Isabel Snee Gr.

9
Legacy Project Ancient World
May 15, 2015

Taras Eternal Truth

In the ancient world, people used eternal truths as a way to explain situations and beliefs
in their world. These eternal truths related to religion, nature, and human behavior. Buddhism
centered on a universal statement that is true for everyone: In order to have peace and happiness,
one must find peace within themselves and eliminate any evils. This ideal is depicted by the
statues of the Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses that were made in India around the 10 th
century.

Tara, the Hindu and Buddhist goddess of compassion and peace, is a perfect

representation of this eternal truth.

The Tara statue was produced by an unknown artist in the seventh century in the Swat
Valley in Pakistan. The height of this statue is 4 5/8 inches and is made from bronze inlaid with
silver. The primary source is located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1 Although the true
purpose of this source is unclear, it was most likely to worship the Hindu or Buddhist goddess
Tara. Around the time this was made, many powerful rulers promoted both of these religions,
making Tara more popular among the people in South East Asia. The artist placed Tara on top of
a lotus flower to signify that she represents peace and purity, including her symbolic hand
gesture.2 These artistic additions lead the viewer to believe that the artist worshipped or admired
the goddess.
A historian might appreciate this source because it is relevant to the time period, showing
how creativity and religion worked hand in hand in Asia at that time. A theologian would admire
this piece because it shows the relevance of religion in the region. It also shows the significance
1 Tara | Pakistan (Swat Valley Region)." Tara. Accessed May 10, 2015.
2 Tara | Pakistan (Swat Valley Region)." Tara. Accessed May 10, 2015. ibid

of Tara both in Hinduism and Buddhism. Finally, an archeologist would appreciate this source
because it is beautifully preserved, meaning that it was important to the artist and was created
using expensive metals.
The gods and goddesses of this time appeared in Hinduism, while the Buddha and other
crucial figures in Buddhism were more prevalent. In a sense, both religions were mixed into the
same area. The rulers of this time included Khri-srong-Ide-bstan, 3 who encouraged the spread of
Buddhism in present-day Tibet. The social organization included a hierarchy and most likely
severely separated social classes. A few pieces of information need to be questioned about this
source. First, we must question the exact identity of the person. Second, the time period of this
object must be more precisely determined. Lastly, we must question what each picture on the
palette means and how they are related to each other.
Tara appears in Buddhism and Hinduism as the mother creator and protector of all
humans.4 Tara originated from Hinduism and became a Buddhist goddess around the third
century C.E. She is depicted in many different colors, which have a very significant meaning in
both religions. The Red Tara symbolizes magnetizing all good things, Black Tara represents
power, Yellow Tara is wealth and prosperity and Blue Tara is associated with changing anger.
The Green and White Tara are the most frequent colors she is depicted in. The Green Tara
represents a virgin, while the White Tara is a mature woman, full-breasted and wise.5
3 "Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." China, 5001000 A.D. Accessed May 10, 2015.
4 "Tara: Her Origins and Development." Tara: Her Origins and Development. Accessed May 10,
2015.
5 "Green Tara and White Tara: Feminine Ideals in Buddhist Art." Exotic India. Accessed May 10, 2015.

Not only is Tara a Bodhisattva in the Buddhist religion, but she is also a revered goddess in
Hinduism. In Hindu mythology, Tara is the Feminine Goddess Archetype. She governs the
Underworld, Heavens and Earth, the cycles of rebirth, love, war, the seasons, and the moon
cycles. Her animals include the raven, owl, sow, and mare. 6 The primary source shows the
goddess Tara on a lotus flower with her hands folded.7 Both of the symbols are crucial to
understanding the eternal truth Tara represents. The lotus flower symbolizes purity and a pure
spirit while the folded hands represent a sign of peace. 8 Tara truly displays the eternal truth that
peace is the key to happiness.
The message of peace was not only spread through the ancient artwork at the time, but also by
geographic location and the rulers during this time period. Tara was discovered in South East
Asia, which was a melting pot of various religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
The governments and leaders at this time allowed the various religions to become interwoven.
During the seventh century, Hinduism grew due to the rise of the Gupta power. The wealthy
empire constructed Hindu temples to dominate the physical and cultural landscape of
dynamic urban centers, patronized by powerful kings and managed by Brahman priests. 9 This
power became very influential in South East Asia. Therefore, the society became accustomed to
the new traditions, cultural changes, and laws. Examples of such change would have included
the new system of government along with the new common religious practice, which was
6 Bowker, John. World Religions. New York: DK Pub., 1997.
7 "Tara | Pakistan (Swat Valley Region)." Tara. Accessed May 10, 2015.
8 "The Meaning of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism." Buddhistsorg RSS. Accessed May 10, 2015.
9 "Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." China, 5001000 A.D. Accessed May 10, 2015.

