How to Free Your Mind: The Practice of Tara the Liberator

This book (p. 11):"is directed toward a general audience. One need not be a Buddhist to read it or gain something from it." It's commentary on "Homage to the 21 Taras," recited daily by many Tibetans, & "A Song of Longing for Tara the Infallible" by Lama Lobsang Tenpey Gyaltsen (1852). She does a creditable job with each, taking her usual realistic, psychological, well-taken, insightful perspective. For example,p. 57: "Although we seem to be praying to Tara, we are invoking our internal wisdom and compassion."p. 76: "We wouldn't have external hindrances if we didn't have internal ones."pp. 94-5: "Although many of these verses show Tara ostensibly banishing external harms, my guess is that on a deeper level, these are analogies for internal and external obscurations."p. 100: Chanting "once with sincerity and concentration" is better than "21 times with a distracted mind."p. 166: "Guilt does not free us from self-centeredness."p. 167: "Bodhichitta is the ultimate anti-depressant."p. 178: "Meditating on the meaning of these verses isn't simply praying to Arya Tara as an external being. We're trying to tap into our own Tara-nature, our Tara-potential."p. 180: "it is the mental transformation, not the recitations themselves, that leads to rebirth in a pure land."She convincingly explains many Buddhist views: reasons for mantras, multiple interpretations, types of monastic vows, the 5 paths (accumulation, preparation, seeing, meditation, & no more learning, Tulkus (not necessarily Bodhisattvas), and (perhaps most importantly) the value and nature of Tara practice:p. 21: "21 Taras, each of whom manifested to alleviate specific problems. Therefore, each of these Taras exists for you."p. 37: "Like a child who dresses up and pretends to be a fireman, thereby developing the confidence to become one, we image ourselves to be a Buddha who relates to people as a fully enlightened being does-without ignorance, hostility, or clinging attachment and with immeasurable wisdom, compassion, and skill...Identifying ourselves with our Tara-nature, we gain invigorating confidence that spurs us to make our life more meaningful."p. 56: "Tara is not a self-existent, independent deity or god. Like all persons and phenomena, she exists dependently and is empty of independent or absolute existence."She says (p. 156) fantastic aspirations are uplifting though unattainable helping us feel more spaciousHowever, the end of the book consists of overly extensive arguments regarding self, existence, etc. While she provides interesting analogies (e.g. our body the car), the arguments are scientifically unconvincing (& repetitive). One need begin with consistent definitions, for example, in Websters a car is defined BOTH in terms of its main components (wheels, & maybe engine) AND function-transportation, defeating her argument. Nevertheless, she provides a short, pithy paragraph in the middle (p. 202) of her exposition that effectively & concisely proves her thesis ("Furthermore...every sentient being, as well as his or her body and mind, is changing moment to moment..."). In summary, we must agree that: p. 53: "We need a guiding star to find our way across the dark seas of the disturbing emotions. The Sanskrit noun Tara means `star' and the verb trii indicates `to guide across,' to cross over," rather than taking (p. 141) Worldly refuge in the worldly 3 jewels = "the shopping center, the refrigerator, and the TV." For a 4-dimensional commentary on the "Homage to the 21 Taras" see Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche's "The Smile of Sun and Moon" with color plates of the Taras.

I guess I was looking for a book with more information about the stories surrounding Tara and the history of her veneration. I commend her attempt but this is really better for the narrower audience of Buddhist-Gelug practitioners. A non-Buddhist, and even a non-Gelug, is likely to only get so much from this book. The bit at the end about 'emptiness' was actually really good (I thought) and I am glad that she discusses the difference aspects of Tara with a reasonable amount of depth but this has a strong Gelug perspective which I could not really relate to.

The mystical tradition of Tara practice is wonderfully layed out in this book. The necessity for it in this troubled world is an antidote that leads to liberation of the mind. The recitation of Tara's mantra will evolve to free all from suffering so the the great yoga of compassion is accomplished . My all who read it be free of suffering , doubt, and fear!

Everyone needs this book. :)

The book is written clearly from the heart and mind of a long time Buddhist practitioner. It is an easy read and a useful topic.

Book in new condition. Happy with purchase.

This is an excellent book for people just starting to practice Tibetan Buddhism. It clarifies many question beg givers have regarding Sadhna practice. Also worth reading for experienced practitioners.

Exactly as described

Great book, well written...

A clear exposition of the advantages in propitiating the deity Tara with some useful meditation practices included.

beautiful book

If you are interested in the Tara practice and sadhana this book lays out step by step the meaning behind the 21 Taras and how you can implment this into your practice! Wonderful read and best if re read

Powerful, well written!