The Green Tara Buddha: Mother of Compassion and Action
In the vast landscape of Tibetan Buddhism, one figure stands out for her swift compassion, protective presence, and fearless energy—Green Tara. Revered as the “Mother of All Buddhas,” Green Tara is not only a symbol of unconditional love but also of enlightened action. Unlike many deities associated with meditative stillness or wisdom, Tara is dynamic. She’s ever-ready to leap into action and assist those who call upon her, making her one of the most beloved figures in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Green Tara, known as Sgrol-ljang in Tibetan and Syamatara in Sanskrit, embodies the active aspect of compassion. Her green color represents growth, vitality, and energy—the force of compassion that moves swiftly to remove obstacles and offer protection. In visual depictions, she is often shown with her right leg extended, signifying her readiness to rise and help. She doesn’t just symbolize compassion—she is compassion in motion.
The origin of Green Tara is rooted in beautiful and profound Buddhist legends. One well-known story tells of a devoted princess named Yeshe Dawa, or “Wisdom Moon,” who practiced the Dharma with great dedication for eons. Despite her deep spiritual attainments, monks advised her to pray to be reborn as a man to complete her path to enlightenment. She refused, affirming that enlightenment knows no gender and made a powerful vow: to always be reborn as a woman until all beings were liberated from suffering. Through the strength of this vow and her boundless compassion, she attained Buddhahood and became known as Tara—She Who Liberates.
Another legend speaks of the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Overwhelmed by the suffering of countless beings, Avalokiteshvara shed tears of deep sorrow. From these tears, two lotus flowers emerged—one giving rise to Green Tara and the other to White Tara. Green Tara represents the active, courageous side of compassion, rushing to aid those in need, while White Tara embodies long life and serene compassion. Together, they reflect the complete nature of enlightened compassion: one that feels deeply and acts decisively.
Central to Green Tara’s practice is her sacred mantra: "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha." This mantra is widely recited by practitioners seeking to remove obstacles, fears, and internal blockages. Each syllable carries deep meaning—"Tare" liberates from ordinary fears; "Tuttare" protects from spiritual dangers; "Ture" brings success in both worldly and spiritual endeavors; and "Soha" grounds the intention in the heart. The mantra is a call to Tara’s energy—a vibration of courage, peace, and liberation.
Her imagery is rich with symbolism. Green Tara is depicted with a calm, beautiful face, one leg folded in meditation and the other extended, ever ready to move. Lotus flowers surround her, representing purity and enlightenment blooming from the mud of human experience. She has seven eyes—two on her face, one on her forehead, and one on each hand and foot—symbolizing her ability to see all suffering and respond swiftly.
In daily spiritual life, Green Tara is a close and accessible presence. Practitioners turn to her for protection, strength, and courage. She is especially revered for her ability to help overcome fear and inner turmoil. Whether facing emotional pain, physical danger, or spiritual doubt, people chant her mantra, visualize her form, and seek her swift and loving guidance. She is not a distant figure but a living embodiment of the compassionate energy we all carry within us.
Ultimately, Green Tara is more than a symbol; she is a reminder that compassion must move. It is not enough to feel love for others—we must act on it, with courage, clarity, and heart. In times of uncertainty, Green Tara teaches us that help is always near, and that through her, we can awaken our own inner strength and peace. As the Mother of Compassion and Action, she invites us to rise, protect, serve, and love—fearlessly.
But who exactly is Green Tara, and why does she hold such a special place in the hearts of millions?
Who Is Green Tara?
Green Tara (Tibetan: Sgrol-ljang, Sanskrit: Syamatara) is a female Buddha and a bodhisattva of enlightened activity. She embodies swift action, protection, and fearless compassion. While many Buddhist figures symbolize wisdom or meditative stillness, Tara is dynamic—ready to rise and respond the moment she is called upon.
She is usually depicted with one leg folded in meditation and the other extended, signaling her constant readiness to leap to the aid of suffering beings. Her green color symbolizes growth, energy, and the vitality of compassion in motion.
Origins and Legends
There are two major origin stories of Green Tara in Buddhist tradition, both rich in symbolism and spiritual depth.
1. The Vow of Princess Yeshe Dawa
One traditional account tells of a devoted princess named Yeshe Dawa (Wisdom Moon), who practiced for countless lifetimes and attained high realization. When monks suggested she should pray to be reborn as a man to complete her path, she made a powerful vow:
"Until all beings are freed from suffering, I shall be reborn as a woman to serve them."
Through this vow, she manifested as Tara, a Buddha in feminine form, who vowed to aid all beings with swift, compassionate action.
2. Born from Avalokiteshvara’s Tears
Another well-loved legend tells that Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, wept after seeing the endless suffering of beings. From his tears, two lotuses bloomed—one became Green Tara, the other White Tara. Green Tara took on the role of active compassion, rescuing beings from fear, danger, and spiritual obstacles.
The Meaning of Her Mantra
Devotees often call upon Green Tara through her mantra:
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
This powerful mantra is chanted to overcome physical, mental, and emotional blocks. Each part has a layered meaning:
-
Tare – Liberates from mundane fears
-
Tuttare – Protects from inner fears and negative energies
-
Ture – Grants success in spiritual and worldly goals
-
Soha – Anchors the energy into the heart
Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke Tara’s presence, bringing peace, clarity, and courage.
Tara’s Iconography and Symbols
Green Tara’s appearance is rich in symbolic meaning:
-
Green Color – Activity and compassionate action
-
Right Leg Extended – Readiness to help and respond
-
Lotus Flowers – Purity, wisdom, and non-attachment
-
Seven Eyes – Two on her face, one on her forehead, and one on each palm and sole—symbolizing all-seeing wisdom and awareness
She is often surrounded by lotus flowers in bloom, representing spiritual awakening and enlightenment in the midst of life’s challenges.
Green Tara in Daily Practice
For many Buddhists, Green Tara is more than a distant deity—she’s a daily presence. People pray to her for:
-
Protection from danger or harm
-
Courage in times of fear or doubt
-
Success in difficult undertakings
-
Swift removal of obstacles—inner and outer
Practicing with Green Tara can be as simple as chanting her mantra or visualizing her radiant green form during meditation. Her energy is said to be especially accessible and responsive, like a mother rushing to help her child.
Conclusion: A Timeless Guardian of the Heart
The Green Tara Buddha is a powerful reminder that compassion is not passive—it’s bold, fearless, and immediate. She teaches us that wisdom without action is incomplete, and love without courage is fragile.
In a world filled with fear, uncertainty, and constant change, Green Tara stands as a beacon of hope, protection, and enlightened strength. Whether we call upon her in prayer, meditation, or daily life, her presence reminds us that help is always available—and often, it begins with opening our own heart.
May Green Tara bless your path with peace, protection, and fearless compassion. 🌿