The Sanskrit "tara" as a noun means star. As a verb, it means "to cross." This is a more commonly used interpretation of Tara's name and indicates her primary spiritual function within Buddhism: She enables Her devotees to cross over or beyond the endless round of reincarnation into samsara (or suffering). For more immediate matters, Her worshippers call on Her for protection from evil, to help them overcome obstacles, and for material benefits. It is no great leap of the imagination to link the star Tara of physical travels to the goddess Tara as guide for spiritual seekers, desiring to find a way over the "Ocean of Existence" and to nirvana, or Enlightenment. From this interpretation comes one of Tara's primary names and attributes: the celestial boatman, "She who Ferries Across."

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