In a mythical "age before the beginning of time," Tara was a young woman known as Wisdom Moon, well respected for Her ability to help others lead better lives. When advised by a monk to pray for reincarnation in the body of a man in Her next life, so that She could reach Enlightenment (a state of pure bliss and the end of reincarnation into samara--the world of suffering), She responded:

"There are many who desire enlightenment in a man's body, but none who work for the benefit of sentient beings in the body of a woman. Therefore, until samsara is empty, I shall work for the benefit of sentient beings in a woman's body." (Kinsley)

Tara's ability to concentrate, to meditate, was so powerful that She achieved Enlightenment and could have left behind the suffering of the incarnate world. Her love for us, however, is so great that She took a Bodhisattva vow, choosing to continue reincarnating until all "sentient beings" are enlightened.