TheShortCommentaryontheTantraofTwentyoneHomagestoTaracalled

TheTreasureVaseofBenefitandHappiness

NamoGuruLokeshvaraya!TheLordofThreeKayas1[1],TreasuryofactivitiesofalltheVictoriousones.Ultimately,youareunelaboratedgreatbliss:Samantabhadri.Ibowtoyou,thefearlessswiftmotheroftheVictoriousones,AsIbrieflyexplaintheversesofpraisewithdevotion.

Venerable noble mother Tara is Kuntuzangmo,Tib Samantabhadri,Skt in thesphereofthedharmakaya2[2],DorjePhagmo,TiborVajravarahi,Sktinthesphereofthesambhogakaya3[3],andAryaTarainhernirmanakaya4[4]form.DorjeYangchenma,Tib

andLhamoPalchenmo,Tib are amongher manyother manifestations; eachhas adifferentnameandform. In theLandofSnow, (Tibet) in particular, beingsarebenefitedbyherotherinconceivablemanifestations,specifically,YesheTsogyal,TiborJhanaDakini5[5].Skt Justbyprayingtoher,withthehelpofherswiftaction,wecanspontaneouslyaccomplishthetwopurposes6[6]. Therefore,itisofgreatbenefittopersevereinthispractice.

There are many different Indian and Tibetan traditions explaining thistantra7[7]ofpraise.Motivatedbydevotion,IwillexplainthistantrainaccordancewithTheTreasureVaseofEssential GreatBlissofInnerPractice, whichis theprofoundmindtreasure8[8] teachingoftheomniscientRigdzinJigmeLingpa. Eachofthetwentyoneversesispraisetotwentyonemanifestations.

HomagetomotherTara,swiftandfearless,Youreyesarelikeflashinglightning.BornfromtheblossomingstamensOfthelotusfaceoftheLordofThreeWorlds.

ThefirstpraiseistoNyurmaPalmo,Tib theFearlessSwiftLady. Herewepayhomageto the ladyof activity who liberates beings fromthe temporal andperennialsufferingsofsamsara9[9].SheiscalledSwiftLadybecauseherimpartialcompassion10[10]benefitsbeingswithoutevenaninstantsdelay.SheistheFearless

Lady,becauseshehastheunhinderedpowertosubduedemons,aswellastheafflictionsofbeings.Sheprotectsbeingsfromallfears.Herwisdomeyesmoveliketheflashoflightningasshefullycognizesallphenomena.Theladyendowedwithomniscience,compassion,power,andactivitywasbornfromtheteardropsofthestamenlikeeyesofthefullyblossomedlotuslikefaceofAvalokiteshvara11[11], theSaviorofThreeWorlds. Thethreeworldsarethesubterrestrial, terrestrialandcelestialrealms,(theworldsofnagas12[12],humans,andgods,respectively).

Tara is seductive, andhas the youthfulnessof the risingsun, andasemiwrathfulsmile. Herrighthandisintheboongivingmudra13[13],andherlefthandholds a blue lotus upon which is a rightturning conch. This symbolizes hermastery of the two truths14[14] and bodhicitta15[15]: in this world, and in the godrealm16[16].Theoutermeaningofthepraiseliterallypraisesthenirmanakayaaspectof the Noble Lady. In the inner aspect of the praise, if not taken literally, hersambhogakaya and dharmakaya aspects are praised. The Savior of the ThreeWorldsisthedharmakaya,anditsmanifestationistherupakaya,orformbody,(whichiscomposedofthesambhogakayaandnirmanakaya).

HomagetoyouwhosefaceislikeThegatheringofahundredfullmoonsinautumn,ShiningresplendentlightIntheperfect,spaciousconstellationofathousandstars.

Thesecondverse is homageto Yangchenma,Tib the Treasureof Wisdom.TheLadywithashiningfacelikeanarrayofhundredautumnfullmoons,meansherfaceisahundredtimesfairerandmorebeautifulthanthemoon.Herrighthandholdsamirror,whichislikeafullmoonengravedwithanHRI17[17] syllable. Theperfect spacious constellation of a thousand stars, refers to the field of herwisdom,whichisabundantlyspacious,andvast,likethecountless,resplendentraysofthefullmoon. Thislightclearsthedarknessoftheignoranceofpractitioners,whichisthecauseofdullness,diseaseandpossessionbyevils.Itopensthedoortothe treasury of knowledge by illuminating the light of the four specific perfectunderstandings.ThesearetheperfectunderstandingoftheDharma18[18],(teachings)the perfect understanding of the definitive meaning, perfect confidence (in thedoctrine)andtheperfectknowledgeoftheVictoriousOnes,(brilliance).Accordingtoatantra,theinnermeaningistoservethemotherofthespherewhichmeansemptinessorthenatureofmind.Inordertolookatourinnateself,thefaceofthe

ultimate Vajravarahi, we must accumulate merit19[19] and purify our mindstreams20[20], so that they are like an array of a hundred pure white moons.Becauseof these practices, the door to her blessingwill be openedbyour trueinclination. Inthatway,wecanseeultimateluminosityandigniteourdynamicwisdom.

Homagetoyou,thegoldenladyWhosehandisadornedwithabluelotus,Youarethelordofthedomainoftheactivitiesofgenerosity,Diligence,austerity,tranquility,patienceandmeditation.

