Unlocking the Mystical Power of Green Tara

Unlocking the Mystical Power of Green Tara

In the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, where spirituality intertwines with artistry, few figures captivate the imagination quite like Green Tara. But who is Green Tara, and why does her presence resonate so deeply across cultures? Known as the embodiment of compassionate action, Green Tara is revered for her swift aid in overcoming obstacles and fears. As we delve into the mesmerizing world of thangka art, we discover not only the vibrant depictions of this beloved deity but also the profound symbolism that accompanies her representation. In this exploration, we will unlock the mystical power of Green Tara, illuminating her significance in both spiritual practice and artistic expression.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction to Green Tara
  • The Origins and Symbolism of Green Tara
  • Green Tara Mantras for Protection and Positivity
  • Green Tara's Role in Tibetan Buddhism
  • Green Tara Meditation Practices for Beginners
  • The 21 Taras
  • How to Set Up a Green Tara Altar
  • FAQs
  • Conclusion

Introduction to Green Tara

The goddess Green Tara, known as "Tara Green" in many cultures, has her roots deeply embedded in Tibetan Buddhism and is revered for her ability to provide swift assistance and compassion to her followers. Originating from the Sanskrit word "Tārā," which means "star," she embodies the qualities of luminosity and protection, shining brightly as a beacon for those navigating the storms of life. 

Green Tara is a beloved Buddhist deity known for her kindness and protection. She plays a big role in spiritual growth and meditation. She is known for her deep compassion and wisdom. She is shown in many Tara forms, each highlighting a different side of her. Her importance in Buddhist tradition is vast, with each form celebrated for its unique qualities.
  • Her role as a protector and guide for practitioners on the spiritual path
  • Her association with the feminine principles of receptivity and nurturing
  • Her various Tara forms, each representing a different aspect of her personality and role in Buddhist practice.

The Origins and Symbolism of Green Tara

The legend of Green Tara speaks of her being born from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, which reflects her close ties to the ideals of mercy and benevolence. As a protector against fear and obstacles, she is particularly invoked for her guidance during times of uncertainty, allowing her practitioners to overcome challenges with grace and courage.

Green Tara's vibrant green hue is often associated with activity, dynamism, and energetic compassion. The green color signifies the earth and nature, reflecting her role as a nurturer and a source of life. In art, she is often depicted seated in an active pose, ready to leap into action at the call of those in need, exemplifying her role as the swift and fearless liberator. Her left hand holds a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity, wisdom, and her ability to rise above worldly suffering.
  • Green Tara is believed to arise from Avalokiteshvara’s tears, symbolizing her deep connection to compassion and protection.
  • She is trusted to remove obstacles and provide guidance in times of uncertainty
  • She empowers devotees to face challenges with strength and grace.
  • Her green color, which represents compassion, harmony, and balance.
  • Her posture, which depicts grace, elegance, and strength.
  • Her lotus flower, which symbolizes spiritual growth and enlightenment.
  • Her wheel of dharma, which represents the path to spiritual growth.

Green Tara's eight forms represent various aspects of life and virtues, from protection and prosperity to healing and wisdom, illustrating her multifaceted nature. Devotees often engage in rituals and prayers to invoke her qualities during meditation, believing that her compassionate essence can inspire profound transformation and resilience.

Green Tara Mantras for Protection and Positivity

The Green Tara Mantras are a source of profound spiritual empowerment, embodying the essence of compassion and protection. Revered in Tibetan Buddhism, Green Tara is known as the Mother of Liberation, offering solace and refuge to those who seek her guidance. Practicing the Green Tara mantra, often recited for its protective qualities, fosters a sense of inner peace and stability, allowing individuals to navigate the challenges of life with a renewed sense of courage and positivity.

Devotees of Green Tara often engage in practices like chanting her mantra or visualizing her form during meditation. These practices serve to cultivate a deep connection with her qualities of compassion and wisdom, inviting her blessings into their lives. The repeated recitation of her mantra, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha," is thought to invoke her protective and liberating power, helping practitioners navigate the challenges they face on their spiritual journeys. This mantra encapsulates her essence, offering both a call for help and a reminder of one's own innate ability to overcome difficulties.

Some popular Green Tara mantras are:
  • Om Tare Tuttare
  • Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha “ཨོཾ་ཏཱ་རེ་ཏུ་ཏཱ་རེ་ཏུ་རེ་སྟོད།"
You can use these mantras in meditation, prayer, or as a reminder of Green Tara's presence. They can be a powerful tool in your spiritual journey.

Green Tara's Role in Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, Green Tara is revered as a compassionate figure who embodies the essence of enlightened activity. Known as the "Green Tara Buddha," she represents the swift action and protection that devotees seek in times of need. White and Green Tara are often depicted together, but it is the vibrant Green Tara who stands out for her dynamic and proactive nature. She is not just a symbol of compassion; her very presence encourages practitioners to engage actively in alleviating the suffering of others, as well as their own.

