Green Tara, ‘The Liberator’

by Jopie Bopp

Green Tara – The Liberator
Calm and introspective, Green Tara rests before you with her eyes closed. Her face glows in a deep turquoise, and a delicate mandala symbol appears on her forehead – the sign of inner vision. Golden accents on her eyelids and robe give the image a warm shimmer. Feather-like, flowing forms surround her like a protective veil.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Green Tara is regarded as a female, peaceful Buddha and the embodiment of active compassion. According to tradition, she arose from a tear shed by the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara out of compassion for all beings. Her name means ‘Liberator’. She is invoked as a ‘helper in times of need’ when fears, worries and obstacles make life difficult.
For centuries, people have recited her mantra, ‘Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha’, to ask for protection, healing and clarity. This is said to calm the mind and release inner blockages. Green Tara is the central figure in the mandala of the 21 Taras, each of whom expresses different facets of her Buddha-activity. Green Tara originally descended from an Indian star goddess and has also been venerated in Indian Mahayana Buddhism since the 3rd century.
This image is intended to remind you that healing begins with compassion, including compassion for yourself. It invites you to pause, breathe deeply and find confidence.
The original is hand-painted in egg tempera. This technique lends the colours depth and a vibrant, almost luminous transparency. Every print carries this special radiance forward.
A picture for meditation rooms, practices, bedrooms and any place where you wish to find peace.