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Dharma (Sanskrit) Dhamma [Pali] means Natural Law or
Reality, and with respect to its significance for spirituality
and religion might be considered the Way of the Higher
Truths. Dharma forms the basis for philosophies, beliefs
and practices originating in India. The oldest of these,
widely known as Hinduism, is Sanatana Dharma or Eternal
Dharma. Ayyavazhi, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism also
retain the centrality of Dharma. In these traditions, beings
that live in harmony with Dharma proceed more quickly
towards Moksha, Dharma Yukam, Nirvana, or personal
liberation. Dharma also refers to the teachings and
doctrines of the various founders of the traditions, such
as Gautama Buddha in Buddhism and Mahavira in
Jainism. As the religious and moral doctrine of the rights
and duties of each individual, Dharma can refer generally
to religious duty, and also mean social order, right
conduct, or simply virtue.
Born and raised in southern Oklahoma, Tara
now resides in north Texas. In 2001, she left
her native Ardmore to attend the University of
North Texas. She continues to pursue her
degree in International Studies from the
institution.
Tara is a Taurus. This means she is a sensual
and stubborn homebody. Make that a double
does of stubborn, when you consider her
german/prussian heritage.
History and culture are two interests that spark
the creative nature in Tara. From Etruscan art
to ancient quotes, each easily forgotten idea
from a bygone age is immortalized in her art.
The influences on Tara's life, ideas, and
creativity are innumerable. Since childhood,
Tara has been drawn to other cultures.
Perhaps this stems from spending so much
time at her Granny's house, immersed in the
treasures of her travels. Her favorite
memories include clacking around the kitchen
in wooden shoes from Holland, tooting on clay
whistles in the forms of Mexican Gods, drifting
off to a restful nap surrounded by Spanish
paintings, and banging on a Zebra skin drum.
Of course, the media also played a big part in
forming her interests. Maybe she watched too
many episodes of Lonely Planet. Maybe
growing up with an extensive library of National
Geographic magazines curved her mind to the
unknown. Perhaps it was just an innate sense
of discovery and wonderment, paired with an
endless amount of books and encyclopedias
and magazines and whatnot.
These interests have followed her into adult
life, volunteering for international clubs on
campus and focusing her studies (scholastic
and non) on other cultures of past and
present. In July 2005, after much forethought,
Tara had a blue lotus blossom tattooed on her
left wrist. This is symbolic for many reasons.
The Tibetan Goddess Tara (creator) has a
blue lotus flower stemming from her left hand.
This is the giving hand, as the right hand is
that of arguement/business. In Buddhism and
other eastern religions, the lotus flower is
representative of selflessness, amongst other
tings. It is also a symbol of wisdom,
enlightenment, renewal, purity, and life.
And finally,
When not creating or sleeping, Tara enjoys
playing outside and spending time with family
and friends. And Scrabble...she's a Scrabble
freak.
Tara's MySpace
Tara's Etsy
Tara's Deviant Art
