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Green Tara is a highly revered female bodhisattva in Bhutanese Buddhism. She embodies compassion, protection, and swift action to remove obstacles, guiding practitioners toward spiritual growth and liberation.

Mythical and Symbolic Meaning

Green Tara is traditionally depicted as a youthful figure seated with her right leg extended and left leg folded, ready to spring into action to help sentient beings. She is usually green in color, symbolizing vitality, growth, and enlightened activity, and often holds a lotus flower, representing purity and spiritual awakening.

Key symbolic attributes include:

• Compassion and Protection: Green Tara is invoked to remove fears, dangers, and obstacles, offering guidance and support on the spiritual path.

• Swift Action: Her posture, with one leg outstretched, represents readiness to respond immediately to the needs of beings.

• Spiritual Vitality: The green color signifies energy, growth, and active engagement in compassionate deeds.

In iconography, her right hand is in the gesture of granting boons (varada mudra), and her left hand holds a lotus in the gesture of protection (abhaya mudra), symbolizing generosity, courage, and spiritual awakening.

Presence in Bhutanese Culture and Art

Green Tara is a central figure in Bhutanese religious practice and art:

• Depicted in temple murals, thangka paintings, and household shrines, often alongside other enlightened beings.

• Featured in rituals, prayers, and sadhanas, where her image is invoked to bestow blessings, protection, and spiritual guidance.

• Widely respected by practitioners seeking health, safety, and success in worldly and spiritual endeavors.

Spiritual Significance

Green Tara serves as both a protector and spiritual guide, encouraging practitioners to:

• Cultivate compassion and courage, confronting challenges with clarity and confidence.

• Respond to difficulties with swift and skillful action.

• Uphold Buddhist teachings while fostering inner peace, vitality, and joy.

Green Tara (Sgrol-ljang) is a revered symbol of compassion, protection, and enlightened action in Bhutanese Buddhism. Her energetic and compassionate presence inspires practitioners to face life with courage, clarity, and joy. Depicted in art, rituals, and sacred spaces, Green Tara continues to embody spiritual vitality, guidance, and the swift removal of obstacles on the path to liberation.

Product 0070 showcases the depiction of Green Tara, carved on ‘Zhu’.

Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was originally utilized as a Zhu element in Pangrizampa Monastery and is believed to be around 200 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.