Green Tara is the ultimate manifestation of sacred female enlightenment and activity. Her enlightened activity teaches us how to embrace and embody compassion in action. In this retreat, you will learn the short Green Tara practice and mantra.

Green Tara is said to have been born from the tears of the great compassionate Buddha, Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara). With one foot in the meditative posture, one in the world, she represents an ability to summon all beings from all realms and provide the swift action of enlightened feminine wisdom.

Green Tara is practiced in all aspects of Tibetan society, Her mantra is among the most common and profound. The mantra is said to be the sound that fills all worlds, all space, form, and formless realms, bringing answers and assistance to realms of desire and fulfilling the wishes of beings who call upon her in times of need and fear. The mantra is praised for alleviating not only worldly turmoils, fears, and obstacles, but indeed any suffering within all three realms.

See Nashalla Nyinda’s enriching article on Green Tara, her place in the context in Buddhist culture, and the lore around her activities in our SMC blog.

Note: This practice is related to the Kriya Yoga Tantra, involving purification of body, mind and speech. Thus one avoids consuming meat or alcohol before practice. Most commonly one does the practice in the mornings before eating. While the practice does not require long term vegetarianism, we will observe a vegetarian diet during the weekend as we practice and accumulate mantras.