Green Tara Prayers and Mantra

Green Tara is a revered deity in Tibetan Buddhism, celebrated for her boundless compassion and readiness to provide swift assistance. She embodies the active aspect of compassion, always prepared to offer help, and protection to those in need.

Prayers and mantras dedicated to Green Tara are powerful tools for seeking protection, healing, and rapid support in times of distress. Engaging in Green Tara prayer practices can bring a sense of peace, resilience, and connection to a deeper source of compassion and strength.

In this post we discover who Green Tara is and I will guide you through the essential Green Tara prayers, mantras, and practices to help you integrate them into your daily routine for spiritual and personal growth.

Understanding Green Tara

Green Tara, known in Sanskrit as Tārā, is a highly revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. She is venerated as a goddess of compassion, healing, and liberation, embodying the enlightened activity of all Buddhas.

Symbolism of Green Tara

Green Tara is often called the "Mother of Liberation," reflecting her role in guiding practitioners toward enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). She is considered a female Buddha and a Bodhisattva, choosing to reincarnate to help others attain enlightenment.

Typically depicted seated on a lotus, Green Tara’s right leg is extended, symbolizing her readiness to spring into action to help others. She holds two lotus flowers above her shoulders (padme), representing purity and the unfolding of wisdom. Her serene expression reflects inner peace and boundless compassion while holding the Abhaya mudra and Varada mudra.

Origin of Green Tara

Tara’s origin story highlights her compassionate nature. According to legend, she arose from the compassionate tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, who wept upon seeing the suffering of beings in samsara. These tears formed a lotus, from which Tara emerged, symbolizing her birth from compassion and her commitment to alleviating suffering.

Green Tara’s symbolism extends to her representation as a guiding light on the spiritual path, akin to navigating a mountain both internally and externally. This metaphor parallels the journey of the Buddha, who retreated from society, meditated, and attained enlightenment (moksha), thus breaking free from the cycle of reincarnation. While the Buddha transcended samsara, Bodhisattvas like Tara choose to return to help others.

Green Tara is also compared to Kwan Yin from the Chinese tradition, both embodying the qualities of compassion and protection. However, Tara is rooted in the Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian traditions, while Kwan Yin is central to the Far Eastern spiritual practices.

In our daily lives, Tara’s energy can manifest through individuals who are great healers or who serve selflessly, such as Mother Theresa and Mahatma Gandhi. These figures, aligned with divine energy, demonstrate tireless service and compassion, much like Tara herself.

The Importance of Green Tara Prayers

Devotees turn to Green Tara for various reasons, primarily for her quick action and protective qualities. Here are a few key points:

• Swift Assistance: Green Tara is renowned for her immediate response to prayers. Whether one is facing physical danger, emotional distress, or spiritual obstacles, Green Tara is believed to provide rapid support.
• Protection: Prayers to Green Tara are often invoked for protection against fears and dangers, both seen and unseen. Her presence is considered a shield against negative influences.
• Healing and Compassion: Practitioners seek her blessings for healing and cultivating compassion within themselves. Green Tara’s prayers are thought to help open the heart and mind to deeper empathy and understanding.

Engaging with Green Tara through prayer and meditation can bring a profound sense of peace, resilience, and connection to the universal energy of compassion. By understanding her role and the significance of her prayers, practitioners can fully embrace the benefits of invoking Green Tara in their daily lives.

Green Tara Prayer

21 Praises of Tara

The 21 Praises of Tara is a series of verses that honor the 21 manifestations of Tara, each with specific attributes and benefits. These praises celebrate Tara’s various aspects, from providing protection to granting wisdom and compassion.

Verse 1: Swift and Heroic Tara (Nyurma Pamo)

"Homage to you, Tara, swift heroine, Your eyes like a flash of lightning, Your water-born face arises from the blooming lotus Of Avalokitesvara, protector of the three worlds."

Verse 2: White Tara (Yangchen Drolma)

"Homage to you, Tara, whose face is like One hundred full moons in autumn, Radiant with the dazzling light Of a thousand stars."

Verse 3: Golden Tara (Sönam Tobche)

"Homage to you, Tara, born from a golden-blue lotus, Your hands adorned with lotus flowers, You who are the embodiment of giving, joy, effort, Calm, asceticism, patience, and meditation."

