Green Tara: The Mother of Compassion, Fearlessness & Swift Protection

Have you ever wished for someone who could instantly listen to your fears and protect you from life’s uncertainties? Someone who offers both comfort and courage? In Tibetan Buddhism, there is such a guide—the Green Tara Goddess. 

The Goddess of Swift Compassion. She is known as the Mother of All Buddhas. A beloved figure who offers rapid assistance to anyone who calls upon her, regardless of spiritual background.

In this article, we’ll explore origin stories, the meaning behind her symbols, and how the Green Tara mantra and practices can bring peace, protection, and healing into your daily life.

Guardian Goddess Green Tara

Green Tara Goddess is one of the most honored female deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Her name in Sanskrit is Shyamatara, meaning "Green Savior”. Tibetans know her as Sgrol-ljang, the "Swift One."

But why is she called the "Swift One"?

Because Green Tara embodies compassion in action. She is the energy of embodying compassion that leaps into action for help rather than just sitting in meditation quietly. In Buddhist belief, she is the protector who acts with speed when called on. 

Most peaceful Buddhas are depicted in a serene closing posture, but Green Tara sits with one leg folded and one leg extended. Her posture symbolizes her readiness to leap at any moment to help beings when they need it. 

She is the goddess of:

• Swift protection from fear and danger
• Quick resolution of life’s problems
• Emotional and spiritual healing
• Empowerment, compassion, and courage

Whether you’re going through a tough time, need guidance in making a life decision, or simply want to cultivate more kindness in your life, Green Tara is there for you.

At Buddha’s Art of Healing, we offer hand-painted authentic thangkas. 

Origin and Mythology of Green Tara

The stories of Green Tara are rich, meaningful, and deeply symbolic. 

Born from the tears of Avalokiteshvara

Many stories of Tara narrate that she was born from a tear of Avalokiteshvara—the Bodhisattva of compassion. 

Avalokiteshvara wept as he looked upon the suffering of beings caught in the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). 

He shed a tear, and from that tear came a lotus flower. When the lotus flower opened, Tara emerged. A being was formed—a goddess. 

One who was ready to support beings to achieve liberation. This origin story speaks a profound spiritual lesson: compassion alone is not enough; we must act. Green Tara is our action—immediate, fearless, and ready to support. 

The Princess Who Became Tara

In another story, Tara was once a princess named Yeshe Dawa, which means "Moon of Wisdom". Princess Yeshe Dawa devoted her life to the study and practice of the teachings of Buddha by accumulating merit by meditating, being generous, and doing acts of kindness. 

Monks told Princess Yeshe Dawa to pray to be reborn as a man in her next life because as a man, she could achieve full enlightenment. To this message, Princess Yeshe Dawa, without any doubt and with strength and wisdom, responded with the famous words:

“There are many who desire enlightenment in a male body, but few in a female one. I vow to remain in female form until all sentient beings are liberated.”

This makes Green Tara a powerful symbol of the sacred feminine, breaking traditional gender boundaries in spiritual practice. She represents feminine wisdom, protection, and fearlessness, qualities needed by both women and men today.

Symbolism of Green Tara Deity

Every aspect of Green Tara’s image tells a story and serves as a reminder of her qualities. Every element in her depiction carries deep meaning. 

Let’s explore what makes the Green Tara Goddess so visually and spiritually unique.

Meaning Behind Green Tara’s Color

In Tibetan Buddhism, green represents the active aspect of compassion, the color of vitality and protection. Green is also associated with the greater movement of wind, energy, and quickness of movement. 

The Green Tara Goddess is always available and ready to come to your aid. 

As a powerful representation of swiftness and compassion, her green color embodies immediate action and is a reflection of her sacred vow to immediately come to your assistance with any challenge—whether that be emotional, physical, or spiritual.

Posture: One Leg Extended, One Folded

Most peaceful Buddhas display a serene, closed posture, while Green Tara Buddha is poised:

Right leg extended, symbolizing her willingness to come down from the lotus throne to assist in creating beings within the world. Thai symbolizes her spontaneous compassion that leads to action toward those in need. 

Left leg folded in meditative poise, symbolizing her connection to deep wisdom and spiritual realization. 

This balanced posture teaches that compassion must be both meditative and active—we reflect inwardly but also step forward to serve others.

Mudras: The Sacred Hand Gestures

Green Tara’s hands make two important mudras (hand gestures):

• Right Hand: Varada Mudra (Gesture of Giving): Her right hand is open, palm facing outward, symbolizing generosity, compassion, and the granting of blessings. It represents her vow to help those who call upon her without hesitation.
  
