The
organization was formed at the request of His
Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, an accomplished and revered
Tibetan Buddhist master. He had witnessed the Dance of the 21
Praises of Tara, choreographed by one of his students, Prema
Dasara. He asked that an organization be established to protect
the dance's integrity as a Vehicle of Liberation. He rejoiced
in witnessing the devotion and peace transmitted by the dance
and encouraged it to be broadcast, in video and in communal
celebrations.
Since 1985 the dance has traveled throughout the world. A series
of dvds
have been made and the organization has grown to sponsor
workshops and trainings
in the Tara Dance and other Dharma Dances,
offering celebrations, pilgrimages of citizen diplomacy, and
an array of Humanitarian Projects
seeking to benefit the Tibetans-in-exile and other groups in
need. The Tara Dance has been offered to many great Tibetan
Teachers including His Holiness
the Dalai Lama. They have had some wonderful things to say
about it. The Tara Dance has been performed by thousands
of women of all ages, nationalities, and walks of life. You
may read of its transformative power in the
Testimonial section.
An array of materials have been developed to embellish the experience of the dance:
texts and commentaries, teachings, music, dvds. You can find these in
the
Cyberdhatu Emporium.
Prema Dasara, the creatrix of the Tara Dance
and the Spiritual and Creative Director of Tara Dhatu,
Anahata Iradah, the Artistic Director of
Tara Dhatu, and an array of international Student Teachers maintain an ongoing
schedule of international classes and offerings.
There are circles of dancers
in different parts of the globe focusing the dance as a personal practice and
communal offering. Anyone can join in this dance. Although it is primarily an
expression for women, there are sections that have been choreographed for men.
There are children's Dharma dances as well.
May the blessings of the Dance of the Great Goddess Tara,
and the profound Mind Training practices of Tibetan Buddhism that infuse it
with meaning, travel far, awakening all to the glory of their own enlightened
potential.
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It is with the purpose of bringing benefit to
beings in this world of chaos and confusion that the Mandala Dance
of the Twenty-One Praises of Tara is offered.
It is in respect
and gratitude to the Lineage holders of the various Tibetan Buddhist
traditions who have maintained and embellished the ancient teaching
of chanting the Praises of Tara.
It is in unity with the
people of Tibet who universally call out to Tara, who chant Her
Praises from childhood and who recognize in Her the Universal Mother
and Protector.
It is in order to acknowledge the dignity and
capability of women to accomplish the highest spiritual attainments.
That this Mandala Dance of the 21 Praises of Tara
is offered.
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