Verse 4: Tara Who Dispels All Fears (Dudsol Dakyi Drolma)

"Homage to you, Tara, who crowns all Buddhas, Whose actions are endless, Who has attained every perfection, On whom the Bodhisattvas rely."

Verse 5: Tara Who Bestows Supreme Virtue (Jigten Sumle Gyälma)

"Homage to you, Tara, who fills the realms of desire, Form, and space with your splendor, You who have attained the pure essence Of the realm of non-attachment."

Verse 6: Tara Who Bestows Auspiciousness (Tashi Donje)

"Homage to you, Tara, adored by Indra, Agni, Brahma, Vayu, and Ishvara, And praised by the assembly of spirits, Raised corpses, and all yakshas."

Verse 7: Tara Who Dispels Darkness (Rabzhima)

"Homage to you, Tara, whose TRAT and PHAT Destroy entirely the magical wheels of others. With your right leg bent and left outstretched and pressing, You burn intensely within a whirl of fire."

Verse 8: Tara Who Brings Forth Light (Jigje Chenmo)

"Homage to you, Tara, the great fearful one, Whose letter TURE destroys the mighty demons completely, Who with a wrathful expression on your water-born face Slay all enemies without an exception."

Verse 9: Tara Who Accomplishes Goals (Tsugtor Namgyalma)

"Homage to you, Tara, whose fingers adorn your heart With the gesture of the sublime precious three; Adorned with a wheel striking all directions without exception With the totality of your own rays of light."

Verse 10: Tara Who Dispels Suffering (Sengdeng Nagchi Drolma)

"Homage to you, Tara, whose radiant crown ornament, Joyful and magnificent, extends a garland of light, And who, by your laughter of TUTTARA, Conquers all demons and gods of the world."

Verse 11: Tara Who Eliminates All Poison (Drolma Nyurma Pamo)

"Homage to you, Tara, who are able to invoke The entire assembly of local protectors, Whose wrathful expression fiercely shakes, Rescuing the impoverished through the letter HUNG."

Verse 12: Tara Who Provides Prosperity (Drolma Pagme Nyingje)

"Homage to you, Tara, whose crown is adorned With the crescent moon, wearing ornaments abundantly, You who have the potential to give The entire activity of the Buddha, with your two eyes."

Verse 13: Tara Who Averts War and Disputes (Drolma Magyalma)

"Homage to you, Tara, who dwells within a blazing garland That resembles the fire at the end of this world age; Surrounded by joy, you sit with your right leg extended And left withdrawn, completely destroying all the masses of enemies."

Verse 14: Tara Who Brings Rejoicing (Drolma Jigten Wangchugma)

"Homage to you, Tara, with your hand on the ground by your side, Pressing your heel and stamping your foot on the earth; With a wrathful glance from your eyes you subdue All seven levels through the syllable HUNG."

Verse 15: Tara Who Grants Long Life (Drolma Yullama)

"Homage to you, Tara, O happy, virtuous, and peaceful one, The very object of practice, passed beyond sorrow. You are perfectly endowed with SOHA and OM, Overcoming completely all the great evils."

Verse 16: Tara Who Removes All Obstructions (Drolma Jigten Sumle Gyalma)

"Homage to you, Tara, surrounded by the joyous ones, You completely subdue the bodies of all enemies; Your speech is adorned with the ten syllables, And you rescue all through the knowledge-letter HUNG."

Verse 17: Tara Who Protects From All Fears (Drolma Jigje Chempo)

"Homage to you, Tara, stamping your feet and proclaiming TURE. Your seed-syllable itself in the aspect of HUNG Causes Meru, Mandara, and the Vindhya mountains And all the three worlds to tremble and shake."

Verse 18: Tara Who Gives Joy and Strength (Drolma Sengdeng Nagchi Drolma)

"Homage to you, Tara, who holds in your hand The hare-marked moon like the celestial ocean. By uttering TARA twice and the letter PHAT You dispel all poisons without an exception."

Verse 19: Tara Who Dispels All Sorrow (Drolma Jigje Chenmo)

"Homage to you, Tara, upon whom the kings of the assembled gods, The gods themselves, and all kinnaras rely; Whose magnificent armor gives joy to all, You who dispel all disputes and bad dreams."

