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tārā-dhāva-vidhi

Tara's ablution ritual

     I prostrate before the holy Tara!
     In the ritual of ablution [there are] three [parts]: the preliminary [actions], the main [part], the completion.
     First. In a place appropriate to the mind, prepare silk garments, etc. In a vessel that has [appropriate] characteristics, gather the appropriate other substances. It is unacceptable if there is no crystal. Perform preliminary actions with offerings.
     Main part. [Here shows] the stage that is proclaimed earlier. See the white syllable tāṁ, the nature of mind that [arises] from the nature of emptiness. From it light is emitted and collected [back]. After that, I myself [appear] as the white-colored Tara who sits on the lotus and the disc of the moon, cross-legged in vajra pose. With one countenance, two hands arranged in a posture of balance. On them is a vessel of nectar. Possesses adornments of various jewels. Along with the radiance of light, the diadem of the five Enlightened Ones appears as an ornament. The vessel also becomes invisible from within the outer vessel [appears] an immeasurable jeweled palace. In the midst of the ocean of nectar, on the stem of the lotus bowl, the samaya-sattva that is like me appears. The red and yellow Karmakrodha Amritakundali arises before her. With one countenance, two hands with palms folded. In them she holds a precious vessel of descending nectar. Visualize and behold the peaceful and [at the same time] wrathful form as the main form. Realize for them the entry of the jnanasattva and the establishment of extensive initiation.
     Then place a vajra on top of the vajra vessel along with the mantra thread. In the hearts of both deities, yourself and the vessel, visualize the seed syllable and the recitation mantra on the moon. When you adhere to the dharani thread yourself, say:

     oṁ tāre tuttāre ture amṛita kuṇḍali hana hana daha daha paca paca sarva pāpaṁ hūṁ phaṭ svāhā
     Saying thus, blow the mantra on the mantra thread. By doing so, touch the heart of both deities of the vessel. From them, light is emitted and the mind of the Tathāgata is prompted. The nectar of primordial wisdom is invoked. When it comes in contact with the vessel of both deities, the nectar exudes and becomes inseparable from the nectar below. Visualize it this way.
     When in like manner you abide in restoration and purification [or sojong rituals], [act thus] beginning on the eighth day and up to eight days onward, or by the number [of mantras] of three hundred thousand. As signs, see the face of the deity, the boiling of water, etc.
     Completion.
     Here the jñānasattva departs, the samāsattva dissolves into himself. After this, with the help of the deity's own pride, the real ablution with water of oneself and others. By doing so, you pacify all nonconformities, be they harmful and so forth. If you scatter [drops of water] in all directions, you will also pacify diseases. If you sprinkle livestock, you pacify the diseases of livestock. If you sprinkle something fearful, be it fire, etc., you will put away all fears.

     This is how the ritual of ablution of Tara is completed. Compiled by the great Acharya Bhavabhata.
     Translated by Lama Karma Paljor (O.E. Filippov).