The Green Tara mantra is like a bridge that takes us from our busy thoughts to a place of kindness, compassion, and wisdom.
It’s an old prayer that originates from Tantric Buddhism.
Many people use it today to bring a sense of calm and clarity to the mind, and help one to develop compassion, courage, and wisdom.
Listen to this beautiful song to help you feel the gentle power of the Green Tara mantra.
Ani Choying Drolma, a Buddhist nun with a very soothing voice, sings it beautifully:
Let the soft sounds wash over you.
It’s like a gentle rain for your mind.
As we go on, let’s learn more about this special mantra and how it can help you.
Who is Green Tara?
Let us talk about Green Tara.
She is a special figure in Mahayana Buddhism.
Many people in Tibet love her.
Green Tara is a Bodhisattva.
This means she is wise like a Buddha. But she chooses to stay here with us. She wants to help us all become wise too.
When we see pictures of Green Tara, she looks young and beautiful.
Her skin is green.
One of her legs is folded in while the other is ready to step out. This shows she is always ready to help.
Green Tara often holds lotus flowers. These flowers mean purity.
In her left hand, she holds a special flower called utpala. This flower shows she can free us from suffering.
Her right hand makes a sign that means protection.
Many people ask Green Tara for help.
They believe she can protect them, heal them and help them succeed.
Some even believe she can remove problems from their path.
These people do a special practice called Tara Sadhana.
This practice helps them grow compassion.
It helps them become wise like Green Tara.
Remember my friend, Green Tara is always there for us.
She reminds us to be kind and helpful to others.
Just like her, we too can bring peace and joy to the world.
The Meaning of Green Tara mantra
The Green Tara mantra goes like this:
“Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha”.
Let’s look at the meaning of each word.
“Om” symbolizes the ultimate reality
In the book “Om Chanting and Meditation”, Amit Ray says Om is like the voice of all Buddhas.
It’s always there, in everything around us.
When we say Om, we touch the entire universe… past, present, and future all at once.
“Tare” represents salvation from dangers and sufferings in the world
Mother Tara uses it to help all beings.
She frees us from the six worlds of suffering.
It helps with the hard parts of being human – being born, getting old, getting sick, and dying.
“Tuttare” liberates us from the eight fears
Some of these fears are external dangers, like fire, water, air, earth, thieves and dangerous animals.
But the biggest fears are inside us:
- Ignorance
- Attachment
- Anger
- Arrogance
- Jealousy
- Poverty
- Doubt
- Wrong views
“Tuttare” also shows us the right way to grow.
According to traditional terminology, this is the path of Arhant. This path helps us be free from suffering.
In Mahayana Buddhism, we see this as a type of enlightenment.
It keeps us safe from bad thoughts such as greed, hatred and delusion (the 3 elements that cause suffering) and helps us see clearly.
Ture shows us the highest path – the Bodhisattva path
On this path, we try to become wise, but not just for ourselves. We also help others who are suffering.
Green Tara teaches us something important. She shows us that growing spiritually isn’t just about freeing ourselves from pain.
It’s about caring for everyone else too.
This way, we learn that true wisdom and compassion go hand in hand. We grow by helping others grow too.
Isn’t that a beautiful thought?
“Soha” is like saying “hooray!”
Monier Monier-Williams, who wrote a big Sanskrit dictionary, says it means “Hail!” or “May good things come to us!”
When we say this mantra, we plant seeds of kindness in our hearts. We become more like Green Tara – wise and caring.
We learn to help ourselves and others.
Remember my friend, each word in this mantra is a gift. When we say them, we’re growing love and wisdom in our hearts.
How to Chant the Green Tara mantra
Chanting the Green Tara mantra is a transformative practice from Tibetan Buddhism.
Here’s how to do it:
- Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. Sit cross-legged or in any position that keeps your back straight.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- The mantra is “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha”. Chant it in a clear, rhythmic tone. Start slowly, focusing on each syllable’s sound and feel.
