On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Ashtamahabhaya Tara, Savior from the Eight Perils
The goddess Tara sits on a lotus throne within a stylized mountain cave in the magical Khadira grove, as suggested by the foliage across the top of this thangka. With her hand in the boon-bestowing gesture (varada mudra), she offers devotees salvation while protecting them from harm, indicated by the eight perils, which are illustrated in episodes on either side of the central figure. The Indian monk Atisha (portrayed above her head to the left) venerated Tara, who appeared in his dreams and encouraged him to travel to Tibet to spread Buddhist teachings. Flanking Tara are protective goddesses, and in the top register are the five celestial Buddhas, or Tathagatas.
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