Who is Green Tara?
Tara is a female Buddha and bodhisattva revered across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and the Himalayas. Her name is often translated as “she who carries across”, the one who helps beings cross over fear and suffering. Green Tara (Shyama Tara) is her best-known form and is especially associated with swift, active compassion.
A well-known legend says Tara was born from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, as he wept for the suffering of the world. Another story describes a princess, Yeshe Dawa, who vowed to always attain awakening in a female form to help others.
The meaning of her form
- Green colour: linked with activity and energy, the readiness to help immediately.
- Right leg extended: she is shown ready to step down from her lotus seat and act.
- Right hand in the gesture of giving: offering blessings and protection.
- Left hand at the heart holding a blue lotus: representing purity and the refuge she offers.
The 21 Taras
In Tibetan tradition, Tara appears in 21 forms, each with a different colour and quality: peaceful, protective, wealth-giving or fierce. The famous prayer Praises to the Twenty-One Taras is chanted daily in many monasteries and homes.
Green Tara and White Tara
Tibetan history links the two most popular Taras with two princesses who married the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century: Bhrikuti of Nepal, associated with Green Tara, and Wencheng of China, associated with White Tara. Green Tara is called upon for protection and quick help, while White Tara is associated with long life and healing.
Her mantra
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
The mantra is a play on Tara's name and is commonly understood as an invocation for liberation from fear and suffering. To chant it:
- Sit comfortably and take three slow breaths.
- Bring to mind what you need help with, or someone you wish to help.
- Chant softly or silently, 21 or 108 times, counting on a mala if you have one.
- End by sitting quietly for a minute and dedicating the practice to the wellbeing of all.
Many people chant Green Tara's mantra before journeys, important decisions, or during periods of anxiety and fear.