- Traditionally, the mantra is recited 108 times. Use mala beads to keep count if you like.
- As you chant, picture Green Tara in front of you, glowing with green light at eye level, about one body length away.
- Put your heart into each repetition. Invoke Green Tara’s compassion and protection.
- Let the mantra’s vibrations fill your body and mind.
- After finishing, sit quietly for a moment to absorb the mantra’s energy.
- End by dedicating the merit of your practice to all beings.
Remember, consistency is key in this practice. Regular chanting can deepen its effects and bring more of Green Tara’s qualities into your life.
The Benefits of Chanting the Green Tara mantra
The Green Tara mantra is known for its quick spiritual benefits. That’s why it’s a popular choice among tantric practices.
In these practices, called Sadhanas, Tara is the Yidam – the meditation deity.
Chanting the Green Tara mantra or the “Twenty-one Taras” prayer can bring many benefits.
It can help solve life problems, prevent illness, and bring success in work and wealth.
For serious issues like life-threatening illnesses, regular recitation of the Green Tara mantra can help. It’s even said to neutralize poison’s effects.
Couples struggling to have a child may find help in this mantra. It’s believed to bless them with a healthy baby.
Remember, the Green Tara mantra needs a sincere heart when reciting. This is true for any mantras.
Ask for Mother Tara’s blessings, and she’ll protect you from danger and fear.
This mantra also helps with spiritual blocks and relationship problems.
Daily recitation can reduce sickness, fear, anxiety, suffering, and negative karma.
Lamas say no one reaches enlightenment without Mother Tara’s help. When recited with deep dedication, the mantra becomes a powerful prayer.
Try chanting this mantra 108 times each morning and night.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, in his introduction to Tara Sadhana, said:
“Tara is the perfect expression of the inseparability of emptiness, awareness, and compassion. Just as you use a mirror to see your own face, meditating on Tara is a means of seeing the true face of your mind, without any trace of delusion.”
Green Tara Mantra for Wish Fulfillment
Green Tara is often associated with swift assistance and the granting of wishes. Many practitioners turn to her mantra for help in fulfilling their desires.
Here’s how you can use the Green Tara mantra for wish fulfillment:
- Set your intention: Before chanting, clearly identify your wish. Make sure it’s beneficial and doesn’t harm others.
- Visualize: As you chant, picture Green Tara in front of you, radiating green light. Imagine this light surrounding your wish, empowering it.
- Chant with focus: Recite “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha” 108 times, focusing on your wish.
- Express gratitude: After chanting, thank Green Tara for her blessings.
- Let go: Trust in the process and release attachment to the outcome.
Remember, wish fulfillment in Buddhism isn’t about material gain, but about aligning your desires with wisdom and compassion. Green Tara helps remove obstacles, allowing positive changes to occur naturally.
How to Worship Green Tara statue
Green Tara statues are known for their vibrant green color, symbolizing her connection to nature and growth. She’s often shown wearing beautiful jewelry and clothes, holding a blue lotus in one hand and making a fearless gesture with the other.
Here are some ways to worship Green Tara:
- Recite her mantra: “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha”. This invites her compassion and protection. As you chant, picture Green Tara and imagine her blessings flowing over you.
- Make offerings: Place flowers, incense, or water on an altar with her statue or image. This altar becomes a focal point for your connection with Green Tara.
- Meditate: Sit quietly before her image, focusing on her qualities of compassion and fearlessness. Let these qualities grow within you.
- Study her teachings: Learn more about Green Tara’s role in Buddhism. Understanding her symbolism can deepen your practice.
- Practice compassion: Embody Green Tara’s compassionate nature in your daily life. Help others when you can.
Chanting vs. Worshipping: Understanding the Differences
While both chanting the Green Tara mantra and worshipping her statue are important practices, they serve different purposes in our spiritual journey.
