Who is Tara?
Tara is a Buddhist Goddess revered as a compassionate protector, swift liberator, and a beacon of hope for many practitioners. "Tara" means "Rescuer," reflecting her role in guiding beings across the sea of suffering to liberation. Known as the Female Buddha Goddess, she dispels fears, both external and internal, guiding us on the path to enlightenment. For beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, understanding Tara Buddhism and her protective qualities can deepen one’s spiritual connection and practice.
According to Sacred Buddhist stories, Tara originated from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Overwhelmed by the suffering of sentient beings, Avalokita shed two tears. From one tear emerged Green Tara, embodying active compassion, and from the other, White Tara, symbolizing serenity and longevity. This story highlights Tara’s deep connection to the Buddhist pantheon and her role in removing obstacles for those on the path to enlightenment.
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The Eight Outer Fears and Tara's Protection
The eight outer fears symbolize the dangers we face in the material world. Each fear represents a challenge, and Green Tara Maa offers her protection and blessings to overcome these obstacles:
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Lions (Pride): Symbolizing pride, the lion represents the danger of arrogance and self-importance. Green Tara Maa helps us cultivate humility and balance.
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Elephants (Ignorance): The wild elephant signifies ignorance. Green Tara’s wisdom illuminates our path, dispelling the darkness of unawareness.
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Fire (Hatred): Fire represents anger and hatred, consuming us from within. Green Tara’s compassionate energy extinguishes this destructive force.
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Snakes (Jealousy): Snakes symbolize envy and jealousy. Mother Tara’s blessings guide us to appreciate and celebrate the success of others.
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Thieves (Wrong Views): Thieves represent incorrect perceptions and beliefs that rob us of clarity. Green Tara’s guidance restores rightful understanding.
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Imprisonment (Greed): Being trapped signifies greed and attachment. Tara’s liberation helps us let go of material clinging.
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Floods (Desire): Floodwaters symbolize overwhelming desires. Green Tara’s steady hand teaches contentment and self-control.
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Demons (Doubt): Demons embody fear and self-doubt. Green Tara’s courage inspires unwavering confidence in our spiritual journey.
The Eight Inner Fears and Their Transformations
The inner fears are subtler but equally obstructive, arising from mental and emotional imbalances. Green Tara Maa’s energy enables us to transform these fears into positive qualities:
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Pride into Humility: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
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Ignorance into Wisdom: Cultivating awareness and mindfulness.
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Hatred into Compassion: Embracing the heart of loving-kindness.
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Jealousy into Rejoicing: Developing genuine joy for others' success.
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Wrong Views into Clarity: Gaining insight into the nature of reality.
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Greed into Generosity: Practicing selfless giving.
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Desire into Equanimity: Achieving balance and peace of mind.
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Doubt into Faith: Building trust in oneself and the teachings.
Green Tara for Beginners
For those new to the practice, Tibetan Green Tara offers a welcoming entry point. Chanting the Green Tara Mantra, “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha,” invites her protection and blessings. This mantra holds profound significance, and understanding the Green Tara Mantra meaning can enhance your practice. Green Tara Mantra benefits include cultivating inner peace, courage, and spiritual strength.
Meditating on Tara’s form, adorned with lotus flowers and seated on a lotus throne, inspires courage and devotion. The Goddess Tara embodies the essence of swiftness and compassion, making her a central figure in overcoming challenges on the path to enlightenment.
White Tara: The Goddess of Longevity
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Another well-known form of Tara is White Tara, which represents healing, serenity, and long life. Often depicted with a third eye on her forehead and eyes on her hands and feet, White Tara symbolizes watchfulness and divine protection. While Green Tara focuses on active intervention, White Tara’s practice is associated with nurturing and inner peace. Chanting the White Tara Mantra, “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayur Pune Jnana Pustim Kuru Svaha,” is believed to promote healing, longevity, and spiritual clarity. Together, they embody complementary aspects of compassion and wisdom.
Tara Collection at Nidhiratna: Honoring Tradition and Craftsmanship
At Nidhiratna, we understand the spiritual and emotional significance of Green Tara for practitioners worldwide. Our collection of handmade Tibetan Green Tara statues is crafted by skilled Nepalese artisans from Patan, Lalitpur. Each piece is a masterpiece, designed to resonate with the energy of compassion and protection.
Our statues also feature intricate Green Tara Goddess symbols, highlighting her attributes such as lotus flowers, her posture of readiness, and her hand gestures of granting boons and protection. These details reflect Tara’s role in removing obstacles and guiding practitioners on their spiritual journey.
For beginners, our statues offer an accessible way to start a home shrine or meditation practice. For seasoned practitioners, our detailed craftsmanship embodies the profound symbolism of Mother Tara, enhancing your spiritual journey.
Why Choose Nidhiratna?
Nidhiratna is more than an online platform; it’s a bridge between tradition and devotion. We ensure that every statue reflects authenticity and reverence, connecting practitioners to the rich heritage of Vajrayana Buddhism. By incorporating the teachings of the Bodhisattva Green Tara, our statues serve as meaningful additions to your spiritual journey.
Explore our Tara collection today and invite Tara’s blessings into your life. Whether you’re beginning your spiritual path or deepening your practice, Nidhiratna’s statues are crafted to inspire and uplift. Embrace Green Tara’s protection, practice Tara meditation, and transform your fears into wisdom and strength.