The third praise is to Sonam Thobkyedma,Tib the Yellow Lady of GoodFortune. Sheisbeautiful;herskinisthecolorofpuregoldglitteringintheearlymorningsun. Herlefthandisadornedwithabluelotus,uponwhichsitsagemthatbestowsallwishes. SheisthelordoftheBodhisattvas21[21] sphereofactivity,whichencompassesthetranscendentperfectionsofgenerosity,patience,diligence,ethics,tranquility,wisdom,andmeditation.Austerity,(inthiscontext)isethics,andtranquilityiswisdomandmeditation.Wepayhomagetotheunchallengeableladywhohasthetenpowers:thepoweroverlife,thepowerovermind,thepoweroverwealth,thepoweroveraction,thepoweroverbirth,thepoweroverinclination,thepoweroveraspiration,thepowerovermiracles,thepoweroverprimordialwisdom,and the power over dharma. The outer meaning is that she has attained thecompletionofthesixperfections,injustonemeditation.Theinnermeaningisthathersingularmeditationislikealotus,freefromtheflawofadherencetosubjectandobject,andisendowedwiththecompletionofthesixperfections.

HomagetoyoubornfromtheTathagatascrownWhoenjoysboundlesstotalvictory,RelieduponbytheSonsofConquerorsWhohaveachievedperfection.

TheforthpraiseistoNamgyalma,Tib theVictoriousLady,theOneWhoHasAccomplishedImmortality.TheWisdomGoddessofwisdommantra,whoemanates from the crowns of the Tathagatas22[22], enjoys total victory over theboundlessdisruptiveforces. Hercomplexionisgolden,andsheholdsavaseoflongevity. Bodhisattvaswhohaveachievedthetenbhumis23[23],theessenceoftheten transcendent perfections, without exception, rely on her guidance as their

spiritual mother. She enriches practitioners by dissolving the fourteen subtleessences of the animate, inanimate, and other subtle essences of samsara andnirvana24[24]. Inreality,shehasachievedthesacred,unchangingbodyofeternitythroughtheintentionofAtiyoga25[25],thecrownofnineyanas26[26].

HomagetoyouwhofillsalloftherealmsofDesire,ItsAspectandSpacewithTUTTARAandHUNGsyllables,Youtramplethesevenworldswithyourfeet,Youhavethepowertocommandallforces.

ThefifthisthepraisetoRigyedLhamo,Tib theAllKnowingLadywhohasthequalityofmagnetizing27[27].ThisredTarasitsonbluelotusandholdsabowandanarrow.Shefillsthedesirerealm,itsaspect,whichistheformrealm,andspace,whichistheformlessrealm,withthebrightlyradiatingTUTTARAmantra28[28],andthesoundofHUNG.(PhyogsinTibetanisanambiguousword.Inthisinstance,theauthorofthecommentaryinterpretsitastheaspectofthedesirerealm.)Thisisbecausebeingsinboththedesirerealmandtheformrealmsharethesameaspectofhavingform.Likewise,spaceisinterpretedastheformlessrealm.Theradianceof the TUTTARAmantra and the soundof HUNGsymbolize her realizationofemptiness29[29] andcompassion. Sheconquersthesevenworldsbyjusttramplingthemwithherfeet. Ifsheisabletosummonalloftheseforceswithoutexceptionjustbythepowerofthemantra,therecanbenodoubtofherpoweroverthelesserforces,forexample:sangha,kings,ministers,andlandlords.

Thereareanumberofdifferentidentificationsofthesevenworlds. JetsunDrakpaGyaltsenpointsouttheyarethefivegoers,andthetwoupperrealms,whichmakesseven. DrolgonZhabsaysthesevenworldsaretherealmsof thenagas,pretas,asuras,humans,vidyadharas30[30],kinarasandgods;thesevenrealmswithpower.InthecommentarybyGedunGyatso,thesevenrealmsarecomprisedofthesixrealms:(therealmsofthegods,jealousgods,humans,animals,hungryghostsand hellbeings), and the realm of the bardo, (which is also known as theintermediatestate).

Otherswritethatthesevenworldsare:thesky,theformandformlessrealms,andtheworldsoftendirections.RigyedLhamomagnetizesandleadsbeingstothepathofthethreeyanas.Theultimatemeaningisthatthroughpractice,whennonconceptualneutralalayasclarityiscognized,theformlessrealmsdissolve. When

thesimplepureluminosityoftheundiscriminatingclarityofalayavijnana31[31],orbase of consciousness is cognized, the form realms dissolve. When mentalconsciousnessisfreefromdelusionandthefivesensorycognitions,thedesirerealmceases. Thesecessationsaretheabidingpurity,orthefruitionofpurification. Atthisstageofawareness, thesevenworldsarethesevencognitions, whereall theconcepts of desire and the other three realms without exception dissolve intodharmadatu32[32].

Homagetoyou,whoisworshippedbyIndra,Agni,Brahma,Vayudeva,VisvakarmanandIshvara,

Andpraisedinyourpresence,Byahostofspirits,zombies,gandharvasandyakshas.

Thesixth homage is to JigyedChenmo,Tib the dark redGreat TerrifyingLady,whoholdsaphurba33[33]sparklingwithHUNGsyllablesthatdestroyallevils.Indra,thekingofgods;Agni,thesage;Brahma,thecreator;Vayudeva,thewindgod;thegreatIshvaraandallthegreatonesoftheworld,andthemainguardiansofthedirectionsworshipher. Infrontofherkneelahostofevilspiritswhoharmbeingsbytheirmisguidance.Therearespiritswhocauseinsanityandmemoryloss,andspiritswhoturncorpsesintozombies. Therearegandharvas34[34]ofthebardoandtherealmofYama;yakshaslikeSemo,whodeceivebyseducing;kingspiritswhomakesbeingscrazyandangry;andpishacademonsthateatflesh. Alltheseevildoersawaitherorderswithhumilityandrespect.HomageispaidtoTarawhocrushestheheadsofthosedifficulttotame,andmakesthemfaintintothestateofdharmadhatu. TheinnermeaningofthisisthatIndraandtheothergodsarethepersonificationoffiveelements35[35],andthespiritsarethepersonificationofthefiveaggregates36[36]. Their reverence symbolizes the purity of the elements andaggregates,whicharethebaseofthemaleandfemaleBuddhas37[37].

