21 Tara

A Green Tara thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting that depicts Green Tara, a popular deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Green Tara is revered as a compassionate and protective figure who embodies the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and swift action. Her name, "Tara," means "star" in Tibetan, and she is often associated with helping followers overcome obstacles and achieve enlightenment.

In a Green Tara thangka, she is typically portrayed as a youthful, beautiful figure with green skin, symbolizing her connection to nature and the active aspect of her compassion. She may have multiple arms and eyes, each representing her ability to see and respond to the needs of all sentient beings. The thangka usually features her seated in a lotus flower, surrounded by various symbolic elements such as lotus blossoms, and often accompanied by other deities or protective figures.

The colors, details, and iconography in a Green Tara thangka are rich in symbolism, intended to convey spiritual teachings and inspire devotion. If you're interested in a Green Tara thangka, it's important to find one that resonates with you personally and aligns with your own spiritual or artistic interests. Green Tara, depicted in thangkas, holds significant importance in Tibetan Buddhism and is widely revered for her qualities of compassion, protection, and swift assistance. Praying to Green Tara and engaging with her thangka can have several important aspects:

 **Importance and Significance**

1. **Embodiment of Compassion**: Green Tara is seen as the embodiment of compassion and mercy. She is known as the "Mother of All the Buddhas" and is particularly associated with her readiness to help sentient beings overcome difficulties.

2. **Protector Against Obstacles**: Devotees believe that Green Tara helps remove obstacles and fears from their lives. She is often called upon to help in times of trouble or when seeking guidance through challenging situations.

3. **Swift Action**: Unlike other deities who may act slowly, Green Tara is known for her swift response. Her very name, "Tara," means "star," indicating her bright and active nature. She is often invoked for quick assistance and to resolve urgent problems.

4. **Embodiment of Enlightenment**: Green Tara represents the enlightened qualities of wisdom, compassion, and skillful means. Praying to her is believed to help cultivate these qualities in oneself and move closer to enlightenment.

5. **Symbolic Imagery**: The imagery in a Green Tara thangka, including her green color, multiple arms, and lotus seat, carries deep symbolic meaning. The green color signifies her active compassion, while her posture and attributes represent her ability to assist and protect.

 **Praying to Green Tara**

1. **Offering and Rituals**: Devotees often engage in rituals and offer prayers to Green Tara to seek her blessings. This may include reciting her mantra, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha," which is believed to invoke her protective and compassionate energy.

2. **Visualization and Meditation**: Meditating on the image of Green Tara can help practitioners connect with her qualities. Visualization practices may involve imagining oneself surrounded by her compassionate energy and invoking her presence in one’s life.

3. **Mantras and Recitations**: Chanting Green Tara's mantras is a common practice. These mantras are considered powerful tools for invoking her help and transforming negative energies. 

4. **Acts of Compassion**: Emulating Green Tara’s qualities by engaging in acts of compassion and kindness can be a form of honoring her. This aligns one’s actions with her teachings and helps cultivate similar virtues in oneself.

5. **Physical Presence**: Keeping a thangka of Green Tara in one’s home or meditation space serves as a physical reminder of her presence and qualities. It helps to create an environment conducive to spiritual practice and mindfulness.

In summary, Green Tara is a vital figure in Tibetan Buddhism, and praying to her through rituals, meditation, and mantra recitation is believed to bring her swift help, remove obstacles, and inspire compassion and wisdom in one's life.