Unveiling Chokgyur Lingpa's Sacred 21 Taras: Iconography, Practice, and Living Compassion
In the heart of Tibetan Buddhism's Nyingma and Kagyu lineages lies a radiant cycle of teachings: the Chokling Tersar, or "New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa." Revealed by the visionary tertön (treasure revealer) Chokgyur Lingpa, this profound collection emphasizes swift-path practices for enlightenment. The 21 Taras practice operates as a jewel that represents enlightened compassion through its ability to remove barriers and bring about spiritual awakening.
The Chokling Tersar version shows its main differences from Jigme Lingpa's Longchen Nyingtig tradition through its subtle changes, which result in major iconographic differences for Jigjé Chenmo (Tara Who Subdues Demons), who holds a phurba in both hands instead of standing above a lotus. At the tradition's core sits Green Tara, the foremost remover of fears, radiating as the central figure among the 21. These forms aren't mere artwork; they're living compassion, each tailored to overcome specific sufferings, from illness to spiritual delusion.
Chokling Tersar: Origin and Essence
The Chokling Tersar, or "New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa," is derived from the terma revelations of the notable 19th-century tertön Chokgyur Lingpa (1829–1870). Chokgyur Lingpa presented these sacred teachings at multiple holy sites which include Drakri Rinchen Tsekpa and Sengchen Namdrak because Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgön Kongtrul considered him an emanation of Prince Murub Tsenpo. The cycle comprises over 40 volumes which contain sadhanas and empowerments and commentaries that span from his era until today.
Tersar, which the Nyingma and Kagyu schools mostly practice, offers quick enlightenment routes through its demonstration of 21 Taras who possess distinct visual representations that include phurba-wielding Jigjé Chenmo. The first Kela Chokling Rinpoche, Könchok Gyurme Tenpé Gyaltsen, created early 20th-century woodblocks which the Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation later published with modern materials that Neten and Tsikey Chokling Rinpoches oversaw. The treasures appeared through pure visions at locations like Samyé Monastery, which displayed spontaneous blessings that occurred during auspicious signs.
The 21 Taras: A Sacred Sequence
The Tara sequence progresses through three successive stages, which display each Tara seated on lotus-moon discs while maintaining the royal ease posture. Her seed syllable (bija) pulses at her heart, encircled by the mantra garland OM TARE TAM SOHA. The colors and mudras and her attributes function together to support her activities, which include pacifying and enriching and magnetizing and subduing and other tasks.
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1. Jetsün Drolma
Vibrant green like spring foliage; right hand in varada mudra resting on right knee, left holds upright blue lotus with three blooms symbolizing body-speech-mind. One leg gracefully extended as if leaping to aid, she wears celestial silks, turquoise ornaments, and a five-buddha crown; stars and rainbow light emanate from her. As the mandala's sovereign heart, she removes all eight fears and worldly calamities, fulfilling wishes instantly. Central to Chokling Tersar, her OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA mantra anchors every session.
2. Drolkar Shyemtso Marpo
Radiant red as an autumn sunset, she embodies pacifying activity with the seed syllable at her heart. The right hand extends in varada mudra, holding a straight arrow of aspiration, left at heart with a utpala lotus snapped at the bud; adorned with silk ribbons fluttering in wind. She sits in vajra posture between jewels that grant wishes while she rapidly calms her internal struggles which include anger and doubt, she provides her to others unbreakable certainty. The Chokling practice requires you to recite her bija three times before Jetsün Drolma to achieve stronger meditation abilities.
3. Drolma Nakkyi Chaknyima
Shimmering in five rainbow colors (white, yellow, red, green, blue); both hands in vitarka mudra, scattering multicolored jewels, with lotuses at the sides bearing gems. Peacock-feathered crown and skirts of varied silks swirl around her; she hovers amid auspicious clouds. She enriches life with boundless abundance, joy, and merit, transforming scarcity into plenty. Meditate on her for prosperity sadhanas in the enriching activity.
4. Drolma Lü Ngédü Pema
Saffron yellow like ripening rice; right hand strikes damaru drum evoking primordial sound, left blue lotus with pema (lotus) at bloom; peacock feather crown nods rhythmically. Adorned with golden bells and melodic cymbals, she radiates sound waves that eliminate all forms of ignorance. She bestows profound insight through song-like wisdom which enables people to understand melodic Dharma. Chant her praises melodiously to enhance study and transmission.
5. Drolma Mé Pema
Blazing orange-red flames wreath her aura; right flaming wisdom sword severs delusions, left kapala (skullcup) brimming nectar on red lotus. Three wrathful flames lick from her topknot; charnel ground backdrop symbolizes burned karma. She incinerates negative karma across lifetimes like uncontrollable wildfire, purifying body, speech, and mind. Ideal for fire pujas in Chokling lineage.
