TARA the Enchantress by Soumya Sambasivan  (Paperback, Soumya Sambasivan)

Inspired by the feminine power of love and compassion that can move the world within you. Tara is undoubtedly the most powerful female deity in the Buddhist pantheon. Her name means “star” in Sanskrit and she is believed to possess the ability to guide followers, like a star, on their spiritual path. In some northern Buddhist traditions, she is considered a bodhisattva and is often described in texts and depicted in imagery as the female consort of the most widely revered bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara. In these verses Tara is also seen and addressed as a worldly mother. This makes her more approachable, easier to converse with, appeal to, and adore. This is done by communicating in a conversational style in addition to the traditional ways of prayer. The pinnacle of worldly achievement begins to appear insipid and bland, once one tastes this divine nectar, one feels that Tara is the ultimate sanctuary, where contentment and solace is attained.