Hinduism in this case. Because this dynasty produced beautiful temples and art work, people
took interest in the Hindu ideals, beliefs, gods, and goddesses, including Tara. This increased
interest enabled people to fully comprehend what the eternal truth of peace conveyed.
The Pala Dynasty, which occurred during the 8th and 12th century, allowed the Buddhist
religion to grow and flourish through its ideals and practices. 10 This dynasty constructed many
exquisite Buddhist temples, which sparked curiosity in the citizens of the region. Similar to the
Gupta regime, many people were intrigued by the religions ways of dealing with pressing issues
in society and how they worshipped their leaders. These people would have learned about the
Buddhas teachings, the religious traditions, gods and goddesses such as Tara, and the belief that
living a peaceful life comes from within.
The geographic location and the rulers of the time period allowed the gods and goddesses
of Hinduism to become more prevalent. Some of the gods and goddesses were represented in the
small deities that the early Muslims worshipped in the present-day Middle East. 11

The

inquisitiveness to understand different cultural and religious beliefs permitted people to integrate
their beliefs with others, which is the most probable explanation for the spread of the early Hindu
gods and goddesses. If one takes a closer look at the primary source, one can see traces of
different symbols from various religions. For instance, the lotus flower on which Tara sits
represents purity and peace, a Buddhist symbol. The Hindu symbols of elongated earlobes

10 "ASIA SOCIETY: THE COLLECTION IN CONTEXT." ASIA SOCIETY: THE

COLLECTION IN CONTEXT. Accessed May 10, 2015.
11 "Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Islamic Art in the Early Period (ca. 500ca.1000 A.D.).
Accessed April 30, 2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hi/te_index.asp?i=21.

demonstrate wealth and the folded hands symbolize peace. 12 Even though these religions may
have their differences in terms of monotheism or polytheism, these symbols all have a direct
correlation to peace and the eternal truth of seeking inner peace to rid oneself of any evils.
The eternal truth of peace, along with many other themes, can be found in ancient texts before
and during the time this source was created. The sutras, ancient Buddhist texts, explain the
eternal truth of peace. Although the Buddha did not write these manuscripts by himself, his
followers copied and listed all of his important teachings in a vast collection of sutras. The Sutra
of Forty-two Sections contains a quote that the Buddha noted on peace: Peace comes from
within. Do not seek it without. 13 In this quotation, the Buddha explains the importance of
internal peace and expressing peace to others. To be truly happy, one must be at peace with
onself and accept who they are. In the second part of this quote, Buddha is saying that one
cannot live life to the fullest without approaching every situation in the right state of mind and
being. This corresponds to the thought that having a peaceful mindset will help one achieve a
fulfilled life.
Another quotation on peace and happiness is found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It
says, In relationships, the mind becomes purified by cultivating feelings of friendliness towards
those who are happy, compassion for those who are suffering, goodwill towards those who are
virtuous, and indifference or neutrality towards those we perceive as wicked or evil. 14 This
12 " Buddhist Symbols." Buddhist Symbols. Accessed May 10, 2015.

13 "THE SUTRA OF THE FORTY-TWO SECTIONS." The Sutra of the Forty-two Sections.
Accessed May 10, 2015.
14 "Yoga Sutras 1.33-1.39: Stabilizing and Clearing the Mind (Previous Next Main)." Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali 1.33-1.39: Stabilizing and Clearing the Mind. Accessed May 5, 2015.

quotation means that one must have an open mind and be accepting of all one meets. Similar to
the quotation from the Buddha, the eternal truth is present throughout Buddhist beliefs and the
beliefs of the ancient world. This message was necessary in order to understand how to live a
simple and peaceful life in the minds of the Buddhists and society as a whole. This eternal truth
was valid in the ancient world, just as it is today.
According to historian Kawada, the Buddhist approach to peace starts from the fundamental
act of surmounting these deluded impulses or inner poisons.15 This quotation represents the
eternal truth that internal peace and happiness begins once one releases the evil spirits and
thoughts from their mind. It shows that peace and happiness is represented through the Buddhist
culture from the time period of the 10 th century to the present day, proving just how powerful the
Buddhas words had influenced the society built around his ideals.
Peace and happiness were not only important in the ancient world, but are relevant in the 21 st
century as well. Many nonviolent protests have been used to achieve peace within a society,
making it better and more productive.

