Difference between revisions of "White Tārā Mantra"
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[[File:Whitetara l.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Whitetara l.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
[[File:Sitatara.png|thumb|250px|si ta tā rā]] | [[File:Sitatara.png|thumb|250px|si ta tā rā]] | ||
| − | White Tārā is also known as Sita Tārā - the Sanskrit sita simply means white or pure, and is also a name for the planet Venus. | + | White [[Tārā]] is also known as Sita [[Tārā]] - the [[Sanskrit]] sita simply means white or [[pure]], and is also a [[name]] for the planet Venus. |
| − | White Tārā's mantra is the basic Tārā mantra with an extra phrase inserted. In Magic and Ritual in Tibet : The Cult of Tārā Stephan Beyer describes how various phrases can be inserted into the mantra depending on the needs of the person working the magic. In this case we are asking for [long] life (ayuḥ), merit (puṇya), and wisdom (jñāna). See also below. | + | White Tārā's [[mantra]] is the basic [[Tārā]] [[mantra]] with an extra phrase inserted. In [[Magic]] and [[Ritual]] in [[Tibet]] : The [[Cult]] of [[Tārā]] Stephan Beyer describes how various phrases can be inserted into the [[mantra]] depending on the needs of the [[person]] working the [[magic]]. In this case we are asking for [long] [[life]] (ayuḥ), [[merit]] ([[puṇya]]), and [[wisdom]] ([[jñāna]]). See also below. |
| − | White Tārā is distinguished from Green Tārā (other than their colours) by having both legs tucked up in the meditation posture, and by having seven eyes: the two usual ones, and then one in her forehead (the Wisdom Eye) and one in each palm and the soles of her feet. | + | White [[Tārā]] is distinguished from Green [[Tārā]] (other than their colours) by having both legs tucked up in the [[meditation]] [[posture]], and by having seven [[eyes]]: the two usual ones, and then one in her forehead (the [[Wisdom Eye]]) and one in each palm and the soles of her feet. |
| − | White Tārā is associated with the Padma family of Amitābha, who in graphical representations appears in the form of Amitāyus (Infinite Life) and sits in her headdress, or above her head. | + | White [[Tārā]] is associated with the [[Padma]] family of [[Amitābha]], who in graphical representations appears in the [[form]] of [[Amitāyus]] ([[Infinite]] [[Life]]) and sits in her headdress, or above her head. |
==Seed syllable== | ==Seed syllable== | ||
The seed Syllable of the Tārā's is tāṃ | The seed Syllable of the Tārā's is tāṃ | ||
| − | There is an interesting relationship between the body of White Tārā, and the form of the tāṃ in the Siddhaṃ script which you can read about on White Tara, tāṃ, and the Mandala. | + | There is an [[interesting]] relationship between the [[body]] of White [[Tārā]], and the [[form]] of the tāṃ in the [[Siddhaṃ script]] which you can read about on [[White Tara]], tāṃ, and the Mandala. |
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====Transliteration==== | ====Transliteration==== | ||
| − | '''oṃ tā re tu ttā re tu re ma ma ā yuḥ pu ṇya jñā na pu ṣṭiṃ ku ru svā hā | + | '''oṃ tā re tu ttā re tu re ma ma ā yuḥ pu ṇya [[jñā]] na pu ṣṭiṃ ku ru svā hā |
'''oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama āyuḥ-puṇya-jñāna-puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā | '''oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama āyuḥ-puṇya-jñāna-puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā | ||
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==Notes on the mantra== | ==Notes on the mantra== | ||
| − | For the elements shared with the general or Green Tārā mantra please see the Green Tārā page. | + | For the [[elements]] shared with the general or Green [[Tārā]] [[mantra]] please see the Green [[Tārā]] page. |
| − | There are some interesting linguistic observations on this mantra. Mama __X__ puṣṭiṃ kuru means something like "make my X increase" - this is not a request, but a demand! Kuru is second person singular imperative of the verbal root √kṛ 'to make, to do'; puṣṭim (an action noun from the verbal root √puṣ) means increase, cause to thrive, nourish, fulfil. Mama is the gentive singular of the 1st person pronoun, means "my" or "mine". | + | There are some [[interesting]] {{Wiki|linguistic}} observations on this [[mantra]]. Mama __X__ puṣṭiṃ kuru means something like "make my X increase" - this is not a request, but a demand! Kuru is second [[person]] singular imperative of the [[verbal]] [[root]] √kṛ 'to make, to do'; puṣṭim (an [[action]] noun from the [[verbal]] [[root]] √puṣ) means increase, [[cause]] to thrive, nourish, fulfil. Mama is the gentive singular of the 1st [[person]] pronoun, means "my" or "mine". |
