About Our Project

The 21 Taras Collective aims to bring the 21 Taras alive through mantra, music, and devotion. The melodies will support and uplift your practice, aiding in your memorization and integration of the Sanskrit mantras devoted to each Tara. The mantras stem from Arya Tara’s primary 10 syllable mantra, Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha, and each Tara has her own version of the primary mantra, highlighting her specific enlightened activity (Tib. trinle). This particular system of the 21 Tara pantheon is from the Nyingma (“Ancients”) treasure cycle of Jigme Lingpa, called Longchen Nyingtig, “The Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse.” Specifically, these mantras are found within the sadhana called Dechen Gyalmo, the “Queen of Great Bliss,” whereby each Tara is meditated on as the inner aspect of Yeshe Tsogyal, the Great Bliss Queen.

Lopön Chandra is currently writing a book on these 21 Taras and teaching on them in courses hosted by Tara Mandala. Lopön Chandra and Nina Rao lead the “Nature of the Heart” monthly programs in collaboration with Tibet House US and retreats with Menla.

Let’s stay in touch.