Sgrol-ljang painting

Description

Sgrol-ljang is featured prominently in the middle of the painting, while Amitabha Buddha is seen in the top left corner of the Green Tara in the painting. The three goddesses are located at the top right corner of the artwork.

The dimensions of an Sgrol-ljang painting are 60*25 cm (24*18 inches) and it weights 0.2 kg (or 0.44 lbs).

Iconography of Green tara

Green Tara is the focus of the painting, with a kind expression on her face. She is seated on a white moon disk, which in Buddhism is a symbol of wisdom that, when combined with compassion, leads to enlightenment like that of Shakyamuni Buddha. Her right hand is lowered in the Varda mudra position, a gesture of granting favors.

Green Tara is depicted holding a special lotus, known as the ‘night lotus’ or Utpala, in both hands. The flower in her left hand is shown with an open bloom and an unopened bud, while the lower part of the stem is bent to represent the root.

The open flower symbolizes the current moment and the existing Buddha, while the bud symbolizes what is yet to come and Buddhas who have yet to be born. This also implies a secure destination and a prosperous future. Her right hand is making the gesture of offering sanctuary.

The thumb and third finger are brought together to form a circle, signifying the harmony between knowledge and kindness. The three extended fingers represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha State, the teachings, and 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

Amitabha Buddha is prominently depicted in the top left corner of the Green Tara painting. He is the leader of the Lotus Family, one of the oldest and most important of the Five Buddha Families, which symbolize love, purity, compassion, and peace. Amitabha’s Pure land is a place of great joy and endless radiance.

Amitabha Buddha is one of the five Tathagatas, which symbolize the wisdom of discernment. He is usually depicted as red in color and seated on a peacock, signifying his ability to take away the suffering of others despite being surrounded by toxicity. He is typically depicted in a stupa facing west.

Mantra of Amitabha Buddha

The mantra of Amitabha Buddha is Om Ami Dewa hr.