How to Free Your Mind

Tara, the feminine embodiment of enlightened activity, is a Buddhist deity whose Tibetan name means "e;liberator,"e; signaling her ability to free beings from the delusion and ignorance that keep them trapped in ever-recurring patterns of negativity. She embodies a challenge, but one that is profoundly nurturing: to transform our minds and become like her, reflecting the tranquility, compassion, and wisdom that make her so beautiful. Thubten Chodron describes a simple meditation on Tara, explaining its benefits and its application to daily life. She also presents two well-loved praises—"e;Homage to the Twenty-one Taras"e; and "e;A Song of Longing for Tara, the Infallible"e;—together with reflections on their meanings for modern practitioners.