Customer Reviews

Tara's Enlightened Activity: Commentary on The Praises to the Twenty-one Taras

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Anyone interested in Tara, Buddhism, Vajrayana, Goddesses, Dzogchen, the Bodhisattva path, or mysticism could benefit from this beautiful and clear commentary on the praises to the 21 taras. Tibetan Buddhists in the Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug sects can also greatly benefit from this book as the root text of the 21 praises is the same in all the traditions and the commentary is, well, enlightening. OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA

Tara's Enlightened Activity is an open, consistently clear and friendly guide to the practice of the 21 Taras. The most phenomenal aspect of this commentary is that it's useful to every level of practitioner.
Seriously, if you're a total beginner, this is for you. Equally true, if you're a Tara devotee - this is for you!
For example, I'm a Tara practitioner, and have been for many years. Love her. I had just finished taking (yet another fantastic) class on the practice of the 21 Taras when I read this book. The author's consistently detailed and specific descriptions of the Word, Inner, Secret and Ultimate meaning of each of the Taras gave me an overarching framework in which to place my experiences.
Even more impressive was that the book taught me to focus on the more subtle aspects of the practice, and I immediately felt the benefit.
As for the beginner side, I lent this book and a thanka to a friend who had never practiced Vajrayana before and she was immediately able to feel a connection with Tara.
The authors make the entire practice accessible and understandable. They are truly kind teachers from afar.

Well written with a very informative history of Tara , then a very detailed description of the practices associated with the Nyingma Buddhist practice of the 21 Taras. Beautiful illustrations adorn the pages as well.

It's an inspiring wonderful book that takes you trought the Divine Feminine, The Great Mother Tara and her 21 emanations.

This book starts out well, with an overview of Tara in history and Buddhist mythology, but once the actual meat of it all kicks in, with a chapter on each of the 21 Praises to Tara...well, they lost me.
There is too much about visualizing some pretty zany looking images of Tara and too much convoluted "worship" for my taste.
If you're looking for a book to help with mantra meditation, and see Tara as a Bodhisattva image of your higher self, one that you are trying to grow towards....then this book is not going to be particularly helpful. BUT if you're totally into Tara in all her various forms, and enjoy this sort of visualization, then hey...this might be just the book for you.
Personally, I was not happy with it and continue my own search for 'enlightened activity'.