| − | The mantra in Siddhaṃ above uses the word āyus 'life' in the form āyuḥ which is required by sandhi. The form āyur is sometimes seen though it is technically incorrect. Puṇya means 'merit' and jñāna is 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'. Āyuḥ, puṇya and jñāna are all undeclined forms which suggests they are part of a compound: āyuḥpuṇyajñānapuṣṭiṃ meaning 'increase of life and merit and wisdom'. Generally the FWBO uses the mantra in the form āyuḥpuṇyajñāna. The sādhana of White Tārā as passed down from Dhardo Rinpoche, via Sangharakshita, to the WBO, uses āyur. I have used āyur in the Tibetan calligraphy. Some schools of thought suggest that the mantra should be pronounced exactly as transmitted, and others say that if along the way the Sanskrit has been corrupted then it should be corrected and pronounced correctly. | + | The [[mantra]] in Siddhaṃ above uses the [[word]] [[āyus]] '[[life]]' in the [[form]] āyuḥ which is required by [[sandhi]]. The [[form]] āyur is sometimes seen though it is technically incorrect. [[Puṇya]] means '[[merit]]' and [[jñāna]] is '[[knowledge]]' or '[[wisdom]]'. Āyuḥ, [[puṇya]] and [[jñāna]] are all undeclined [[forms]] which suggests they are part of a [[compound]]: āyuḥpuṇyajñānapuṣṭiṃ meaning 'increase of [[life]] and [[merit]] and [[wisdom]]'. Generally the FWBO uses the [[mantra]] in the [[form]] āyuḥpuṇyajñāna. The [[sādhana]] of White [[Tārā]] as passed down from [[Dhardo]] [[Rinpoche]], via Sangharakshita, to the WBO, uses āyur. I have used āyur in the [[Tibetan]] {{Wiki|calligraphy}}. Some schools of [[thought]] suggest that the [[mantra]] should be pronounced exactly as transmitted, and others say that if along the way the [[Sanskrit]] has been corrupted then it should be corrected and pronounced correctly. |
| − | The mantra can be modified by replacing the mama 'mine' with the name of a person whom you wish to benefit - like a transference of merit. (see below for an example of this). | + | The [[mantra]] can be modified by replacing the mama 'mine' with the [[name]] of a [[person]] whom you wish to benefit - like a [[transference of merit]]. (see below for an example of this). |
| − | I have seen the mantra written in Tibetan with jñāna spelt dzñāna - similar to the way vajra is written badzra. There must be a phonetic nuance in Tibetan pronunciation of the ja in combination with another consonant that pushes it towards dza (the two are quite similar). It does rather obscure the Sanskrit unless you know this. | + | I have seen the [[mantra]] written in [[Tibetan]] with [[jñāna]] spelt dzñāna - similar to the way [[vajra]] is written badzra. There must be a phonetic {{Wiki|nuance}} in [[Tibetan]] pronunciation of the ja in combination with another consonant that pushes it towards dza (the two are quite similar). It does rather obscure the [[Sanskrit]] unless you [[know]] this. |
| − | ==Other forms of the mantra== | + | ==Other [[forms]] of the mantra== |
| − | The "White Tārā" mantra is the Tārā mantra with some extra words which request long life, merit and wisdom for the practitioner. A variety of other forms of the mantra are given to request other qualities or perform particular actions. I've indicated the most likely grammatical forms because they are clear in my sources, but don't worry if you don't know Sanskrit grammar just insert the word as you know it - mantras seldom stick to Classical grammar in any case. | + | The "White [[Tārā]]" [[mantra]] is the [[Tārā]] [[mantra]] with some extra words which request long [[life]], [[merit]] and [[wisdom]] for the practitioner. A variety of other [[forms]] of the [[mantra]] are given to request other qualities or perform particular [[actions]]. I've indicated the most likely grammatical [[forms]] because they are clear in my sources, but don't {{Wiki|worry}} if you don't [[know]] [[Sanskrit]] [[grammar]] just insert the [[word]] as you [[know]] it - [[mantras]] seldom stick to Classical [[grammar]] in any case. |
| − | For mantras of increase simply insert the Sanskrit word for the quality you want to increase into the mantra oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama [______] puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā. For example to increase life use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama āyuḥ puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā. | + | For [[mantras]] of increase simply insert the [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] for the quality you want to increase into the [[mantra]] oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama [______] puṣṭiṃ kuru [[svāhā]]. For example to increase [[life]] use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama āyuḥ puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā. |
| − | : puñya - merit | + | : [[puñya]] - merit |
| − | : jñāna - wisdom | + | : [[jñāna]] - wisdom |
| − | : karunā - compassion | + | : [[karunā]] - compassion |
| − | : vīrya - energy, vitality, or courage. | + | : [[vīrya]] - [[energy]], [[vitality]], or courage. |
| − | : kṣānti - forebearance, forgiveness | + | : [[kṣānti]] - forebearance, [[forgiveness]] |
Use words in the nominative singular. | Use words in the nominative singular. | ||
