Green Tara is one of the most popular and revered female Buddhist deities in the world. She is known as the embodiment of compassion, protection, and guidance. Her name “Tara” means “star” or “she who saves” in Sanskrit, while the green color symbolizes her healing and life-sustaining energy. She is commonly depicted as a young, beautiful woman seated on a lotus throne, holding a stem of a lotus flower in one hand and making the mudra (symbolic hand gesture) of protection with the other.
The origin of Green Tara can be traced back to ancient Indian Buddhist texts and practices. She is considered as the consort of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, she is recognized as the embodiment of the female aspect of enlightenment, with her male counterpart being Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion.
Green Tara’s existence can be traced back to the earliest Buddhist scriptures, where she is described as one of the first disciples of the Buddha. She is depicted as a devoted devotee who made vows to attain enlightenment and to help all sentient beings attain liberation. Her story goes that she promised to help all those who called upon her and to always come to their aid in times of need. As a result, she has become a symbol of protection, guidance, and compassion in the Buddhist world.
In Tibetan Buddhist traditions, Green Tara is one of the 21 manifestations of Tara, and each manifestation represents a different aspect of her qualities and attributes. Green Tara is often referred to as the “Mother of all the Buddhas,” and her compassion and wisdom is believed to be unrivaled. She is revered by both laypeople and monks, and her teachings have been passed down from generation to generation.
Green Tara is often depicted holding a stem of a lotus flower, which symbolizes her ability to rise above the muddy waters of ignorance, craving, and attachment. The lotus represents purity, and Green Tara’s hold on it signifies her ability to help others purify their minds and attain enlightenment. She is also often depicted holding a vase containing the nectar of immortality, which represents her ability to heal and sustain life.
Her mudra, or symbolic hand gesture, is another important aspect of her depiction. The mudra of protection, also known as the varada mudra, symbolizes her willingness to help all those in need. She is often depicted with a serene and peaceful expression, conveying her deep compassion for all beings.
In addition to her visual representations, Green Tara is also known for her mantra, which is recited by Buddhists around the world to invoke her protection and guidance. The mantra, “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha,” is said to bring blessings and peace to those who recite it. It is believed that by repeating this mantra, one can receive the blessings of Green Tara, who will come to their aid in times of need.
Green Tara’s teachings are centered on compassion, protection, and guidance. She is a symbol of the female aspect of enlightenment, and her teachings encourage individuals to develop their own inner wisdom and compassion. Her teachings also emphasize the importance of selflessness, generosity, and altruism. By practicing these qualities, one can attain enlightenment and help others attain liberation.
Green Tara is also believed to be the embodiment of the female principle of wisdom. Her teachings emphasize the importance of using wisdom to overcome ignorance and achieve enlightenment. She encourages individuals to seek the truth and to be open to new experiences, as well as to be mindful of their thoughts, speech, and actions.