Letters from Tara

I began this practice of conversational prayer (I actually don't know what to call it, so calling it that for now) a few months ago and while normally I don't share letters like this, I thought this one might benefit others.

It's a very simple practice, you start by addressing your request, then ask an open ended question and begin your response from a humble position, like "My fortunate child." Then you rest in a state of openness, listen with your heart, and write down whatever you 'hear' without overthinking or injecting your own commentary.

Give it a shot, the letters that you get might surprise you.

Mother Tara,

In light of the three continuums of the ground, path, and result, why do we recite the Tara mantra and what are its benefits?

My fortunate child, this is a good question and a bold one. Why do you call my name? When you recite the mantra, you are calling on me, remembering me, invoking me. Just as the thought of your own mother brings a smile to your face and brings you a sense of love and happiness, in the same way, the thought of me brings love and happiness.

But I am not an ordinary mother. I am the great mother, the liberator, the exalted mother. I am not only a refuge for this life, but for all lives. I do not only care for you, guide you on the path, and make sure that you have the resources and conditions you need for this life, but for all your lives until you are a Buddha.

You may recognize the ground continuum, but I am the path continuum and am with you every step of the way. When you doubt yourself, I am there. When you fall, I help you get up. When you chase after worldly concerns and experiences, I watch over you and help you to integrate confusion and obstacles onto the path.

The truth is, for practitioners traveling the path of liberation, the path I myself traversed, even though you do not see me or hear me or even know I am there, I am always with you. I care for you like my own children, like my own family, because you are my family. You are an heir to the Buddha's royal line. It was my vow to protect and serve those traveling this transcendent path.

So know, whether you believe in me or not, you are supported and you have everything you need to carry the path to its completion. And the rest is up to you. It has always been this way.