Homagetoyou,whodestroysmaleficmagicalwheels,WiththesoundsofTRATandPHATAndtrampleswithrightlegoutstretchedandleftlegdrawninDazzlingamidstwhirlingflames.

The seventh homage is to Tumo Zhenge Methubma,Tib the UnchallengedFuriousLady, whoaverts wars, lightningandhailstormsby intoningTRATandPHAT,whichinSanskritmeanstotearandcut. Thesesyllablesthwartthemagical

wheelsoftheintentionalevildeedsoftheeightclassesofspirits.Theyavertlightningstrikesandhailstorms,anddestroycannonsandotherweaponsofwar.Todepictthatshehasgonebeyondoftheextremesofsamsaraandnirvanabyhercompassionandrealizationofemptiness,herrightlegisoutstretchedandherleftlegisdrawnin,andtramplesonmalignantbeings.Sheconquersallfearsofnirvanaandsamsarawithherpower of realizationofemptinessandcompassion. Sheisblack,andsitsamidstflames.Herwrathfulwrinkleswhirllikeoceanwaves.Homageispaidtotheladywhowieldsamysticallyblazingswordheldatopabluelotusthatburnsallfoestoashes. The inner meaning of her outstretched and drawn in legs is the sensorycognitions;whenthesensorycognitionsperceiveandharmonizethesensoryobjects,thesamsaricwarsarise. Bysayingtearandcut,sheseversattachmenttosensoryobjectsandpurifiesthem.ThisisthebaseofthemaleandfemaleBodhisattvas.

HomagetoTURE,thegreatterrifyinglady,Whodefeatsthechampionsofdemons.YourfrowninglotusfaceSlaysallfoeswithoutexception.

Theeighthhomageistothedarkredfrowninglady,ZhenMegyalvaiPalmo,Tib

theInvincibleFearlessLady. Wepraisetheladywhoavertscriticismandotherharms, which are the source of humiliation causedbyour afflictive emotion ofpride. Herhandimplementisavajra38[38]. ByrecitingthemantraTURE,whichmeans Swift Lady, another of her names declaiming her swift compassionateaction,shearisesinwrathfulformfromthetranquildharmadhatu,andsubjugatesthedemonsdifficulttotame:theafflictions,theaggregates,thelordofdeath,andthemaras39[39].

She transforms her blossoming lotuslike peaceful face into a wrathful,scowlingface,anddestroystheevilmindofouterenemies. Sheeliminatesthosewhohateandabusethedharmaanditsupholders,thosewhocauseobstaclesforpractitioners,andthosewhoharmsentientbeings. Inreality,sheexecutesallfoeswithoutatrace:theafflictiveobscurationsthatarethefoesofliberation,andtheknowableobscurationsthatarethefoesofomniscience. Thedefinitivemeaningisthatthebaseofthewrathfulmaleandfemaledeities,(theservingfaculties)arethepureabidingnatureofthefourattributesofbody,andthefourclassesofillusoryconceptions. Theyeliminatethefoesofomniscience: theknowableobscurations,andthefoesofliberation:theobscurationofafflictiveemotions.

Homagetoyou,whoholdsyourfingersmarvelouslyInthemudrasymbolizingtheTripleGematyourheart.Swirlingmassesoflightadornyou,Permeatingeverydirectioninbeautifulcircles.

Theninthpraise is homage to SengdengNagi Drolma,Tib the Taraof theRosewoodForestwhoprotectsfromallkindsoffears. Hercolorisdarkgreen,with the dazzling radiance of emeralds. Her right hand is in the boongivingmudra,andthethumbandringfingerofherlefthandholdsabluelotusengravedwithawheel.HerremainingfingersareheldgracefullyuprightatherheartinthemudrasymbolizingtheTripleGem40[40]. Theswirlingwheeloflight,(ametaphorforprotection)adornsherlikethefinestofgarments,anditprotectslikeashieldagainstalltorments.Likewise,allbeingsoftheworldintendirectionsareprotectedfromallkindsoffearsbytheallpervasivelightthatbeamsfromherbody,clearingtheirfearsinadisplayofextraordinaryradiance.

Theeightkindsoffearsare:

1. Thefearofelephantsrepresentsthepowerofignorance.Whenignorancegrowsstrong,oneignoresthelawofcauseandeffect,indulgesinalcohol,(heretheuseofalcoholisasymbolicofwrongview)andbecomescrazy.

2. Thefearofironchainssymbolizeshabituationtolustanddesirethatbindtogetherthesensesandtheirobjects.

3. Thefearof pishacademonssignifies thedoubt that steals the life forceofnirvana, as it moves in the sky of ignorance, and the doubt that harms theunderstandingofultimatemeanings.

4. The fear of rivers (floods) is a symbol of desire, acting savagely. By thepossessionof spirits, the current of desire carries beings towards samsara in itstumultuouswavesofbirth,sick,aginganddeathcausedbykarmicwind.

5. Thefearoffirerepresentsthepowerofangerthatburnstheforestofvirtue.Anger is the cause of anxiety, which in turn causes quarrels, disputes, andpartialities.

6. Thefearofrobberycorrespondstothewrongviewsthatstealthetreasureofthesupremegoal. Thiscausesonetowanderaimlesslyinthebarrengroundofwrongview,(andto)believeinextremesandlowasceticpractices.

7. Thefearofreptilesrepresentsjealousy,thepoisonofintoleranceofanotherpersonsprosperity.Jealousyresultsineverythingbecomingacauseforagitation.

8.Thefearoflions.Signifiespride,theconceitofholdinghighonesownviewsandconduct.Pridecausesoneto(metaphorically)developclawsassharpasalionstobelittleothers.

Theseandtheircasualfactorsaretheeightfears.

Anothersetofeightfears,whicharethefruitionofsecondaryafflictionsare:

1.Thefearofpunishmentbykingscausedbyselfinfatuationandharmingothers.2.Thefearoffoesiscausedbyhypocrisy,gloom,slothandexcitement.3.Thefearofevilspiritsiscausedbydishonestyanddeceit.4.Thefearofleprosyiscausedbylackofshameanddreadofblame.5.Thefearofbeinglonelyiscausedbydisbelief.6.Thefearofpovertyiscausedbystinginess.7.Thefearofthunderiscausedbyangerandenmity.8.Thefearoffailureiscausedbyindolenceandcarelessness.

Homageispaidtotheladywhoprotectsusfromthesetwosetsoffears.Theinner meaning is that her wheel of the three primordial wisdomminds, (thewisdomminds of emptiness, clarity and compassion, illustrated by the mudrasymbolizingtheTripleGem)eliminatestheninebondsandotherafflictions,whichisacauseforaccomplishingthefearlessvajraofselfcognizedluminosity.

Homagetoyou,ladywhounfurlsGarlandsofjoyousmajesticlightfromyourcrown.ByyourpiercinglaughterofTUTTARE,Yousubjugatetheworldandmaras.

ThetenthhomageistoJigtenSumgyal,Tib VictoriousOverThreeWorlds,whosubjugatesworldlybeings. She is redandholds a victory banner. Multicoloredlightsradiatefromhercrown,givingperfectjoyandfulfillingthetemporalandultimatewishesaccordingtothedesiresofbeings. BysayingtheTUTTAREmantramelodiouslywiththeeightattributesoflaughter,(ofthewrathfuldeity)sheconfusesandsubjugates thedemonic lordsof the (sensorygodrealm), whoareknown as the Controllers of Others Emanation. She also subjugates kings,ministers, sorcerers, and wealthy householders and leads them to the path ofliberation. In the root text, the outer phenomena change only when selfappearancestransform. Therefore,subjugationispossibleiftheintentionofthespiritual mother (nondual emptinesscompassion) is attained, and there is noalternate method. The inner meaning is the four joys subjugate demons andafflictions. Thesubjugationof the threedoorsbyblissful primordial wisdomissubjugationofthethreeworlds.

Homagetoyou,Whocansummonhostsoftheprotectorsofearth.ByyourfrowningmovementsandHUNGsyllable,Youbringfreedomfromallpoverties.

TheeleventhhomageistoThronyerChenma,Tib theFrowningLadywhobestowswealthanddispelspoverty.Shesummonsthegoddessofearth,thenagas,thegodofwealth,yakshasandotherlordsoftendirectionsandtheirretinuestoserveheractivities. Sheisholdsatreasurevase, andisorangeincolor. Sheismajestic,withascowlingfaceandafurrowedbrow.LightradiatesfromtheHUNGsyllable at her heart, drawing in the wealth and prosperity of gods, nagas andhumans. Sheshowersthepoorandneedywithwealth,satisfyingalltheirneedsandfreeingthemfromtheirsufferings.Theinnermeaningisthatbypurifyingtheearthlikeignorancethatsupportstheworld,theprimordiallyperfectgreatmeritisrevealed,clearingsamsaraandnirvanaofallpoverty.ThisalsoindicatestheSecretandWisdompath.

Homagetoyou,whosediademisacrescentmoon,Allyouradornmentsdazzlebrightly.Excellentperpetuallightshines

FromAmitabhaatyourtopknot.

The twelfth homage is to Tara, Tashi Dongyed Dolma,Tib the One WhoBestowsAuspiciousnesswhobringstimelyrain,helpswithchildbirth,andmakesplacesauspicious.ThisgoldenTarasitsonbluelotusandholdsanauspiciousknot.Fromtheraysofhercrescentmoondiadem,showersofnectarfall,improvingcropsandvegetation. Clear andbrilliant white light radiatesfromall of herpreciousjewelsandsilkenattire.Amitabha,thelordofherBuddhafamilysitsonherblackhairknot. Fromhimtoo, boundlessunceasingcompassionateraysshineforthebenefit of sentient beings. These rays bring a shower of auspicious signs andarticles.Theycleansethepoisonousbadomensofanimateandinanimateexistence,causingallbeingsandtheirenvironmentstoenjoyperfect,glorious,auspiciousness.Theultimatemeaningofthefirstlineisdirectperception,thesecondlinemeanstheenhancingexperienceandthelasttwoofthelinesmeanthecompletionstageof the expansion of primordial wisdom and kayas of the fourthempowerment41[41],(Word).

Homagetoyou,whodwellsamidstgarlands Blazinglikethefireattheendofaneon.

WithyourrightlegoutstretchedandleftlegdrawninYourjoyfulturningdestroysenemyforces.

ThethirteenthhomageistoDrapungJomma,Tib theTaraWhoAvertsWar.Sheavertswarsandobstacles,andleadsbeingstovictoryinthewarwithformandformlessenemies. Sheisredincoloranddwellsamidstgarlandsofwisdomfireswirlinglikethefireattheendofaneon.Herrightlegisstretchedoutandleftlegisdrawnin.Sparksoffireflyfromtheprongsofthevajrashebrandishes,subduingallharmfulenemies.Shecomfortsthembygatheringthemunderthevajratentthatprotects themfromtheir ownevil. Witheveryskillful means42[42], she turns thewheelofdharma,accordingtothedispositionofthebeingstobetamed.Shemakesthemcontentandjoyous,andsubduesthemaleficforcesofthetwoobscurations.The inner meaning is that this indicates the realization that exhausts allphenomena. Justasthefireattheendoftheeonconsumestheworld,whentheprimordialwisdomswirlsindharmadhatu,theouterearthandstones,theinneranimatebody,andthesecretconceptionsarealsoexhausted.Sothefoesofthetwoobscurations43[43] aresubjugated,andthejoyofthegreattranquilityofthecoreofinner clarity of primordial wisdom44[44] that does not dwell in the extremes ofsamsaraandnirvanaisexperienced.

Homagetoyou,whostrikestheearthwithyourpalms,Andstampsuponitwithyourfeet.WithwrathfulgrimacesandHUNGsyllable,Youscatterthesevenunderworlds.

Thefourteenthhomage is toThronyerChenzed,Tib theWrathful Wrinkled(Frowning) Tara who subdues the eight classes of harmful spirits and ninemalignantspiritbrothers.Sheisblacklikeadarknight,andholdsawoodenpestleupon a blue lotus. She makes the world tremble and quake by striking themountainsandislandswiththepalmsofherhandsandstampinguponthemwithherfeet. Bythepowerofherregalfrowning,theresoundingvibrationofHUNG,andtheglarefromherradiantvajralight,whichislikeafireshower,sheshatterstheheartsandheadsofallmalignantspirits: samaya45[45]breakers,demonsandothersfromthe seven underworlds andabove, andmakes themfaint into the state ofdharmata46[46].Thesevenunderworlds,whicharelikelayersofsevenroofs,are:theabodesofdemons,thegeneralbase,thehigherbase,thebaseless,thespecificbase,thebaseofessence,theperfectbase,andthepurebase. Inreality,thetwosolesstriking symbolize striking the crucial point of the path of the nonduality ofpristinewisdomandthebasicsphere,whichuprootsthesevenlatenciesorsevencognitionswiththeirobjects.

Homagetoyou,whoisblissful,virtuousandtranquil,AndenjoysthedomainofpeacefulnirvanaWith(mantra)endowedperfectlywithSVAHAandOMYoudestroyallawfulnonvirtuouskarma.

ThefifteenthhomageistoRabtuZhima,TibthePerfectPacifier,whopacifiestheobscurationofnegativekarma47[47]. Shesitsonbluelotus,andispeaceful.Hercoloriswhitelikeacrystalmoonandsheholdsananointingvase.Sheisfreefromthefruitionof suffering, andasaresult, sheis blissful Shehaseliminatednonvirtue,andasaresult,sheisvirtuous.Herafflictionshaveended,andasaresult,sheistranquil.Shehasgonebeyondthesufferingsofthetwoobscurationsandsheenjoysandabidesinthesphereofsublimetranquility.Byherpowerofcompassion,andpowerofrecitingperfectlyinaccordancewiththesadhana48[48]hertwentythreeoreighteensyllablemantras,thefiveheinousnegativekarmas49[49]thatmakebeingsfall into the lower realms, and other karma that generates great sufferings areuprootedandpurified. Themantraincludestheadditionalsyllables, OMatthe

beginningandSVAHAattheend.Theultimatemeaningisthatherblissfulnessandotherqualitiesareconnectedtothefivewisdomminds: thewisdomofabsolutespace,mirrorlikewisdom,thewisdomofequality,discriminatingwisdom,andallaccomplishingwisdom.

Homagetoyou,whoissurroundedbyjoyousonesWhocompletelyscatterthebodiesofenemies.Youliberateallwithyourspeech,adornedwithtensyllablesAndHUNG:yourpristineawareness.

ThesixteenthhomageistoDrolmaBarvaiOdcan,TibtheTaraWhoAvertstheEnemiesandMantrasSpell,whoisredlikethefireattheendofeon,sitsonbluelotus,andholdsacrossedvajra. Sheissurroundedbyahostofvidyadharasandmendicantswhohaveaccomplishedthepracticeofmantraandpoweroftruthfulspeech andareendowedwithperfectjoyofsamadhi. Theirradiancescattersthebodiesof thefoesandovercomesthepowerofmagical spells andthepowerofsorcery,destroyingthemwithoutatrace.Byrecitinghermantraarrangementofthetensyllables,OMTAREandsoon,sheAttheheartofthewrathfullady,awarenessrestsintheformofaHUNGradiatinglightthatclearstheouter,inner,andsecretobscurationsofthebeingstobetamed.Theultimatemeaningisthatbysubduingthefoeoftheimpureappearanceofourbody,theawarenessbodyoftheMotheroftheVictoriousOnesisaccomplished:theunchanginggreatblissfulbodyendowedwiththetenpowers.

HomagetoyouwhoseseedsyllableisHUNGWhouttersTUREandstampsyourfeet.CausingMeru,MandharaandVindhyamountainsAndthethreeworldstotremble.

TheseventeenthhomageistoDolmaPagmedNonma,Tib theUnfathomableSuppressor,whoavertsharmfromhunters,thieves,robbersandenemies. Sheisorangelikesaffron,sitsonabluelotusandholdsastupa50[50]. BysayingTURE,stampingontheground,andtheradiatingseedsyllablesfromtheHUNGatherheart,sheshakesalltheabodesofthegreatgods,includingMountMeru,MandharaandVindhya. Theeffectofheractionsextendsbeyondthethreethousandworlds.Her stamping causes the three realms: desire, form and formless, on thesubterranean,terrestrialandcelestialworlds,toquakeandquiver.Bythepowerof

herfrighteningforces,shecrushesbutchers,thieves,andotherenemiesunderherfeetandgivespeacetoallbeings.Theultimatemeaningisthatthequaveringofthethreeworldsispurificationofthethreedoors,(body,speechandmind).

