The Tibetan Buddhist Goddess Green Tara

O Green Tara,
Swift Mother whose feet are already moving toward those who call,
Lotus-Born Liberator,
Awaken within me the courage to act with compassion.

Where there is fear, bring fearlessness.
Where there is confusion, bring clear seeing.
Where there is suffering, make of my hands a vessel of healing.

Carry me across the waters of doubt and hesitation.
Teach me to respond to the world with wisdom that moves,
with love that serves,
and with a heart that remains open even in difficult times.

Mother of Compassion,
guide my steps upon the path of liberation,
that I may become a blessing to all beings.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha.
~ Kimberly Moore

Green Tara is one of the most beloved female Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, revered as the embodiment of enlightened compassion in action. Known as the "Mother of Liberation," Tara is the swift and responsive savioress who hears the cries of beings and hastens to their aid. Her name derives from the Sanskrit root tr, meaning "to cross" or "to ferry across," for she carries devotees across the turbulent waters of suffering, fear, and ignorance toward awakening.

According to Buddhist tradition, Tara arose from the tears of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Seeing the immense suffering of sentient beings, Avalokiteshvara wept, and from his tears blossomed a lotus from which Tara emerged. In another beloved account, Tara was once a princess who vowed to attain enlightenment in female form and to continue appearing as a woman throughout countless lifetimes, challenging the notion that spiritual attainment required male rebirth. Thus, Tara stands as a powerful symbol of feminine wisdom, sovereignty, and spiritual accomplishment.

Green Tara is depicted seated upon a lotus throne, radiant emerald in color. Her right leg extends forward, indicating her readiness to rise and assist those who call upon her. One hand offers blessings and refuge, while the other holds the stem of a blue lotus, the utpala, symbolizing purity and awakening amidst the world's challenges.

As the Goddess of Compassionate Action, Green Tara embodies courage, protection, healing, and spiritual movement. She is especially invoked to overcome obstacles, fears, illness, and the "Eight Great Dangers," which represent both external threats and inner afflictions such as pride, anger, attachment, jealousy, and doubt. Tara's compassion moves. She acts. She responds. She arrives.

For those walking a sacred path, Green Tara teaches that compassion is not passive. It is a living force that steps forward, extends a hand, and transforms the world through courageous love. She reminds us that liberation begins the moment we answer the suffering of ourselves and others with wisdom, presence, and an open heart.

RESOURCES FOR THE GODDESS GREEN TARA

Shakti Mantras – Tapping into the Great Goddess Energy Within by Thomas Ashley-Farrand

Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses by Dr. David Frawley

Tara The Feminine Divine by Bokar Rinpoche

How to Free Your Mind: The Practice of Tara the Liberator by Thubten Chodron

RED PRIESTESS for Goddess prayer beads, malas, & sprays