Green tara with Amitabha Buddha painting

Description

Green Tara is depicted in the middle of the thangka, with Amitabha Buddha above her and two goddesses on either side at the bottom corners. The size of this thangka is 75*50 cm (30*20 inch) and its weight is 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs).

Iconography of Green tara

The painting depicts Green Tara at its center, seated atop a white moon disk which is associated with the nectar of the naval chakra. This symbolizes the wisdom aspect of Buddhism, and when combined with compassion, it leads to Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment. Her right hand is gracefully lowered in Varda mudra, a gesture that represents granting boons.

Green Tara’s special lotus is the blue lotus or ‘night lotus’ which she bears in both hands. The word Utpala means to ‘burst open’. Her left hand holds a stem with an open blooming flower and an unopened bud. The bent lower part of the stem represents the root.

The open blossom represents the present and also the present Buddha; the bud represents the future and also Buddhas yet to be born. The future here also refers to a safe journey’s end and a future well-being. Her right-hand wisdom hand is in the gesture of giving refuge.

The third finger touches the thumb to create a circle representing the union of wisdom and compassion, and the three extended fingers symbolize the Three Jewels of Buddhism which are The Buddha State, The Body of teachings, The Principles of the Universe.

The same hand holds the stem of a blue lotus representing her willingness to assist. The closed blossom in her right hand represents the past and also the Buddhas of the past. Green Tara is shown in a place of paradise called Khadiravani where Tara dwells.

Khadiravani is described as a great mountain kingdom with many trees, flowers, and animals’ rainbow tails emanating from her outer aureole. The crescent moon and sun symbolize the union of males and females ubiquitous in Tantric art.

Mantra of Green Tara

The mantra of Green Tara is om tare tuttare ture soha.

Iconography of Amitabha Buddha

In the painting, Amitabha Buddha is depicted at the top of the Green Tara, representing the head of the Lotus Family, one of the oldest and most important of the Five Buddha Families. This family symbolizes love, purity, compassion, and peace. Amitabha’s Pure land is a realm of infinite joy and boundless radiance.

Amitabha Buddha is one of the five Tathagatas, signifying the wisdom of discernment. He is usually depicted in a red hue, sitting atop a peacock, which is a symbol of his ability to take away the suffering of others, even though he himself consumes poisonous plants. His stupa is positioned facing west.

Mantra of Amitabha Buddha

The mantra of Amitabha Buddha is Om Ami dewa hr.