Homagetoyou,holdingaharemarkedfullmoon,ShapedlikethegodsoceanofnectarByutteringTAREtwiceandPHATYoudispelallpoisonwithoutexception.

TheeighteenthhomageistoMajaChenmo,TibtheGreatPeahen,whoavertsandpacifiespoison.Sheisaswhiteasthemoon,andsitsonabluelotus.Inherlefthand,sheholdsafullmoonmarkedwitharabbit,whichistheshapeoftheoceanofnectarofthegodrealm. Withherradianceandherchantingofthemantra,OMTARE TUTTARE TURE SARVAVETRATARAPHATSVAHA, which has twoTARESandaPHATsyllable,sheclearsallpoisons,bothanimateandinanimate,withoutatrace. Generally,allobstaclesarisefrompoisons,andthebaseofalltheanimate and inanimate poisons is our afflictions. She clears all the poisons ofsentientbeingswithoutatracewiththemedicineofthetruthofreality.

Homagetoyou,onwhomkings,congregationsofgods, Minorgods,andkinarasrely.

YourarmorofmagnificentjoyDispelsalldisputesandbaddreams.

Thenineteenthis homagetoMiphamGyalmo,Tib theUndefeatedQueen,whoavertsconflictsandbaddreams. Sheiswhiteandholdsawhiteumbrella.Indra,Brahma,godsofthedesireandformrealms,demonsandlocalgodswhoharmbeings,andthegodsofmountains,lakesandtreeswhohelpbeings,honorherwithout exception. In general, by the mantra that is blessed by her and thevisualizationofherbodyasarmor,allconflictsandbaddreamscanbeaverted.Inparticular,themulticoloredvajrasandthesparklestheyemitavertreligiousandpolitical critics, and make their statements powerless. She wears a crown tosymbolize honoring lamas as deities, actualization of primordial wisdom, andstabilization of bodhicitta. She wears earrings as a sign of refraining from thehumiliationoflamas.Herarmlets,bracelets,andanklets,sixinnumber,signifythatsherefrainsfromkillinginsects. Hernecklacesrepresentherperfectrecitationofmantra.Herbelt,lowergarmentsandornamentsindicatethatherbodyisendowed

withbodhicitta.Allofherornamentsarelikefinearmor,whosesplendorcanavertcriticismandthebaddreamscausedbytheimbalanceofthewinds,channelsandseminalessence51[51].Theinnermeaningisthatbyhavingthekarmicwind52[52]flowinto the uma, the central channel, the experience of the armor of emptiness isactualized,avertingthedelusionsthatcauseconflictandbaddreams.

Homagetoyou,whosetwoeyes,thesunandthemoonRadiatesublimeluminouslight.UtteringHARAtwiceandTUTTARAYoudispelallhorrifyingepidemics.

ThetwentiethhomageistoLhamoRithrodma,Tib theMendicantTara,whoavertsalldiseases.Sheisorangeandherhandholdsavaseofnectaronabluelotus.Herlefteyeislikethefullmoonandherrighteyeislikethesun. Herrighteyeemitsblazingraysthatburnallthelordsofdiseases,(thosewhocommandtheevilspiritsthatbringdisease)likehaystacks.Clearnectarflowsfromthemoon,(herlefteye)curingthecausesandeffectsofdiseasesandepidemics.Hermantra,OMTARETUTTARETURENAMATARENAMOHARAHUNGHARASVAHAhas twoHARAsoundsandaTUTTARA. Themantracancureeventhemostdangerousincurable epidemics. The ultimate meaning is that if the mothersphere oftranscendentwisdomisrealized,themostdangerousepidemicsofafflictions,theircausesandfruitions,canbecured.

Homagetoyou,whoisadornedbythreeSuchnesses.Perfectlyendowedwiththepowerofserenity.Destroyerofdemons,zombiesandyakshas.OTURE!Sublimeexcellentlady.

The twentyfirst praise is the homage to Lhamo Odser Chenma,Tib theGoddesswithBrilliance,whocanrestorethelifeforce.Sheiswhite,herlefthandis in the boongivingmudra, andher right handis in therefugegivingmudra,holdingabluelotusonwhichsittheauspiciousgoldenfishes.Atherthreeplaces:crown,throat, andheart, areOM,AH,andHUNG,respectively, whichformthesublimeprotectionagainstallobstacles.Thelightraysfromtheselettersprotectthethreedoorsofbeingsfromtheharmofallouterobstaclescausedbyevilforces,bothformandformless. Theyalsoprotectbeingsfromtheinnerobstaclesofillhealth,andthesecretobstaclesofdualisticaffliction. Therayshavethepowertopacify

themwithoutatrace.Particularly,theraysfromthethreeletterscanrestorethelifeforcestolenbyspirits,zombies,andyakshas,andeliminatetheirharmfulintentionsandactions.ThehomageistoTURE,thegreatcompassionateladywhoactsswiftlyforthebenefitofsentientbeings. ThetruemeaningisthatTarahasthepowertoguide the minds of beings to be tamed in the three approaches to liberation.Theseare:emptiness,attributelessnessandaspirationlessness,or,thesuchnessofanentity,itsnatureandcompassion,andtheclearingofallitsobscurations.Ultimatelythevajrabody,speechandmindaretheprimordiallypurenatureofallphenomena.Bymeditatingonthesphereoftheindivisibilityofthethreevajras,thedemons,sufferings,zombies,andyakshasaretransformedbythegreatblissofprimordialwisdom.

ThisisthepraisetoHerrootmantra,AndtheTwentyOneHomages.

TheBenefitsofRecitingthePraise

Thewiseoneendowedwithpurerespectforthegoddess,WhorecitesthesepraiseswithperfectdevotionRememberingherintheeveninganduponwakingatdawn,Willbeendowedwithcompletefreedomfromfear.

