Thangka of Green Tara: The Emerald Embodiment of Compassion · Savior of Eight Perils · Key to Liberation

Green Tara (Sanskrit: Tārā, Tibetan: སྒྲོལ་མ་), the foremost of the Twenty-One Taras in Vajrayana Buddhism, embodies the fusion of Avalokiteshvara’s boundless compassion and the vitality of awakened nature. Her jade-green body radiates the essence of spring’s renewal, seated on a lotus-moon throne with right hand in varada mudra (gesture of granting boons) and left hand holding a utpala flower (blue lotus) in triratna mudra (symbolizing the Three Jewels). Symbolic Meanings 1. Nature’s Alchemy:The emerald hue signifies the earth’s nurturing power and the transformation of ignorance into wisdom. Her utpala flower, blooming in murky waters, mirrors the purity of enlightenment amid samsara. 2. Eightfold Salvation:As the "Savior of Eight Perils," she neutralizes threats from beasts, elements, and human malice. The triratna mudra dissolves the Five Poisons, particularly doubt, aligning practitioners with the Dharma’s clarity. 3. Divine Motherhood:Revered as the protector of women and children, her lotus throne’s triple symbolism (bud, bloom, seedpod) encodes past, present, and future Buddhas’ continuity, reflecting the unbroken lineage of compassion. 4. Mantra’s Power:Chanting Oṃ Tāre Tuttāre Ture Svāhā invokes her 21 forms’ collective merits, granting worldly blessings (wealth, longevity) and ultimate liberation. Historical texts note her rituals’ efficacy in averting plagues and political strife.