Verse 20: Tara Who Brings Complete Victory (Drolma Yullama)

"Homage to you, Tara, whose two eyes are like The purest sun and full moon, You who by uttering HARA twice and TUTTARA Dispels all violent epidemic disease."

Verse 21: Tara Who Is Beyond Suffering (Drolma Jigje Chenmo)

"Homage to you, Tara, adorned by the three suchnesses, Perfectly endowed with the power of serenity, You who destroy the host of evil spirits, raised corpses, and yakshas, O TURE, most exalted and sublime!"

Green Tara Prayer Practice

These praises are often recited during morning or evening rituals, either in a group or individually.

Begin by creating a sacred space with candles, incense, and an image of Tara. As you recite each praise, visualize the corresponding form of Tara and feel her presence and blessings. The repetition of these verses helps to deepen your connection with Tara and her qualities.

By engaging with these prayers, you invite Green Tara’s compassionate energy into your life, offering you protection, healing, and swift assistance. These practices are powerful tools for spiritual growth and resilience.

Green Tara Mantras

Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha

Om: The universal sound, representing the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.

Tare: Calling upon Tara’s name, signifying liberation from suffering.

Tuttare: Liberation from the eight fears, external dangers, and internal obscurations.

Ture: Liberation from ignorance and the cycle of samsara.

Svaha: An offering or homage, sealing the mantra with devotion and dedication.

Chanting this mantra can be done at any time, but it is especially powerful during the early morning or evening hours.

Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Begin chanting the mantra slowly, either aloud or silently, allowing each syllable to resonate within you. Visualize Green Tara in front of you, emanating a green light that envelops and protects you.

Other Tara Mantras

While the primary Green Tara mantra, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha," is widely practiced for its protective and compassionate qualities, there are several other mantras dedicated to different aspects of Tara.. Here are some key Tara mantras:

White Tara Mantra

White Tara is often called upon for healing and maintaining physical health. This mantra is believed to promote longevity and is frequently used in practices aimed at extending life. White Tara is also associated with enhancing wisdom and understanding.

Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jñana Pustim Kuru Svaha

• Om: The universal sound, invoking the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.
• Tare: Calling upon Tara’s name, signifying liberation from suffering.
• Tuttare: Liberation from the eight fears and dangers.
• Ture: Liberation from ignorance and the cycle of samsara.
• Mama: Means "mine" and is used to personalize the prayer.
• Ayuh: Refers to long life.
• Punya: Represents merit or virtuous qualities.
• Jñana: Denotes wisdom.
• Pustim: Signifies abundance or increase.
• Kuru: Means "do" or "make it so."
• Svaha: An offering or homage, sealing the mantra with dedication.

Chant this mantra during morning or evening meditation, focusing on visualizing White Tara and feeling her healing and protective energy enveloping you.

Red Tara Mantra

Red Tara is often invoked to attract abundance and prosperity. This mantra enhances overall well-being and material success, providing support for growth in various aspects of life.

Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Pushtim Kuru Svaha

• Om: The universal sound, invoking the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.
• Tare: Calling upon Tara’s name, signifying liberation from suffering.
• Tuttare: Liberation from the eight fears and dangers.
• Ture: Liberation from ignorance and the cycle of samsara.
• Pushtim: Refers to increase, growth, or prosperity.
• Kuru: Means "do" or "make it so."
• Svaha: An offering or homage, sealing the mantra with dedication.

Use this mantra during meditation sessions focused on attracting abundance and removing obstacles to prosperity. Visualize Red Tara showering you with wealth and success.

Black Tara Mantra

Black Tara is called upon for protection and to dispel negative energies. This mantra provides strong protection against harmful influences and is used to remove obstacles and negative entities from one's life.

Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Kali Svaha

• Om: The universal sound, invoking the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.
• Tare: Calling upon Tara’s name, signifying liberation from suffering.
• Tuttare: Liberation from the eight fears and dangers.
• Ture: Liberation from ignorance and the cycle of samsara.
• Kali: Refers to the fierce and protective aspect of Tara, similar to the Hindu goddess Kali.
• Svaha: An offering or homage, sealing the mantra with dedication.

