Hand carved Copper Alloy with Partly Gold Gilded 9" Red Tara Statue

Red Tara Statue

 Red Tara – The Wish Fulfilling Tara

Red Tara is the manifestation of Tara expression of awareness of all phenomena. In Vajrayana Buddhism the practice of Red Tara is based on the ritual called the Mandala of wish-fulfilling essence that focuses on turning material desires into compassion and love. The ritual includes yoga, healing practices and teachings on the nature of mind. The Red Tara empowerment ritual was originated by Amitabha Buddha and passed to Avalokiteshvara, then to an emanation of Tara and the famous Indian master Nagarjuna that transmitted this teaching to Padmasambhava.

Guru Rinpoche left this knowledge to his consort Yeshe Tsogyal, and asked her to hide it as a treasure to be discovered at a later time, which it would produce the most benefit. The teaching was discovered by lama Apong Terton, who lived in last century. Before his death the lama transmitted the ritual to a monk that promised to reveal it to the reincarnation of Apong Terton, Sakya Trizin.

Gestures and Attributes

Red Tara is depicted in her peaceful manifestation. She is seated with the right leg slightly extended like the most common representation of Green Tara. The right hand is extended outward across the knee facing upward and holding a long-life vase (Kalasha) and the left hand is positioned in front of the heart holding the stem of a utpala flower with bow and arrow of skillful meaning wisdom on top of it.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite statue is a stunning portrayal of Red Tara, expertly crafted from copper alloy using the lost wax method and gilded with 24-karat gold. The hand-painted face adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. Each piece is individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are renowned for their exceptional skill and dedication to preserving traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The Shakya clan is the modern heir to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. Their fine metalworking techniques have been meticulously passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, ensuring that each piece is a masterpiece that embodies both artistic excellence and profound spiritual significance.

The lost wax method, a traditional technique used in Nepal since the 10th century, allows for the capture of intricate details and features, from the deity's facial expression to the ornate adornments that adorn her form. The subsequent gilding with 24-karat gold, achieved through the traditional fire gilding technique, lends the sculpture a luminous quality that enhances its visual splendor and evokes the deity's enlightened essence.

This statue is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.