’ is quite worthless. Weak-minded worldlings are continually deluded by this.”
However, the sutra goes on to record the following vow by Tara:
“There are many who wish to gain enlightenment in a man’s form, and there are but few who wish to work for the welfare of sentient beings in a female form.
Therefore, may I, in a female body, work for the welfare of beings until samsara has been emptied.”
Sublime and noble Lady with your circle,
Lovingly regard me with compassion, free of thought.
Bless me so the aims of all my prayers
Can be fulfil led without obstacles.
May the Buddha’s teachings spread and flourish !
May its holders live in harmony and good health !
May obstacles that threaten them subside !
May their teachings and practice prosper !
May sickness and famine, fighting and strife, all recede !
May spiritual richness increase even further !
May the spiritual rulers’ kingdoms expand !
May every country, near and far, have harmony !
Protect us from untimely death and the sixteen threats,
From menacing dreams and sinister omens,
From the miseries of samsara’s lower realms,
From every peril, now and always !
Increase our life, merit, capacity, experience and realization !
May harmful notions not intrude!
May the twofold awakened mind arise, free of effort !
May our aims be fulfilled in accordance with the Dharma !
From now until supreme enlightenment,
Always guard us with your kindness
Like a mother protects her only child.
May we be indivisible from you !