Let’s explore how these practices differ and complement each other.
| Aspect | Chanting the Green Tara Mantra | Worshipping a Statue of Green Tara |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meditative practice to internalize Green Tara’s qualities | Devotional practice to show reverence and gratitude |
| Method | Reciting “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha” with visualization | Offering prayers, incense, flowers before a statue |
| Benefits | Cultivates compassion, wisdom; frees mind from negative emotions | Brings peace, helps focus on spiritual goals |
| Practice Setting | Can be done alone or in groups, at various times | Often done in a temple or shrine room, following specific rituals |
How These Practices Work Together
Both chanting and statue worship are valuable in connecting with Green Tara.
Chanting helps you internalize her qualities, while statue worship expresses your devotion. You might start your day by chanting the mantra, and later make offerings to a statue.
Together, these practices can deepen your spiritual journey and strengthen your connection with Green Tara.
Remember, the goal of both practices is to embody Green Tara’s compassion and wisdom in your daily life. Whether you’re chanting her mantra or offering flowers at her statue, let these practices inspire you to bring more kindness and understanding into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Green Tara and Her Mantra
Q: What happens when you chant the Green Tara mantra?
A: When you chant the Green Tara mantra, you invoke her protective and compassionate energy. Many practitioners report feeling a sense of calm, clarity, and inner strength. The mantra is believed to help overcome obstacles, reduce fears, and cultivate wisdom. Regular chanting can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Green Tara’s qualities.
Q: How many times should I recite the Green Tara Mantra?
A: Traditionally, the Green Tara mantra is recited 108 times in one session. This number is considered sacred in Buddhism. However, the quality of your focus is more important than the quantity. If you’re just starting, begin with a smaller number, like 21 or 27 repetitions, and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Q: What is the mantra of Tara for manifestation?
A: The Green Tara mantra “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha” is often used for manifestation. While chanting, focus on your intention with a pure heart. Remember, in Buddhist practice, manifestation is more about aligning with positive spiritual qualities than material gain.
Q: How do you invoke Green Tara?
A: To invoke Green Tara:
- Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
- Visualize Green Tara in front of you, radiant and compassionate.
- Recite her mantra: “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha”.
- Focus on her qualities of protection, compassion, and wisdom.
- End your practice by dedicating the merit to all beings.
Q: Why do people pray to Green Tara?
A: People pray to Green Tara for various reasons:
- Protection from fears and dangers
- Overcoming obstacles
- Cultivating compassion and wisdom
- Seeking swift assistance in difficult times
- Spiritual growth and enlightenment
Green Tara is seen as a mother-like figure who responds quickly to those in need.
Q: What is Green Tara the goddess of?
A: Green Tara is not a goddess in the Western sense, but a female Bodhisattva in Buddhism. She embodies:
- Enlightened activity
- Compassion in action
- Fearlessness
- Protection
- Liberation from samsara (cycle of rebirth)
She’s often called the “swift one” due to her readiness to help all beings.
Q: What are the powers of Green Tara?
A: Green Tara is associated with several spiritual powers:
- Protection from harm and danger
- Removal of obstacles on the spiritual path
- Granting fearlessness
- Bestowing wisdom and compassion
- Swift assistance to those who call upon her
- Guiding beings towards enlightenment
Q: What are the eight dangers Tara protects from?
A: The eight dangers Tara protects from are both external and internal:
- Lions (pride)
- Elephants (ignorance)
- Fire (hatred)
- Snakes (jealousy)
- Bandits (wrong views)
- Chains (greed)
- Floods (attachment)
- Demons (doubt)
These dangers represent both physical threats and their corresponding mental afflictions.
Now It’s Your Turn
Remember, green tara mantra is not just about saying the words. It’s about how you feel when you say them.
Start small. Say the mantra a few times each day. As you do, think about being kind and brave like Green Tara. Try to bring these qualities into your daily life.
With practice, you might find the mantra helps you feel calmer and stronger. It might help you face tough times better.
So why not give it a try? See how the Green Tara mantra can help you grow.
