Description
Green Tara, also known as Samaya Tara, is a hand-painted thangka on Cotton Canvas from Kathmandu, Nepal. She is depicted wearing maroon Buddhist robes and jewelry.
The thangka features Green Tara in its center, with Amitabha Buddha at the top, Shakyamuni Buddha on the top left, Medicine Buddha on the top right, and two Offering Goddesses at the bottom left and right.
| Weight | 100 Grams |
| Size | 62 x 45 cm |
| Material | Cotton Canvas and Mineral Color |
Iconography of Green tara
Green Tara is depicted in the center of the thangka with a benevolent expression. She is seated on a white moon disk, which is associated with a special healing nectar that is linked to the naval chakra. In Buddhism, the moon symbolizes wisdom, which when combined with compassion leads to the enlightenment of Sakyamuni Buddha. Her right hand is gently lowered in Varada mudra, a gesture of granting boons.
Green Tara holds two lotuses, one blue and one white. The blue lotus is known as the ‘night lotus’ and symbolizes Utpala, which means to ‘burst open’. Her left hand holds a stem with an open flower and an unopened bud, while the lower part of the stem is bent to represent the root.
The open flower symbolizes the present and the current Buddha, while the bud symbolizes the future, including the eventual safe arrival and well-being of future Buddhas. Her right hand is posed in a gesture of offering protection.
The third finger is placed on the thumb to form a circle, signifying the union of knowledge and compassion, while the three extended fingers represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism, namely, the Buddha State, the Dharma (teachings) and the Sangha (community).
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
Amitabha Buddha is depicted at the apex of the Green Tara in the thangka. He is the leader of the Lotus Family, one of the oldest and most important of the Five Buddha Families, which symbolizes love, purity, compassion, and peace. Amitabha’s Pureland is a paradise of everlasting joy and infinite radiance.
Amitabha Buddha is one of the five Tathagatas, each representing the wisdom of discriminating awareness. He is depicted as red in color and is usually seen in stupas facing the west. He is also associated with a peacock, symbolizing his ability to take away the suffering of others despite being exposed to poisonous plants, just like the peacock’s tail shines forth.
Mantra of Amitabha Buddha
The mantra of Amitabha Buddha is Om Ami dewa hr.
Iconography of Medicine Buddha
The painting of Green Tara in the thangka features Bhaisajyaguru, also known as Medicine Buddha, at the top right corner. This figure is associated with a healing blue light and is referred to as the “Master of Blue Light”.
Medicine Buddha emits a blue light known as Vaydurya light that carries his healing energy. This light can be thought of as an internal chakra energy.
Mantra of Medicine Buddha
The mantra of Medicine Buddha is tayatha om bekandze bekandze maha bekandze radza samudgate Soha.
Iconograpy of Shakyamuni Buddha
Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted in the top left corner of the green Tara thangka. His left hand rests in his lap, clutching a begging bowl, while his right arm is outstretched across his leg with the fingers touching the ground. His complexion is golden, eyes half-closed, and his hair is adorned with a golden ornament at the crown of his head.
A bindi or “urna” is placed between the eyebrows and the earlobes, and the shoulders are adorned with an orange and red robe that is wrapped around the body and legs and secured at the waist with a green sash.
Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha
The mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha is Om Muni Muni Maha Muniye Soha.
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