Hand Carved Gold Gilded & Hand Face Painted Buddhist Tibetan 9" Green Tara Copper Statue

PURCHASE DETAILS

GREEN TARA - THE RESCUER

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.

ABOUT THIS SCULPTURE

This sculpture is an enchanting portrayal of Green Tara.   Expertly cast from copper alloy in oxidized form and gilded with 24 karat gold and hand painted face,  this sculpture is a representation of Green Tara. The goddess's figure is gracefully poised as she brings her hands up to form  the sacred mudras. She wears a finely carved crown and the elegantly detailed  ornaments of a Bodhisattva, signifying her compassionate vow to work for the  benefit of sentient beings. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the  world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques  have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.