Apractitionerwhorecitesthepraiseintheeveningandatdawn,recallingTarasqualitieswithpuredevotion,andhasthewisdomtodiscriminatebetweengoodandbadwillbeprotectedfromthesixteenfears.Otherswillbeendowedwithcomplete freedomfromall fears. It is also said that we must meditate on herwrathful form in the evening to pacify the harmsof this life, andvisualize herpeacefulformatdawnandrecitethepraisestosaveourselvesfromrebirthinthelowerrealms.

Alltheirsinswillbepacified,Causingdestructiontoalllowerrealms.AndthesevenmillionVictoriousOnes

Willquicklygrantthemempowerment.Thus,theywillattaingreatness,andprogressTothestageofBuddhahood.

ThedailypracticeoftheTwentyOnePraisestoTarawillcauseallofthepractitionerssinstobepacifiedandpurified.Thosewhorecitethepraisewillnotexperiencethesufferingsofthelowerrealms. ThesevenmillionVictoriousOneswhoabidewiththeNobleLadywillswiftlyblessandempowerthepractitioners.Inthislife,thepractitionersofthispraisewillachievethegreatblissofplace,body,retinue, andthequalitiesof the dharmaof transmittedpreceptsandrealization.They will swiftly attain the paths and bhumis, and reach the ultimate state ofenlightenment.

ByrememberingHer,themostviolentpoisonsAbidingintheearthorinbeingsWhethereatenordrunkWillbecompletelyremoved.

Attheconventionallevel,practitionerswillbeprotectedfromterriblediseases,andthepaincausedbyaconiteandotherinanimatepoisons.Theywillbeprotectedfromthepoisonousfangs,horns,stingsandbitesofanimals.Thepracticewillalsoprovide protection fromthe poisonous effect of the evil intentions of malignantspirits,protectionfromtheirtouch,andtheevileye.Byrememberingthegoddessandher mantra, the harmful effect of poisons whether theyhavebeeneatenordrunkwillbenullified.

ThiscaneliminatevarioussufferingsInflictedbythespirits,epidemics,andpoisonsEvenifdoneforthesakeofotherbeings.

Thepracticecaneasilyeliminatethesufferinginflictedbyouterandinnerpoisons,bydangerousepidemicsandpossessionbyevilspirits. Thesamebenefitcanbeachievedifthepraiseisrecitedforthesakeotherbeings.

Onsincerelyrecitingtwice,threetimes,andseventimesThewishtohavechildwillbefulfilledAndthedesireforwealthcanbeachieved.

AllthewisheswillbefulfilledEveryhindrancedestroyedinitsturn

Wemustrecitethepraisetwice,threeandseventimesinonesession.Wecandothepracticeeithertwosessionsaday:onceduringtheday,andonceduringthenight, or three sessions during the dayand three sessionsat night. The VajraholdersofIndiaandTibetteachthat if onepracticesthesadhanaofTheFourMandalaOfferings53[53]inthisway,thedesiretohavechildrentocontinueonesfamilyline,ortoprovidestudentstoupholdthedharmalineagewillbefulfilled.Inthesameway,ifonewishestohavewealthforthehappinessofthislifeandthenext, excellentprosperitycaneasilybeachieved. Likewise, anyotheractivities:siddhis54[54], temporal desires and ultimate wishes will be fulfilled. By thecompassionoftheVenerableMother,unfavorableobstaclesinthefuturewillnotmanifest,andharmwillnotarisefromobstaclesthathavealreadyoccurred.Sinceall purposes can be fully achieved, the wise must practice this sadhana withenthusiasm.

ByexplainingtheTwentyOnePraiseswithdevotion,Mayallaccesstheoceanofsiddhis,clearallobstaclesAndhavetheauspiciousnessofcompleteenlightenment,ByswiftlyhavingavisionofHerface,embraced

Bytheunchangingbliss,endowedwithallsupremeattributes.

Tosummarizethetext, themeaningoftherootmantraisshownintheformofpraise.Thetwentyoneversesofhomageshowthetwentyonemanifestationsofthegoddess.ThuptenShedrubGyatso,whowasaTulku55[55]inoneofthePalyulMonasteries,wrotethis

commentary.Hiscurrentincarnation,RagoChogtrullivesinTibet.TranslationbyKhenpoTenzinNorgey~Spring,2004,NYPalyulRetreatCenter