6. Drolma Nampar Gyalwa
Intense dark blue-black; right curved vajra chopper severs mara-bonds, left in tarjani (threatening) mudra with blood-filled kapala. Buffalo skin over shoulders, nine-iron nails in hair; she tramples worldly gods. Completely subdues external wrathful forces and internal demons, ensuring total enlightened victory. Use her for protection against black magic.
7. Drolma Tashi Tamdrin
Luminous crystal white, seed syllable OM; the right golden lasso binds wild energies, left damaru commands attention; horse-head tiara and mane-like scarves. Surrounded by tamed stallions in clouds, she emanates calming moonlight. Tames restless minds and untamed emotions like wild horses, channeling prana into samadhi. Perfect for calming meditation retreats.
8. Drolma Düd Tugal
Fiery red as molten copper; the right silken noose captures foes; left arrow pierces hatred's heart; a garland of severed enemy heads. One-eyed, wrathful glare; smoke billows from nostrils. Defeats inner enemies (five poisons) and outer adversaries, alchemizing conflict into bodhichitta. Invoke for resolving disputes.
9. Drolma Dragpo Düdgyal
Pitch black as storm clouds; the right vajra hammer pulverizes obstacles, and the left flaming kapala tramples crushed foes underfoot. Elephant-skin garb, skull rosary; charnel winds howl. Wrathfully shatters ego-clinging and gross hindrances into oblivion. This is essential for breaking deep habitual patterns.
10. Drolma Düljé Shé Nampar Gyalwa
Royal lapis blue; the right golden Dharma wheel turns virtues; the left blue lotus has a jewel; ten radiating spokes purify non-virtues. Bodhisattva ornaments, deerskin shawl. Tames the ten evil actions, instilling stainless ethics and penetrating wisdom. Recite for confession practices.
11. Jigjé Chenmo Zhiwa
Serene moonlight white; the right subduing mudra offers an herb bouquet, and the left lotus cradles a demon-quelling phurba. Gentle smile, lotus-petal eyes; peacocks attend. Pacifies demonic interferences with compassionate power, restoring profound peace. Bridges' peaceful and wrathful forms.
12. Jigjé Chenmo Dragpo
Chokling Tersar hallmark: dark emerald green, three bulging eyes, fangs gnashing; both hands brandish phurbas piercing samsara. Snake crown, tiger-skin skirt; stands amid blazing charnel flames. Wrathfully liberates heaviest delusions and possessors, her choking deviation emphasizing decisive action.
13. Wangdüma Chenmo
Vermilion lotus red; the right curved iron hook draws essences, and the left alluring mirror on the lotus reflects pure realms. Jeweled queenly tiara, silken veils billow. Magnetizes conducive conditions, loving bonds, and teachers; enhances charisma for sangha harmony.
14. Péma Kachhuma
Molten gold yellow; right hand rains yellow jewels, left jewel-spitting mongoose atop a lotus throne. Ratna family ornaments, treasury clouds. Magnetizes sustainable wealth material and Dharma riches, dissipating poverty karma forever.
15. Shé Mé Drolma
Searing orange inferno; the right sword aflame with discriminating fire, the left white conch of profound teaching. Triple topknot flames, wrathful feminine form. Ignites razor-sharp wisdom, incinerating dualistic ignorance to reveal empty luminosity.
16. Nöjin Drolma
Immaculate white conch shell hue; the right nectar vase purifies speech, and the left lotus shields rumors. Scroll garlands, melodic birds circle. It protects against divisive talk and bestows flawless eloquence and mantra siddhis.
17. Tsé Wang Drolma
Dewy white pearl radiance; right long-life vase overflows amrita, left kalasha with lotus, myrobalan, and wish-fulfilling gem. Amitayus crown, youthful glow. Grants robust health, extended lifespan, and merit for the Great Work.
18. Nagmo Drolma Zhiwa
Smoky soft black right bunch of healing herbs, left moon-disc shield reflecting harms away. Gentle buffalo face, night-lily throne. Pacifies epidemics, black magic, and spirit harms with soothing nectar essence.
19. Nagmo Drolma Dragpo
Terrifying midnight black; the right kila chopper severs curses, and the left kapala guzzles poisons. Buffalo-headed, nine skulls crown; stomps nagas. Annihilates ingested toxins, spells, and karmic diseases without trace.
20. Gyaltsen Drolma
Victorious sun yellow; the right golden victory banner unfurls, and the left jeweled staff plants flags of truth. Elephant-goad and victory conch; armies yield. Proclaims unassailable triumph in spiritual battles and aspirations.
