Tara

Definition

Tara is a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism, often considered the female embodiment of compassion and action. She is depicted as a bodhisattva who aids practitioners on their spiritual journey, and her various forms represent different aspects of compassion, protection, and wisdom. Tara's significance during the Tang period highlights the blend of Buddhist art and architecture that flourished in China, reflecting the integration of Indian influences with local traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tara is often depicted in art with a green or white complexion, symbolizing her qualities of activity and purity respectively, which became prominent in Tang artistic representations.
2. During the Tang period, Tara was commonly associated with various protector deities, reflecting the syncretism between indigenous beliefs and imported Buddhist practices.
3. The practice of reciting mantras dedicated to Tara gained popularity in the Tang dynasty, highlighting her role as a source of spiritual support and guidance.
4. Numerous temples dedicated to Tara were built during this period, showcasing intricate sculptures and paintings that celebrated her virtues and made her more accessible to devotees.
5. The influence of Tara extended beyond China during the Tang dynasty, as her images and worship spread throughout East Asia, including Korea and Japan.

Review Questions

• How does the depiction of Tara in Tang period art reflect the cultural exchange between India and China?
  • The depiction of Tara in Tang period art showcases significant cultural exchange as artists integrated Indian iconography with Chinese aesthetics. The arrival of Buddhism from India introduced new themes, such as the compassionate nature of bodhisattvas like Tara. Artists adapted these concepts into their work, using local materials and styles that resonated with Chinese viewers. This blending not only enriched Buddhist art but also made it more relatable to the local population, enhancing Tara's appeal.
• Discuss the role of Tara within Mahayana Buddhism and how this role was expressed through Tang dynasty sculptures and paintings.
  • In Mahayana Buddhism, Tara plays a vital role as a bodhisattva who embodies compassion and active assistance for practitioners. During the Tang dynasty, artists expressed this role through sculptures and paintings that emphasized her grace, beauty, and readiness to help those in need. Various forms of Tara, like Green Tara and White Tara, were depicted to highlight different aspects of her compassionate nature. These artistic representations not only served religious purposes but also reflected societal values surrounding compassion during this era.
• Evaluate the impact of Tara's worship on both spiritual practices and artistic expressions in East Asia during the Tang period.
  • The worship of Tara had a profound impact on both spiritual practices and artistic expressions in East Asia during the Tang period. As her popularity grew, rituals centered around Tara began to flourish, with devotees seeking her blessings for protection and guidance in their daily lives. This increasing veneration led to a surge in artistic creations—temples dedicated to her were built, adorned with elaborate carvings and paintings that conveyed her virtues. Consequently, the intertwining of devotion and artistry created a rich cultural landscape that continued to influence Buddhist practices well beyond the Tang dynasty.

Related terms

Bodhisattva: A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who, motivated by compassion, seeks to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings while delaying their own enlightenment to help others.

Mahayana Buddhism: Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, emphasizing the role of bodhisattvas and the pursuit of enlightenment not just for oneself but for all beings.

Avalokiteshvara: Avalokiteshvara is a male bodhisattva known as the embodiment of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism, often seen as a counterpart to Tara, representing similar virtues.