Introduction:

In the painted, wooden sculpture at right, the Buddhist goddess Tara (tar-uh) stands gracefully. Her right hand makes the mudra of reassurance.

Tara was born when a tear from a weeping bodhisattva (bow-dee-saht-vah), or future buddha, fell to earth and formed a lake. When a lotus flower grew out of the lake the petals opened and Tara was inside.

Millions of Buddhists honor Tara as a compassionate goddess. She is a diety of protection, to whom people tell her their troubles and ask for help with their problems.

If this sculpture of Tara were in a temple, worshippers would decorate it with beautiful robes and jewelry as a gesture of honor and caring.

Discussion Questions:

• What in Tara's expression and gestures makes her appear loving and protecting?
• Look at the sculpture's surface. Do you see different textures?
• What jewelry is Tara wearing?

Activity:

Print out the image of Tara and decorate her with robes and jewelry.

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