Overview

Green Tara Thangka

The goddess Green Tara is a gentle female embodiment of universal compassion and the enlightened, virtuous and miraculous activity of all Buddhas. She is known as the Swift One, for her immediate response to those who request her aid. She is also known as the Great Liberator, for specializing in overcoming obstacles in whatever form they manifest in our lives.

No deity in the Buddhist pantheon is more popular than Tara. She is especially known for her power to overcome the most difficult situations, giving protection against dangers and all kinds of fear. She is depicted as a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, in the prime of her youth, full of energy, playfulness, and infinite kindness. She reaches out her right hand in the gesture of granting protection, freeing from fear, and overcoming obstacles and difficulties. With her right foot stepping forward, she is alert, determined, and ready to actively help all who call upon her. She holds the stem of a blossoming blue lotus flower, signifying her spiritual perfection and her victory over negative forces.

Green Tara's compassion for the welfare of all living beings is said to be even stronger than a mother's love for her children. She is the one who helps us cross over the ocean of suffering and guides us upon the path to enlightement.

Gestures and Attributes

Green Tara is depicted in a posture of graceful contemplative ease with her right leg extended. The extension of her leg symbolizes her continuous activity, constant alertness and her readiness to spring into action to assist those who call upon her. Her right hand is extended downward, palm open, with thumb and index finger touching. This hand position is known as Varada Mudra , or the gesture of granting wishes and protection. Her left hand, raised to shoulder height with fingers extended and palm turned outward, is in the gesture of granting refuge and freeing from fears ( Abhaya Mudra ). Each of her hands also holds the stem of a beautiful lotus flower that floats above her shoulder as a symbol of her radiant purity and power.