If one has not received empowerment (initiation), will reciting the short mantra lead to mistakes?

If one has not received empowerment, will reciting short mantras be considered a transgression?

Disciple asks: Venerable Master, if one has not received empowerment, will reciting short mantras be considered a transgression?

Venerable Master’s answer: Empowerment doesn’t necessarily have to be received from me. Reciting short mantras, such as the Tara mantra, is fine; you can recite them even without having received empowerment, and it will not be considered a transgression.

The Tara practice exists in the Kriya, Charya, Yoga, and Anuttarayoga Tantras. For practicing the complete ritual, including the generation and completion stages, or further advanced practices, receiving empowerment is certainly best. Receiving empowerment from other masters is also acceptable.