The Catholic religion just recently renewed its

commitment for peace. Led by Pope Francis, the declaration that celebrates The World Day of
Peace, His High Holiness says that he will pray for the continuing and growth of both peace and
harmony in the world and that everyone will resist temptation to commit evil. 16 This speech
completely embraces the eternal truth of peace. Peace must come from within in order to send

15 "The Life of Buddha: Part Two: 2. The Buddha Is Prepared to Preach the Doctrine." The Life
of Buddha: Part Two: 2. The Buddha Is Prepared to Preach the Doctrine. Accessed May 5, 2015.
16 "XLVIII World Day of Peace 2015: No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters." XLVIII
World Day of Peace 2015: No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters. Accessed May 10, 2015.3

out a peaceful message to others. The fact that the ideal of peace was started by Buddhism and
transferred over to Christianity, demonstrates the basic human need for harmony.
A photograph of monks praying in a Buddhist temple displays similarities to the statue of Tara,
and to an extent a sign of peace.17 The picture was taken in the 21st century by people observing
monks praying. In both instances, they have their legs crossed and their hands folded in prayer.
This shows the symbol of peace, which directly correlates to the eternal truth. The Hindu
goddess Lakshmi is also similar to Tara. 18 She is the goddess of wealth, and is placed on top of a
lotus flower. Tara, like Lakshmi, is an important Hindu goddess and also sits on a lotus flower.
Similar to Tara, Lakshmi is associated with many symbols that mean peace and happiness. This
statue is produced in a store that sells Hindu gods and goddesses, showing that these symbols
and eternal truths are still relevant. Finally, the Virgin Mary can be connected to the primary
source.19

Mary is also associated with flowers, which means she represents purity and

innocence. She also has her hands folded in prayer, representing her devotion to praying and her
piety, as does Tara. These photographs prove that the eternal truth of peace and the primary
source can be represented in different religions and in present-day, as this is also a statue that is
sold in the 21st century.

17 Broken Commitments: Breaking Buddhist Vows or Promises Carries Heavy Karma, But What
Do We Do About It? - Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation and Views."
Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation and Views. February 20, 2015.
Accessed May 10, 2015.
18"White Marble Lakshmi Statue 13"" Hindu Gods & Buddha Statues. Accessed May 11, 2015.
19 "YOUR CART." Blessed Virgin Mary Statue. Accessed May 13, 2015.

In conclusion, inner peace is the key to happiness and becoming peaceful and harmonious with
others. This can be proven in the ancient world by the statue of Tara, whose symbols from
different religions represent peace. The religious influences and the rulers in the geographical
region of South East Asia also contributed to the melting pot of religions, allowing the Hindu
ideals of peace to be transferred into Buddhism, and to a certain extent Islam. The sutras
recorded by monks that include the words of the Buddha prove that the eternal truth of peace was
important when the statue of Tara was created. Buddha stated that peace must come from
oneself, and then eventually spread out into ones daily life. Lastly, peace can be seen today with
the declaration of peace by Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church, the photographs of
Buddhist monks, a Lakshmi statue, and the Virgin Mary. Without this eternal truth, the meanings
of the Tara statue and the Buddhist beliefs would have had to be questioned.

Bibliography
1.

"ASIA SOCIETY: THE COLLECTION IN CONTEXT." ASIA SOCIETY: THE

COLLECTION IN CONTEXT. Accessed May 10, 2015.
2.

Bowker, John. World Religions. New York: DK Pub., 1997.

3.

"Buddhist Symbols." Buddhist Symbols. Accessed May 10, 2015.

4.
Broken Commitments: Breaking Buddhist Vows or Promises Carries Heavy Karma, But
What Do We Do About It? - Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation and
Views." Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation and Views. February 20,
2015. Accessed May 10, 2015.
5.
"Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Buddhism and Buddhist Art. Accessed April 29,
2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/budd/hd_budd.htm.
6.
"Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." China, 5001000 A.D. Accessed April 30, 2015.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/Overview.
7.
."Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Islamic Art in the Early Period (ca. 500ca.1000
A.D.). Accessed April 30, 2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hi/te_index.asp?i=21.
8.
"Green Tara and White Tara: Feminine Ideals in Buddhist Art." Exotic India. Accessed
April 29, 2015. http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/tara/.

9.
"The Life of Buddha: Part Two: 2. The Buddha Is Prepared to Preach the Doctrine." The
Life of Buddha: Part Two: 2. The Buddha Is Prepared to Preach the Doctrine. Accessed May 5,
2015.
10.
"The Meaning of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism." Buddhistsorg RSS. Accessed April 30,
2015.http://buddhists.org/buddhist-symbols/the-meaning-of-the-lotus-flower-in buddhism/.
11.
"The Meaning of the Lotus Flower in Buddhism." Buddhistsorg RSS. Accessed May 10,
2015.
12.
"THE SUTRA OF THE FORTY-TWO SECTIONS." The Sutra of the Forty-two
Sections. Accessed May 10, 2015.
13.
."White Marble Lakshmi Statue 13"" Hindu Gods & Buddha Statues. Accessed May 11,
2015.
14.
"Yoga Sutras 1.33-1.39: Stabilizing and Clearing the Mind (Previous Next Main)." Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali 1.33-1.39: Stabilizing and Clearing the Mind. Accessed May 5, 2015.
15.

"YOUR CART." Blessed Virgin Mary Statue. Accessed May 13, 2015

16.
"XLVIII World Day of Peace 2015: No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters." XLVIII
World Day of Peace 2015: No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters. Accessed May 10,
2015.aphy: