32"x24" Green Tara Thangka

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Green Tara is arguably the most beloved goddess in the Buddhist pantheon. She is the female embodiment of the enlightened compassion and miraculous deeds of all the Buddhas, offering protection and assistance to all who face challenges in their lives. She vowed that until all suffering was eliminated she would work continuously in a woman's body for the benefit of sentient beings. Thus Green Tara represents the very essence of virtuous and enlightened activity.

Green, being the color of nature and flourishing life, signifies her energetic and vivacious personality. She is always depicted as a beautiful and vigorous young woman with a touch of playfulness. In this sense she teaches us not to take ourselves too seriously. She delights in a receptive mind and an open heart, for in such a person her blessings and wisdom can naturally unfold.

Gestures and Attributes

The Buddha is depicted with his right hand extended to the earth in the Bhumispara Mudra, the gesture of witness. He is "calling the earth to witness" his supreme victory over the temptations and illusions of the material world as symbolized by the demon Mara. His left hand lies in his lap with palm upward in the gesture of meditation (Dhyana Mudra). In some representations he also holds the begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl contains three precious nectars indicating that he has conquered the three demons of uncontrolled death, contaminated aggregates, and delusion. Thus this posture is known as "Buddha Shakyamuni Conquering the Demons" and shows the moment of the Buddha's full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.