Recite this mantra when you feel the need for strong protection or when facing significant challenges and obstacles. Visualize Black Tara surrounding you with a powerful, protective energy that dispels negativity.

Bija Mantra of Green Tara

Bija mantras are seed syllables that encapsulate the essence of a deity or spiritual power in a single sound. "Tam" is the Bija mantra for Green Tara, representing her swift, compassionate action and protective qualities.

Chanting "Tam" invokes her presence and the transformative energy she embodies. It serves as a powerful tool to connect directly with Green Tara’s compassionate essence.

Using the Bija mantra "Tam" in meditation and visualization can be a powerful mantra meditation practice. Here’s how to incorporate it:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a peaceful environment where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Sit Comfortably: Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight, either on a chair or a meditation cushion.
3. Focus on Your Breath: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and clear your mind.
4. Chant "Tam": Begin chanting "Tam" softly, either aloud or silently. Let the sound resonate within you, feeling its vibrations.
5. Visualize Green Tara: As you chant, visualize Green Tara in front of you, radiating a calming green light. Imagine this light enveloping you, bringing protection and compassion.
6. Feel the Connection: Allow yourself to feel connected to Green Tara, absorbing her energy and qualities.
7. Conclude with Silence: After a few minutes, gradually bring the chanting to a close and sit in silence, feeling the lingering presence of Tara’s energy.

Regular practice of the "Tam" Bija mantra can deepen your spiritual connection with Green Tara and enhance your ability to receive her swift assistance and protection.

Practical Tips for Practicing Green Tara Prayers

Setting Up a Sacred Space

Creating a sacred space for your Green Tara prayers and meditations is essential for creating a focused and peaceful environment. Here are some tips:

• Choose a Quiet Location: Select a place in your home where you can practice without distractions.
• Clean and Declutter: Ensure the space is tidy and free from unnecessary items to create a serene atmosphere.
• Comfortable Seating: Use a cushion or chair to sit comfortably during your practice.
• Ambient Lighting: Soft lighting can enhance the ambiance and help you relax.

Altar Setup

Arrange a small altar with an image or statue of Green Tara. Place a green cloth over the altar and use bronze candle holders to hold green or pink colored candles. Include flowers, images, or statues of lotus flowers. Have buddhist prayer beads and maybe some small instruments like cymbals or bowls. Rose quartz, green jade, and malachite are great additions to a Green Tara altar.

Mantras and Prayers

To make Green Tara prayers a regular part of your routine, consider these suggestions:

• Morning Routine: Start your day with a brief session of chanting the primary Green Tara mantra, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha." This can set a positive tone for the day.
• Evening Routine: End your day by reciting the Green Tara 21 Praises.
• Short Sessions: If you have a busy schedule, chant a mala of "Tam".
• Integration: Include Green Tara prayers during breaks, while commuting, or during moments of stress to quickly reconnect with her energy.

Most importantly, if Green Tara is important to you, be consistent with your practice with Green Tara.

Integrating Green Tara Prayer Into Your Practice

Green Tara, revered in Tibetan Buddhism, offers swift compassion and protection. Engaging in Green Tara prayers and mantras, such as "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha" and the Bija mantra "Tam," can bring significant benefits.

Setting up a sacred space, integrating these practices into daily routines, and understanding the symbolism and power of these prayers can lead to physical, mental, and spiritual improvements.

Regular practice creates a deeper connection with Green Tara, providing peace, resilience, and spiritual growth.

• Protection and Assistance: Mantras like "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha" invoke Green Tara's swift help.
• Healing and Longevity: White Tara’s mantra promotes health and long life.
• Prosperity and Abundance: Red Tara’s mantra attracts wealth.
• Negativity Protection: Black Tara’s mantra dispels negative energies.

Encouragement for Green Tara Prayers

I encourage you to integrate Green Tara prayers into your daily experience. Whether you are new or experienced, these practices can bring meaningful change

 Start with small steps, like chanting the primary Green Tara mantra in the morning or reflecting on the Green Tara 21 Praises in the evening, and build a routine that fits your lifestyle.

Let Us Know Your Experience!

Share your experiences and thoughts on practicing Green Tara prayers in the comments below. Your insights can inspire and support others on their spiritual journey. Let’s grow together through the compassionate energy of Green Tara.