Tara is the feminine embodiment of the Buddha. She is the “mother of liberation” and helps us in our journey of enlightenment as we develop the qualities of compassion and emptiness. Green Tara grants us the ability to overcome fear, danger and obstructions to our evolution. She provides us with all the necessary conditions for our spiritual growth and guides us as we develop along our spiritual path.

Tara was introduced into Tibet in the 7th Century and has become the most recognizable female Buddha in the world. Tara is also referred to as “Mother Tara” as she protects us from obstacles and assists us in fulfilling all our wishes. Tara can rescue us from what are referred to as the “eight inner fears”: pride, ignorance, anger, jealousy, wrong views, attachment, miserliness and deluded doubts.

The Myth:

The Green Tara came into being when the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara cried upon seeing all of the suffering in the Universe. He cried so much that a pond grew out of his tears. Out of this pond grew a blue lotus flower, and on this flower appeared a beautiful woman. Her translucent green color was luminous with a great energy. She held a deep blue lotus, symbolizing limitless giving and refuge.

The Real Life Tara:

Tara was once an ordinary person. After many lifetimes of practicing the Bodhisattva Path, she attained enlightenment and vowed to stay and help all other creatures on their paths to enlightenment (known as the Bodhisattva Vow). Tara was born as a king’s daughter. A spiritual and compassionate princess, she gave offerings and prayers to the nuns and monks. She developed a reputation of one having great value. She was told by the monks that because of her spiritual attainments they would pray for her that she be reborn as a man so she could spread Buddhist teachings. The typical thinking of the time said that Bodhisattvas took a male form. Tara responded that there was no male or female and that she wished to remain in female form to serve others until all life forms reached enlightenment. Because of her position against the thinking of the time, she is most honored by people in Tibet and throughout the world.