21 Forms of Tara

I mentioned in a previous post that I had picked up some books on Drolma (Tara).  I was finally able to find one with a list of each of the 21 forms of Drolma and their attributes.  The one I’m currently reading is called Tara’s Enlightened Activity by the Nyingma teachers Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal (Snow Lion Publications, 2007).  They are brothers and have been teaching in the West for quite some time.  The text is based on oral commentary they gave at more than one location.  It’s easy to read, but packed with information.

 

The following is a list of the 21 forms of Drolma given in the order used in the traditional supplication to the 21 forms.  Droljang (Green Tara) is the primary form from which the others emanate, but she is eighth in the supplication.  In the iconographic tradition used in this text, each Drolma is in the same posture.  Their faces are somewhat different, but the primary way to tell them apart is by the specific object on the blue lotus which blossoms over their left shoulder as well as their color.  You’ll note, however, that some of the emanations have the same color.  They are listed by name, color, object on the lotus and finally their outer activity.  All the forms of Drolma are ultimately for liberation from ignorance and awakening into complete enlightenment, but they also have more mundane qualities or activities as well.

 

Nyurma Pamo

Red

Conch shell

Swift, heroic liberation from sufferings

 

Loter Yangchenma

White

Mirror

Sound of peace, harmony, truth and wisdom

 

Sonam Tobche

Golden

Wish-fulfilling jewel

Increases merit and prosperity

 

Tsugtor Namgyalma

Golden

Nectar vase

Increases life force and longevity

 

Wangdu Rigje Lhamo

Red

Bow and arrow

Magnetizes beneficial wisdom essences

 

Jigje Chenmo

Dark red

Phurba (ritual dagger)

Subdues invisible beings, mental disturbances

 

Zhengyi Mithubma

Blue-black

Flaming sword

Destroys internal and external artifices

 

Zhengyi Migyalma

Dark red

Flaming dorje

Destroys maras (mental afflictions), subdues illusions

 

Sengdeng Nagchi

Green

Dharma wheel

Protexts from all outer and inner fears

 

Jigten Sumle Gyalma

Rich red

Victory banner

Subdues worldly distractions, arrogance

 

Phagma Norter Drolma

Orange-red

Treasure vase

Gives wealth, removes sufferings of poverty

 

Tashi Donje

Gold/yellow

Infinite knot

Inner and outer balance, timely seasons, harvests

 

Yulle Gyalma

Dark red

Open dorje

Stops warfare, enmity; heals destruction of anger

 

Thronyer Chen

Blue/black

Pestle

Crushes subtlest negativities and obstacles

 

Rabzhima

Rich white

Small vase

Purifies greatest evils and obscurations

 

Rigngag Tobjom

Red

Double dorje

Destroys bad intentions and their source, ego

 

Pagme Nonma

Orange

Golden stupa

Stops violent activities such as robbery, hunting

 

Maja Chenmo

White

Rabbit-marked moon

Protects against outer and inner poisons; protects infants and children

 

Dugkarmo

White

White umbrella

Protects from nightmares, disputes, curses

 

Rito Loma Jonma

Saffron

Za ma tog (a container filled with medicinal substances)

Dispels epidemics and deadly illnesses

 

Lhamo Ozer Chenma

White

Golden fish

Protects life force, brings inner radiance; protects animals

 

The text gives a brief explanation of how to practice each of these forms of Drolma from the Nyingma perspective (which only differs from the other lineages, from what I can tell, in some ultimately inconsequential details).  Each Drolma has her own mantra, but according to this text, one can use the ten-syllable mantra of Droljang (Green Tara) for all of them.  It’s Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha. The different mantras specific to each form of Drolma can be found in Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche’s previous book, The Smile of Sun and Moon: A Commentary on the Praise to the Twenty-one Taras from Sky Dancer Press (2004).

 

Even if you don’t place much stock in their outer activities, meditation on any of these forms of Drolma and her attributes will increase peace of mind, equanimity, compassion and wisdom if combined with study of the Dharma and concerted effort.  I hope publishing this list here is of benefit to all who read it. 

 

Sorry for the lack of links.  My ride back up the mountain is waiting!

Comments

[Kyle Munroe]

Thank you so much for telling Tara's story. I seem to remember reading about Tara having a form or mantra to free the imprisoned, as well as a Tara who protected from fires and floods. If anyone knows these two forms of Tara's mantras, I am at munroekyle@yahoo.com