1[1]threekayasskt~Dharmakaya,sambhogakayaandnirmanakaya,thedifferingdimensions(bodies)inwhichtheembodimentoffullyenlightenedattributesoccurs.2[2]dharmakayaskt~Buddhabodyofreality.3[3]sambhogakayaskt~Buddhabodyofenjoyment.4[4]nirmanakayaskt~Buddhabodyofemanation.5[5] dakini skt (khandro)~Literally,skygoer.Ayoginiwhohasattainedmundaneorsupramundaneaccomplishments,specifically,enlightenment.6[6]twopurposes~Tobenefitself,andother.7[7] tantra skt ~ Buddhist texts that outline the practices of the Vajra vehicle8[8]mindtreasure~Aninspiredteaching(terma)revealeddirectlyfromtheBuddhamind,byatreasurerevealer,(terton).9[9]samsaraskt~Cyclicexistence,theendlesscycleofbirth,deathandrebirthcharacterizedbysufferinganddominatedbythethreepoisons:ignorance,desireandhatred.10[10] compassion ~ Sensitivity to the sufferings experienced by sentient beings, coupled with a desire to help them overcome suffering and its causes.11[11]Avalokiteshvaraskt(Chenrezig)~TheBuddhaofcompassion.12[12] naga ~ A snake-like being living in the depths of water or underground. Although they have miraculous powers, they are classified as belonging to the lower realm.13[13] mudra skt ~ A gesture that has specific meaning used in Tantric practice as a support.14[14] two truths ~ The absolute and relative truth.15[15]bodhicittaskt~Themindofenlightenment.Thealtruisticintentiontobecomeenlightenedinordertobenefitothers16[16] god realm ~ One of the six realms of cyclic existence, characterized by seemingly unending pleasure and leisure. 17[17]HRIsyllable~SeedsyllableofAvalokiteshvara.18[18] dharma skt ~ It is an ambiguous Sanskrit term, here we can take it as spiritual path. 19[19] merit ~ Good karma, the energy generated by positive actions of body, speech and mind.20[20] mind-stream ~ The continuation of consciousness, Buddhist way of expressing our mind.21[21] Bodhisattva skt ~Onewhohasgeneratedbodhicittaandseeksenlightenmentfor thebenefit ofothers.22[22]Tathagatasskt~ThusGoneOne,anepithetofBuddhas.23[23] tenbhumis skt ~Theprogressive levels of realizationthroughwhichpractitionerspass as theyjourneytowardcompleteenlightenment.24[24]nirvanaskt~Thestateofliberationfromthesufferingsofcyclicexistence.25[25]atiyogaskt~Thehighestofthethreeinneryogas,thesummitoftheninevehicles(yanas),accordingtotheclassificationoftheNyingmapa.26[26] nineyanas skt ~TheninevehiclesorlevelsofaccomplishmentoftheNyingmapatraditionthatrepresentprogressivestagesofattainment.27[27] magnetizing ~ One of the four powers used by a practitioner to remove obscurations and obstacles to practice.28[28]mantraskt~AritualformulausedinTantricpractice,literallymeansprotectionofthemind.29[29] emptiness ~ The absence of true existence of all phenomena.

30[30]Vidyadhara skt ~Anawarenessholder,onewhohasrealizedthroughprofoundskillfulmeansawarenessoftheBuddhabody,speechandmind.31[31] alaya-vijnana skt ~ The foundational consciousness, one of the eight types of consciousnesses.32[32] dharmadatu skt ~ The sphere of reality, the ultimate truth.33[33]phurbaskt(kilaya)~Aritualdagger,usuallyhavingthreesides,usedinwrathfuldietypractices.34[34] gandharva skt ~ A smell eater, a category of beings who sustain themselves on smell like the odor of the smoke of burnt eatables.35[35]fiveelements~Earth,water,fire,air,andspace.36[36] five aggregates ~ The components of the psychophysical personality, on the basis of which beings commonly impute the false notion of self. They five aggregates are form, feeling, perception, compositional factors and consciousness.37[37]Buddhaskt~Onewhohasperfectedcompassionandwisdomthoughfollowingthebodhisattvapath.Characterizedby the developmentof omniscience, andactualizationof the threebodies: completeenjoymentbody,truthbodyandemanationbodies38[38] vajra skt (dorje) ~ A Tantric symbol that represents the indestructible union of method and wisdom that is the goal of the Tantric practitioner.39[39]maraskt~Ademonembodyingterrifyingormalevolentenergies.40[40]TripleGem ~Buddha,DharmaandSangha. Buddhaastheteacherofrefuge,thedoctrineasactualrefuge,andthespiritualcommunityassupportforpractice.41[41] empowerment ~ A ritual transfer of power, an initiation. The authorization to hear, study and practice the teachings of the Vajrayana. This takes place in a ceremony that may be extremely elaborate or utterly simple, conducted by a Vajra master.42[42] skillful means ~ The Mahayana practice of adapting the doctrine to the capacities of ones audience.43[43]twoobscurations~Therearetwotypesofobscurations:thosepreventingliberationfromthecycleof samsaric suffering, called afflictive obscurations, and those preventing omniscience, called theobscurationstotheobjectsofknowledge.44[44]primordialwisdom~Thewisdomthathasrealizedtheprimordialnatureofallphenomena.45[45]samaya skt ~Avoworwordofhonor,apromise,commitment,usuallyinthecontextofaTantricvoworempowerment.46[46] dharmata skt ~ The void nature the emptiness aspect of Buddhahood. It can be translated as the true nature of reality.47[47]karmaskt~Thedoctrineofactionsandtherecausalconsequences,thelawofcauseandeffect.48[48]sadhanaskt~TranslatedasmeansofaccomplishmentUsuallyisacompletesetoftantricliturgiesonthepracticeofadeity,startingfromthelineageprayerstodedicationofthemerittoallthesentientbeings.49[49] five heinous negative karmas ~ Patricide, matricide, killing an arhat, drawing blood from the body of a Buddha with evil intent, and causing a schism in the sangha.50[50]stupaskt~Buddhistsacredmonumentandreliquary,builttorepresenttheenlightenedmind.51[51] winds,channelsandseminalessence~Ourvitalenergyorwind,movestheessentialfluidofconsciousnessorseminalessence,alsocalledtigleordrop,throughthechannels,orinSanskrit,nadis.52[52]karmicwind~Thevitalenergygeneratedbyourkarma.53[53] mandala skt offering ~ A Tantric practice in which all precious things are offered to the deities, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in order to develop generosity, the first of the six perfections.

54[54]siddhi skt ~Spiritualaccomplishmentswhichmaybemundaneorsupramundane.Buddhahoodistheultimatesiddhi,mundanesiddhisincludeclairvoyance,clairaudience,flying,etc.55[55] tulku Tib ~ A reincarnate lama. The Tibetan translation of the Sanskrit nirmanakaya, used as an honorific term for recognized incarnations of lamas, who are found, usually in childhood, and are brought up to inherit the lineage and often the monastic foundations of their predecessors.