The imagery of the Green Tara Goddess is rich and deeply symbolic. In traditional thangka paintings, she is commonly portrayed with a serene smile, signifying her approachable nature. Her green hue symbolizes both the earth and the natural world, representing vitality and growth. Green Tara is often depicted seated in a relaxed posture, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice, which reflects her ability to respond to the prayers of her followers with remarkable swiftness. Her iconography includes various attributes, such as the lotus and a vase of nectar, which emphasize her nurturing qualities and the abundance she brings to the lives of those who seek her guidance.

The influence of Green Tara extends beyond the confines of temples and rituals, finding expression in various cultural practices and art forms within Tibetan Buddhism. Her presence is a constant reminder of the potential for every individual to embody compassion and act decisively to support others. As practitioners engage with the imagery and teachings associated with the Green Tara Goddess, they are inspired to cultivate not only their own inner peace but also a broader sense of responsibility towards the well-being of others, making her a central figure in the tapestry of Tibetan spiritual life.

Green Tara Meditation Practices for Beginners

Starting a spiritual practice like meditation can deeply connect you with Green Tara's energy. It's key to create a calm space for this. Find a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably and focus on your breath.
When you start meditating, keep an open mind and a willingness to learn. Green Tara's energy is about compassion, love, and wisdom. Focus on your breath first, then move to Green Tara's mantra or visualization.
  • Set aside a regular time for meditation, ideally at the same time each day
  • Use a guided meditation or a mantra to help you focus
  • Be patient and gentle with yourself, remembering that meditation is a practice that takes time to develop
By following these steps and embracing Green Tara's energy, you can grow in inner peace, compassion, and wisdom. This will enrich your spiritual practice and connect you with Green Tara's transformative power.

The 21 Taras

The Buddha taught 21 methods to reach Enlightenment, and in the Mahayana Sutra system, we progress through ten stages to achieve this state. The key to our enlightenment lies in the present moment, with our human body and innate buddha-nature.
Vajrayana, or Tantra, builds on this by focusing on 21 knots in our body that block our energy flow. As we release each knot through practice, we gain specific realizations, eventually reaching full enlightenment and Buddhahood. Once these knots are released, we achieve Buddhahood, a state already within us. This awakening is embodied in Tara, who helps us and others overcome obstacles and reach enlightenment.

Types of 21 Tara

  1. NYURMA PAMO
  2. LOTER YANG CHENMA (VAJRA SARASVATI)
  3. SONAM TOBCHE
  4. TSUGTOR NAMGYALMA
  5. WANGDII RIGJE LHAMO
  6. JIGJE CHENMO
  7. ZHENGYI MITHUBMA
  8. ZHENGYI MIGYALMA
  9. SENGDENG NAGCHI DROLMA
  10. JIGTEN SUMLE GYALMA
  11. PHAGMA NORTER DROLMA
  12. TASHI DONJE
  13. YULLAY GYALJE MA
  14. THRONYER CHEN
  15. RABZHIMA
  16. RIGNGAG TOBJOM
  17. PAGME NONMA
  18. MAJA CHENMO
  19. DUGKARMO
  20. RITO LOMA JONMA
  21. LHAMO OZER CHENMA

How to Set Up a Green Tara Altar

To set up a Green Tara altar, start by placing a statue or image of Green Tara at the center. Cover the altar with a green cloth to symbolize her energy. Add offerings like fresh flowers, green or pink candles, and lotus imagery to honor her. You can also include prayer beads and crystals such as rose quartz, green jade, or malachite for added spiritual connection. Make sure the altar is in a clean, dedicated space, preferably facing east or southeast, following feng shui principles to invite positive energy.

Here are the key elements to include:
  • Central Image: A statue or Thangka of Green Tara
  • Green Cloth: cover the altar surface with a green cloth.
  • Floral Offerings: fresh flowers, especially lotus flowers
  • Candles: Green or pink candles
  • Crystals: stones like rose quartz, green jade or malachite
  • Prayer Beads: Buddhist prayer beads for chanting the Green Tara mantra.

FAQs

  • What is the origin story of Green Tara?
Green Tara came from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, filled with compassion for all beings. Her green color stands for growth, harmony, and balance. She shows the feminine side of the divine, with qualities like receptivity and protection.

  • What is the significance of Green Tara's green color?
Green Tara's green color means growth, harmony, and balance. It shows her connection to nature and her ability to bring peace and well-being to her followers.

  • What are the benefits of practicing Green Tara mantras?
Using Green Tara's mantras can bring her protective energy and blessings. They can be used in meditation or daily practice to feel safe and undergo spiritual transformation.

  • What are some common misconceptions about Green Tara?
Some think Green Tara is the same as Kuan Yin or Guanyin. But she is a unique figure in Buddhism, with her own attributes, symbolism, and spiritual significance.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of Green Tara's power, it's evident that her blessings can deeply change our lives. By following her teachings and making her practice a part of our daily routine, we can grow in compassion, wisdom, and spirituality.

The Green Tara practice leads us to inner peace and harmony. It connects us with the divine feminine energy inside us. Whether we need protection, healing, or courage, Green Tara's loving support is always there for us.

Let's carry Green Tara's wisdom and guidance with us as we move forward. May we walk in the light of her compassionate heart. May her blessings keep flowing into our lives, guiding us to our true essence.
Back to blog