Jigjé Chenmo – Great Fierce One Who Destroys Negativity. The sixth of Atisha’s 21 Taras is wrathful and dark red in colour. This manifestation of Tara protects beings from both internal and external negative obstacles, which arise in innumerable forms, such as confusion, memory loss and mental disturbances. A black phurba (ritual dagger) rests on the utpala flower to her left, subduing negativity. Original digital painting – 2020
Wangdü Rigjé Lhamo (Kurukulle) – Magnetizing Goddess of Profound Wisdom. The fifth of Atisha’s 21 Taras is semi-wrathful and red in colour. She is known for magnetizing all that is beneficial, but also accomplishes the remaining three actions of pacifying, enriching, and subduing. A bow and arrow is found upon her utpala flower.
Tara Tsugtor Namgyalma (Ushnishavijaya) – Victorious One of Ushnisha Who Accomplishes Immortality. The fourth of Atisha’s 21 Taras is peaceful and golden yellow in colour. Her name is derived from spontaneously manifesting upon Buddha Shakyamuni’s crown chakra in order to teach. The vase of nectar supported by the utpala flower to her left indicates her ability to increase life force, vitality and longevity by decreasing imbalances and reestablishing equanimity. She also protects beings from scenarios of unfavourable rebirth.
Original digital painting – 2020
The second of Suryagupta’s 21 Taras is known for her ability to eradicate infectious disease. Her glowing countenance is compared to the light of a hundred autumn moons and indicates the enlightened activity of pacification.
Original digital painting – 2020
Tara Sermo Sönam Tobché (Vasudhara) – Golden One Who Increases Merit and Prosperity. The third of Atisha’s 21 Taras is gold in colour, and is praised for increasing merit and prosperity – both materially and spiritually. She liberates beings through the six paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom. Three wish fulfilling jewels rest upon the utpala flower beside her left shoulder.
Original digital painting – 2020
Drölma Loter Yangchenma: Melodious Liberator, Source of Wisdom. The second of Atisha’s 21 Taras is praised for her brilliant, radiant wisdom. Her glowing countenance is compared to the light of a hundred autumn moons and indicates the enlightened activity of pacification. Artistic and musical expression are also associated with this form of Tara.
Original digital painting – 2020
Under the protective watch of White Tara, a tiger is on a pilgrimage to the brilliantly illuminated Mahabodhi Temple. It clings to the raft in the turbulent ocean waves, but a second tiger navigates the water with confidence and ease.
Original digital painting – 2019