  
• Left Hand: Abhaya Mudra (Gesture of Protection): Her left hand is raised with the thumb and ring finger touching, holding a blue lotus flower (utpala). This gesture symbolizes protection from fear and granting refuge. It reminds practitioners that Tara helps remove obstacles from both the physical world and the mind.

The Blue Lotus (Utpala Flower)

The utpala, or blue lotus, is one of Green Tara’s most significant symbols. It stands for

• Wisdom blooming from the mud of worldly experience
• Compassion and purity despite life’s difficulties
• Blue lotus represents Tara’s work in darkness in the depths of fear and ignorance. 
• Each of the petals of the lotus represents Tara's unfolding love and patience regardless of the chaos in our world.

And this symbolism isn't just meant to be part of the her statue and paintings; its symbol is meant to be used to help you act with compassion, courageously face your life's challenges, and offer kindness for free.

Are you prepared to invite Green Tara’s energy into your life?  Visit Buddha’s Art of Healing to shop authentic Green Tara Thangkas.

Green Tara’s Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

If you’ve ever felt stuck in fear, caught in life’s struggles, or unsure of your next steps, chanting Green Tara’s mantra can help bring calmness, clarity, and protection.

The Mantra: “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha”

• Om: The sacred sound of the universe
• Tare: Liberator from suffering
• Tuttare: Remover of obstacles and fears
• Ture: Bringer of swift success and spiritual development
• Soha: An offering of dedication, sealing the practice

Benefits of Chanting Green Tara’s Mantra:

• Dissolves anxiety and fear
• Removes emotional and physical obstacles
• Clears your mind and opens your heart
• Invites quick solutions during difficult times
• Cultivates compassion for yourself and others

Even a few minutes of chanting daily can bring immediate emotional relief and spiritual connection. Tara’s practice is about feeling supported, loved, and guided, even in your most vulnerable moments.

Shop authentic Green Tara Thangkas from Buddha's Art of Healing. 

Green Tara Thangka & Its Significance for Followers

The Green Tara Thangka is not just a piece of sacred art; it's a powerful spiritual tool. Her Thangka serves as both a visual meditation aid and a symbol of compassionate protection and swift assistance. 

1. Visual Meditation Aid (Dhyana Practice)

For practitioners, a Green Tara Thangka is usually used for visualization and meditative practices. Visualizing Tara dissolves our inner obstacles (fear, anxiety, hesitation), which empowers the practitioner to act with courage and wisdom.

2. Source of Blessings and protection

Green Tara is considered the swift saviouress. Many practitioners display a her thangka in their homes, temples, or meditation rooms to continually benefit from spiritual protection. 

3. Symbol of Feminine enlightenment energy

The Green Tara Thangka reminds practitioners of the important balance between wise action and compassionate action. She serves as a model of the enlightened female. Encourages gender equity in the development of enlightened quality and is available to all beings.

4. Artistic and cultural heritage

The Green Tara Thangka embodies much more than a piece of art; it is a tool of living practice, providing spiritual practitioners with guidance in compassion, fearlessness, and awakening.

Benefits of Connecting with Green Tara

Practicing mantra recitation and meditating in Green Tara Thangka offers both practical and spiritual benefits. 

• Emotional and Psychological Benefits:
• Reduces anxiety and emotional turmoil
• Provides comfort during grief or stress
• Builds courage to face life’s difficulties
• Creates emotional resilience and fearlessness

Spiritual Benefits:

• Deepens compassion for yourself and others
• Accelerates spiritual growth
• Protects from negative energies and obstacles
• Opens the heart to unconditional love

People across the world, from seasoned practitioners to those new to Buddhist practice, share stories of real transformation after connecting with Tara.

Start your Green Tara journey today. Bring home a hand-painted Green Tara Thangka from Buddha’s Art of Healing.

Also, if you got time, do check our Instagram where we post more interesting details on thangkas.

1. What is the difference between Green Tara and White Tara?

Green Tara and White Tara represent different spiritual intentions. The difference is Green Tara represents active compassion and swift protection, while White Tara represents healing, long life, and inner peace.

2. Is there a particular time to chant Green Tara’s mantra?

There is no specific time to chant. You can chant Tara's mantra whenever you need help or guidance. Many practitioners will chant in the morning or evening to either help set the ground for their day or calm their mind before sleeping.

3. Can I chant Green Tara’s mantra for someone else?

Yes, you are welcome to recite Green Tara’s mantra on someone else’s behalf. This will send that person healing energy, protection, and blessings.

At Buddha's Art of Healing, we also provide commission artwork on any of the thangkas.