Who Is Green Tara?
The beloved female Buddha of compassion, protection and swift action.
Among all the enlightened beings in Tibetan Buddhism, few are as widely loved and practised as Green Tara.
For over a thousand years, millions of people have turned to her for inspiration, courage and compassionate guidance during life’s challenges.
But who is Green Tara?
Why has she become one of the most important figures in Buddhism?
And why does she continue to inspire practitioners across the world today?
The Female Buddha of Compassionate Action
Green Tara is a fully enlightened Buddha who embodies enlightened compassion in action.
While compassion is often understood as caring about the suffering of others, Tara represents something even deeper.
She is the willingness to act immediately to relieve suffering wherever it is found.
Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, Green Tara reminds us that kindness should become action.
It is this quality that has made her one of the most beloved Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism.
What Does the Name Tara Mean?
The name Tara comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “She Who Liberates” or “Saviouress.”
She is believed to help beings cross the ocean of suffering and move towards wisdom, compassion and enlightenment.
Her name reflects her role as a guide who helps people overcome fear, obstacles and inner difficulties.
Why Is She Green?
Every colour in Buddhist imagery carries symbolic meaning.
Green represents:
- Swift compassionate action
- Active compassion
- Growth and renewal
- Fearlessness
- Hope
- Wisdom in action
Just as nature is constantly growing and renewing itself, Green Tara symbolises compassion that is alive and continually responding to the needs of others.
Understanding Her Posture
One of the most recognisable features of Green Tara is her posture.
She sits with one leg folded in meditation while the other extends slightly forward.
This is deeply symbolic.
One foot remains in meditation, representing perfect wisdom.
The other reaches towards the world, showing her readiness to help all beings without hesitation.
It beautifully expresses the balance between inner peace and compassionate action.
The Blue Lotus
Green Tara is often shown holding beautiful blue lotus flowers.
These flowers symbolise purity, wisdom and spiritual awakening.
Like the lotus that rises unstained from muddy water, Tara reminds us that wisdom and compassion can flourish even in the midst of life’s difficulties.
A Source of Courage
For centuries, Buddhists have prayed to Green Tara during times of uncertainty and hardship.
Her practice is traditionally associated with overcoming fear, removing obstacles and developing confidence rooted in wisdom rather than ego.
Many practitioners find that contemplating Tara’s qualities inspires them to respond to challenges with greater calm, compassion and resilience.
Green Tara in Daily Life
Green Tara is not only relevant during meditation.
Her example can guide our everyday lives.
Each act of kindness…
Every encouraging word…
Every helping hand…
Every moment of patience…
These are all expressions of the compassionate action that Green Tara represents.
Her practice reminds us that enlightenment is not separate from ordinary life—it is expressed through the way we care for others.
Why Green Tara Inspires Tsechen Tara Trust
Green Tara has been a profound source of inspiration for the creation of Tsechen Tara Trust.
Our charity exists to transform compassion into practical action.
Whether supporting vulnerable people in the UK, helping remote communities overseas, offering meditation to improve mental wellbeing or working towards our dream of building a Buddhist Retreat Village, our mission reflects the qualities that Green Tara embodies.
Compassion.
Hope.
Action.
These simple values continue to guide everything we do.
An Invitation to Discover Tara
Whether you are new to Buddhism or have practised for many years, Green Tara offers a timeless reminder that every act of kindness matters.
Her image is not simply something to admire.
It is an invitation to become more compassionate ourselves.
The greatest way to honour Green Tara is not only through prayer or meditation, but by bringing wisdom, courage and compassion into our daily lives.
In doing so, each of us can help create a kinder world.