Introduction to Green Tara – The Deity of Peace and Prosperity
The deity Tara appears in many forms; each tied to certain colours and symbols. The primary form of Tara, known as Green Tara, is associated with awakened activity and is regarded as the origin of all beneficial activities. As Green Tara, she offers liberation from all unfortunate circumstances to relieve suffering in this world. Her vibrant green colour symbolizes wealth and tranquility.
Green Tara is also considered to have manifested as the Nepalese Princess (Bhrikuti). She is also considered a saviour in the Buddhist pantheon, referred to as Shyama Tara, where "Syama" means green and "Tara" means star or saviour. In her earliest depictions, Green Tara is closely associated with the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and often identified by her lotus flower.
Yulod Kurpa – The pure realm of Green Tara
The pure realm of Green Tara is Yulod Kurpa, which means "the Turquoise-coloured realm". The turquoise colour symbolizes the pure and vibrant nature of this realm as a place of enlightenment and spiritual healing. This pure realm is often described as contained within Sukhavati, the pure land of Amitabha, forming a vast area of compassionate realms. Tara is also linked to the Lotus Buddha lineage of Amitabha Buddha.
Green Tara is also known as the Lady of the Verdant Forest. In this aspect, she is the ninth of the 21 Taras. Similar to her active and vibrant nature, her pure realm is also considered a place of bliss, dance, and song where enlightened beings reside, so that even if ordinary beings perceive it, they are filled with a sense of happiness and healing.
Symbolism of Green Tara Deity
Green Tara is adorned with various attributes that represent different aspects of her enlightened qualities. Every element in her depiction carries deep meaning.
- Meaning behind Green Tara’s colour
In Tibetan Buddhism, green is associated with nature, growth, and vitality. The green colour also represents wind energy, reflecting her role as a swift protector.
- Posture: One Leg Extended, One Folded
Green Tara is often depicted seated in a meditative posture known as the "lalitasana," with one leg extended and the other folded.
The extended right leg represents her readiness to spring into action and help those in need.
The left leg is folded in meditative poise, representing her deep wisdom and spiritual awakening.
- Facial expression – Compassionate and serene
Green Tara’s face radiates warmth and kindness, accompanied by a gentle smile. Her compassionate and serene expression reflects the deep care for all beings. Her soft smile conveys unconditional love, reminiscent of a nurturing, protective mother.
- Mudras - The Sacred Hand Gestures
Her right hand shows the Varada Mudra (gesture of giving), which symbolizes her generosity and compassion to graznt blessings.
Her left hand is held in the Abhaya mudra, a gesture of protection that signifies protection from fear and suffering.
- The Blue Lotus Flower (Utpala)
The Utpala is one of Green Tara’s most significant symbols, which represents her timeless wisdom and enlightenment. This symbol is meant to represent a journey from darkness to light, mirroring her role in guiding all beings on a path to liberation.
Green Tara’s Mantra - Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
In short, om tare tuttare ture soha means “I prostrate to the Liberator, Mother of all the Victorious Ones.”
Every syllable in the mantra carries significant depth, embodying the core of Green Tara's enlightened attributes and benevolent actions. Chanting Green Tara’s mantra can help bring calmness, clarity, and protection.
- Om (ཨོཾ) represents the sacred sound of the universe which represents the purity of body, soul and mind.
- Tare (ཏཱ་རེ) calls upon the deity Tara’s energy to liberate from worldly fears and suffering.
- Tuttare (ཏུ་ཏ་རེ) signifies salvation from the eight fears, both external (drowning, theft, lions, snakes, fire, spirits, imprisonment and elephants) and internal (craving, false views, pride, envy, hatred, doubt, avarice and ignorance) on the path to enlightenment.
- Ture (ཏུ་རེ) strengthens and guides one towards ultimate peace and spiritual liberation.
- Soha (སྭཱ) seals the mantra, dedicating the practice for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Artistic Representation and Craftsmanship
The statues and thangkas (sacred paintings) of Green Tara are precisely crafted with meticulous attention to detail, including her hand gestures, facial expressions, and jewelry, to reflect her benevolent nature. These statues and paintings are not only works of art but also serve as a source of spiritual support, providing individuals with a focal point for meditation.
These artworks convey a profound symbolism and precision, ensuring that each piece captures Green Tara’s qualities of compassion, protection, and empowerment. Crafted with a focus on physical presence, blessings, and ritual application, the statues of green Tara offer a strong and sacred essence. Likewise, the Green Tara thangkas highlight visual storytelling, while meditation and spiritual visualization offer a more narrative support for practitioners.