| − | The mantra can also be used to pacify. In this case the template is oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva [______] śānti kuru svāhā. Which means make all X be pacified. To pacify bad dreams use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva duḥsvapnān śānti kuru svāhā | + | The [[mantra]] can also be used to pacify. In this case the template is oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva [______] śānti kuru [[svāhā]]. Which means make all X be pacified. To pacify bad [[dreams]] use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva duḥsvapnān śānti kuru svāhā |
| − | : grahān - evil spirits | + | : grahān - [[evil]] spirits |
: jvarān - fevers | : jvarān - fevers | ||
: upadravān - injuries | : upadravān - injuries | ||
| Line 74: | Line 74: | ||
: cittākulāni - confusions | : cittākulāni - confusions | ||
| − | Use words in the accusative plural case. To pacify the fear of something add the word 'bhayaḥ' after the thing you fear. | + | Use words in the accusative plural case. To pacify the {{Wiki|fear}} of something add the [[word]] 'bhayaḥ' after the thing you fear. |
| − | Protection is also a function of the mantra, in which case the template is: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva [______] raksaṃ kuru svāhā. For example for protection from diseases use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vyādibhyo raksaṃ kuru svāhā | + | Protection is also a [[function]] of the [[mantra]], in which case the template is: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva [______] raksaṃ kuru [[svāhā]]. For example for protection from diseases use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vyādibhyo raksaṃ kuru svāhā |
| − | : grahebhyo - evil spirits | + | : grahebhyo - [[evil]] spirits |
: śatrubhyo - enemies | : śatrubhyo - enemies | ||
: yuddhebhyo - battles | : yuddhebhyo - battles | ||
| − | : akālamṛtyubhyo - untimely death | + | : akālamṛtyubhyo - untimely [[death]] |
The -bhyo is, generally speaking, the ablative meaning 'from', the base for is -bhyaḥ but it changes to -bhyo when followed by r. | The -bhyo is, generally speaking, the ablative meaning 'from', the base for is -bhyaḥ but it changes to -bhyo when followed by r. | ||
| − | There are many possibilities here for asking Tārā for help and assistance. The type of request need not be limited to just these examples, and need not be limited by your knowledge of Sanskrit. | + | There are many possibilities here for asking [[Tārā]] for help and assistance. The type of request need not be limited to just these examples, and need not be limited by your [[knowledge]] of Sanskrit. |
| − | ==White Tārā for Bhante Sangharakshita== | + | ==White [[Tārā]] for [[Bhante]] Sangharakshita== |
| − | In the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order we often chant the White Tārā mantra for the benefit of our founder Sangharakshita, using the familiar honorific Bhante. <br/> | + | In the Friends of the Western [[Buddhist Order]] we often [[chant]] the White [[Tārā]] [[mantra]] for the benefit of our founder Sangharakshita, using the familiar honorific [[Bhante]]. <br/> |
[[File:White-tara-bhante.png|frameless|450px|]]<br/> | [[File:White-tara-bhante.png|frameless|450px|]]<br/> | ||
| − | '''oṃ tāre tuttāre ture bhante āyur-puṇya-jñāna-puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā | + | '''oṃ tāre tuttāre ture [[bhante]] āyur-puṇya-jñāna-puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | This example uses ayur which becomes three characters: a yu r (r with the virama character to indicate there is no vowel). Bhante is written according to the convention which uses the anusvāra for any nasals - ie it's written: bhaṃ te. | + | This example uses ayur which becomes three characters: a yu r (r with the virama [[character]] to indicate there is no vowel). [[Bhante]] is written according to the convention which uses the anusvāra for any nasals - ie it's written: bhaṃ te. |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Revision as of 05:27, 6 September 2013
White Tārā is also known as Sita Tārā - the Sanskrit sita simply means white or pure, and is also a name for the planet Venus.
White Tārā's mantra is the basic Tārā mantra with an extra phrase inserted. In Magic and Ritual in Tibet : The Cult of Tārā Stephan Beyer describes how various phrases can be inserted into the mantra depending on the needs of the person working the magic. In this case we are asking for [long] life (ayuḥ), merit (puṇya), and wisdom (jñāna). See also below.
White Tārā is distinguished from Green Tārā (other than their colours) by having both legs tucked up in the meditation posture, and by having seven eyes: the two usual ones, and then one in her forehead (the Wisdom Eye) and one in each palm and the soles of her feet.
White Tārā is associated with the Padma family of Amitābha, who in graphical representations appears in the form of Amitāyus (Infinite Life) and sits in her headdress, or above her head.