21. Sherab Khyabdal Drolma
Boundless space-clear white; double wisdom mudra with crossed vajras; radiant lotus pedestal. Infinite Buddha-fields mirror outward: the dharmadhatu aura. Envelops all phenomena in non-dual wisdom, consummating the 21-form cycle with total awakening.
Depictions in Thangka, Mandala, and Statues
Thangka Painting and Visual Culture
The visual legacy shines in Chokling Tersar thangkas, where skilled artists render precise iconography—Jetsün Drolma centered, phurba Jigjé Chenmo distinct, and vibrant hues signaling activities. Each posture, mudra, and attribute teaches profound symbolism, serving as meditation maps and teaching tools. Devotees offer incense before them daily, absorbing Tara's forms into their hearts through devoted gaze.
Statues and Living Presence
Gilded bronze statues of the 21 Taras—royal-ease Green Tara flanked by wrathful forms—adorn altars in homes and monasteries consecrated via Chokling empowerments. The festival of Losar involves community members who perform ceremonial washing and dressing of sacred images while chanting prayers that request elimination of all barriers that exist. The sacred images link divine existence with human existence, which enables believers to demonstrate their faith through physical acts of worship.
Mandala Ceremonies and Sacred Geometry
Chokling Tersar practitioners consecrate 21 Tara mandalas during their empowerment and tsok rituals through their process of arranging colored powders and flowers into lotus tiers around the central Green Tara (Jetsün Drolma). The public ceremonies establish communal protection through lamas who chant praises while participants walk in circles to receive blessings for their health and harmony. The mandala's symmetrical design represents developing compassion, which brings devotees together to achieve shared spiritual rewards.
Integration into Community Life
Himalayan village life incorporates 21 Taras through three practices, which include mandala rituals, thangka study, and statue veneration that start at dawn with personal offerings that connect to community prayers. The practice creates accessible enlightened compassion, which generates protection and strengthens moral ties while helping people achieve their permanent state of pure awareness.
Practicing the 21 Taras in Chokling Tersar
The Chokling Tersar sadhana framework serves as the base for daily practices, which require practitioners to visualize and recite mantras while showing their dedication to the 21 Taras who will bring them instant compassion. The practitioner should start with refuge and bodhichitta before moving through all forms, which end at dissolution and dedication.
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Preparation and Altar Setup
The central Green Tara (Jetsün Drolma) thangka should be presented with water, incense, and lamp offerings on the altar. Cleanse the space with smoke and recite refuge vows; visualize the 21 Taras emanating from her heart in a rainbow mandala on lotus thrones. -
Sequential Visualization
Start with Drolkar Shyemtso Marpo, imagining each Tara vividly—her color, mudras, seed syllable (e.g., RAM pulsing at heart), and attributes like phurba for Jigjé Chenmo Dragpo. Progress one by one, dissolving each into Green Tara at the center after contemplation. -
Mantra Recitation Rounds
Chant each Tara's heart mantra 21 or 108 times, focusing on her activity—pacifying fears with Jetsün Drolma or subduing obstacles with wrathful forms. Use mala beads; let light rays from her heart purify your obstacles. -
Unique Choking Focus
Emphasize central Jetsün Drolma as the remover of all fears, and the phurba-wielding Jigjé Chenmo forms it for decisive liberation. Offer tsok (feast) midway, requesting blessings for specific needs like health or wealth. -
Dissolution and Dedication
The mandala should be dissolved into your heart before entering shunyata. The merits of my actions I dedicate to every sentient being. The Green Tara's OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA should be repeated 1000 times every day as a sacred practice which leads to her non-dual compassion.
Conclusion: Awakening Through Tara's 21 Forms
The 21 Taras of Chokling Tersar display their most dynamic forms of enlightened compassion through Jetsün Drolma, who removes all fears and Jigjé Chenmo who uses a phurba to destroy delusions from samsara. The sacred cycle based on Chokgyur Lingpa's terma revelations, which extends through Nyingma-Kagyu lineages provides teachers with its sacred teachings, which they should apply in their daily lives. The ceremonial system establishes thangka mandalas to display her divine forms and sacred statues to connect divine presence with human devotion and communal rituals to bring together villages for protection and merit.
These practices, which include dawn altar offerings and Losar festival processions and intensive sadhana sequences that separate spiritual knots, provide the ability to turn blocks into fast blessings. Tara's activities benefit practitioners from Himalayan monasteries to modern homes by providing turmoil relief and merit enrichment and wisdom attraction and hindrance subjugation.
