History

There are two accounts of the origins of Tara: in one account a virtuous princess of ancient India vowed, upon attaining enlightenment, that she would always reincarnate in the female form to help beings. In another account, Tara was born from a lotus that sprang from the deity Avalokiteshvara's tears of pity as he surveyed the suffering of worldly existence.

One of the generous qualities associated with Tara is her power to free beings from fears, such as natural disasters, wild animals, enemies, illness, demonic forces, poverty, mental affliction, and delusion. For this and many other reasons, Tara is one of the foremost manifestations of enlightened awareness and is beloved worldwide.

Tara is known for her motherly noble qualities of loving kindness and protection. The peaceful Green Tara is considered the embodiment of compassionate activity, fulfilling all wishes and needs, both temporal and spiritual.

Iconography

Tara sits in the posture of ease. Her right leg is outstretched symbolizing her readiness to act while her left leg is drawn back in a contemplative position on the lotus seat. Her left hand in the gesture or mudra of granting refuge in the Three Jewels, holds a blue lotus flower that floats over her left shoulder as a symbol of purity and power. Her right hand is extended in the mudra of generosity. Her youthful beauty has the power to inspire great devotion.