Seed syllable
The seed Syllable of the Tārā's is tāṃ
There is an interesting relationship between the body of White Tārā, and the form of the tāṃ in the Siddhaṃ script which you can read about on White Tara, tāṃ, and the Mandala.
 |
|
| Siddhaṃ | Tibetan - Uchen |
Mantra
Siddhaṃ
Transliteration
oṃ tā re tu ttā
re tu re ma ma
ā yuḥ pu ṇya jñā
na pu ṣṭiṃ ku ru
svā hā
Tibetan - Uchen
Transliteration
oṃ tā re tu ttā re tu re ma ma ā yuḥ pu ṇya jñā na pu ṣṭiṃ ku ru svā hā
oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama āyuḥ-puṇya-jñāna-puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā
Notes on the mantra
For the elements shared with the general or Green Tārā mantra please see the Green Tārā page.
There are some interesting linguistic observations on this mantra. Mama __X__ puṣṭiṃ kuru means something like "make my X increase" - this is not a request, but a demand! Kuru is second person singular imperative of the verbal root √kṛ 'to make, to do'; puṣṭim (an action noun from the verbal root √puṣ) means increase, cause to thrive, nourish, fulfil. Mama is the gentive singular of the 1st person pronoun, means "my" or "mine".
The mantra in Siddhaṃ above uses the word āyus 'life' in the form āyuḥ which is required by sandhi. The form āyur is sometimes seen though it is technically incorrect. Puṇya means 'merit' and jñāna is 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'. Āyuḥ, puṇya and jñāna are all undeclined forms which suggests they are part of a compound: āyuḥpuṇyajñānapuṣṭiṃ meaning 'increase of life and merit and wisdom'. Generally the FWBO uses the mantra in the form āyuḥpuṇyajñāna. The sādhana of White Tārā as passed down from Dhardo Rinpoche, via Sangharakshita, to the WBO, uses āyur. I have used āyur in the Tibetan calligraphy. Some schools of thought suggest that the mantra should be pronounced exactly as transmitted, and others say that if along the way the Sanskrit has been corrupted then it should be corrected and pronounced correctly.
The mantra can be modified by replacing the mama 'mine' with the name of a person whom you wish to benefit - like a transference of merit. (see below for an example of this).
I have seen the mantra written in Tibetan with jñāna spelt dzñāna - similar to the way vajra is written badzra. There must be a phonetic nuance in Tibetan pronunciation of the ja in combination with another consonant that pushes it towards dza (the two are quite similar). It does rather obscure the Sanskrit unless you know this.
Other forms of the mantra
The "White Tārā" mantra is the Tārā mantra with some extra words which request long life, merit and wisdom for the practitioner. A variety of other forms of the mantra are given to request other qualities or perform particular actions. I've indicated the most likely grammatical forms because they are clear in my sources, but don't worry if you don't know Sanskrit grammar just insert the word as you know it - mantras seldom stick to Classical grammar in any case.
For mantras of increase simply insert the Sanskrit word for the quality you want to increase into the mantra oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama [______] puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā. For example to increase life use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture mama āyuḥ puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā.
- puñya - merit
- jñāna - wisdom
- karunā - compassion
- vīrya - energy, vitality, or courage.
- kṣānti - forebearance, forgiveness
Use words in the nominative singular.
The mantra can also be used to pacify. In this case the template is oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva [______] śānti kuru svāhā. Which means make all X be pacified. To pacify bad dreams use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva duḥsvapnān śānti kuru svāhā
- grahān - evil spirits
- jvarān - fevers
- upadravān - injuries
- akālamṛtyūn - untimely death
- duḥsvapān - bad dreams
- cittākulāni - confusions
Use words in the accusative plural case. To pacify the fear of something add the word 'bhayaḥ' after the thing you fear.
Protection is also a function of the mantra, in which case the template is: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva [______] raksaṃ kuru svāhā. For example for protection from diseases use: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vyādibhyo raksaṃ kuru svāhā
The -bhyo is, generally speaking, the ablative meaning 'from', the base for is -bhyaḥ but it changes to -bhyo when followed by r.
There are many possibilities here for asking Tārā for help and assistance. The type of request need not be limited to just these examples, and need not be limited by your knowledge of Sanskrit.
White Tārā for Bhante Sangharakshita
In the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order we often chant the White Tārā mantra for the benefit of our founder Sangharakshita, using the familiar honorific Bhante.
oṃ tāre tuttāre ture bhante āyur-puṇya-jñāna-puṣṭiṃ kuru svāhā
Notes
This example uses ayur which becomes three characters: a yu r (r with the virama character to indicate there is no vowel). Bhante is written according to the convention which uses the anusvāra for any nasals - ie it's written: bhaṃ te.
