| While we often do not think of gods and deities when | | | | worshippers. This is due to what each color modality |
| we think about Buddhism, the fact remains there are | | | | represents. |
| symbolic gods and goddesses in certain modes of | | | | Specifically, the White Tara is a symbol of compassion |
| Buddhist practice. This is most evident in Tibetan | | | | and calmness. Sometimes the symbolism of this |
| Buddhism where the Goddess Tara appears | | | | goddess comes in the form of what is called a Wish |
| frequently in symbols and images. Those interested in | | | | Fulfilling Wheel. The Green Tara is a more active |
| the subject of Tibetan Buddhism would certainly | | | | symbol as it represents the driven process of |
| benefit from taking a closer look at this particular | | | | achieving enlightenment. Of course, you cannot have |
| goddess. Such an exploration would aid in gaining an | | | | enlightenment without compassion or a state of |
| understanding of what she represents. From this, a | | | | calmness. So, you could consider both of these modes |
| clearer understanding of what Tibetan Buddhism | | | | of the Goddess to be different sides of the same coin. |
| represents can also be derived. | | | | This is a form of duality and universalism found in |
| Tara is considered a 'savior goddess' who impacts | | | | different concepts and practices of Buddhist theory, |
| Buddhists on many different levels of her life. Such a | | | | practice, and study. You will have parts of a whole |
| facet makes her the most important all of the | | | | that eventually fuse together to help create the |
| goddesses in Tibetan Buddhism. Mantras incorporating | | | | eventually enlightened being. Green, in Tibetan |
| her name are among the most oft repeated mantras | | | | Buddhism, is considered the color that contains all other |
| in all of Tibet. This alone can give an amazing insight | | | | colors so this notion of universal fusion is logical. |
| into the popularity and importance of this goddess in | | | | There is also further duality present in the drawings of |
| the practice and study of Tibetan Buddhism. | | | | the Green Tara and the White Tara. The White Tara |
| As with other deities, Tara is conceived of a certain | | | | is commonly presented as an older, motherly figure |
| symbolism. Specifically, she is symbolic of virtue and | | | | while the Green Tara is commonly presented as a |
| compassion. These are two attributes that are | | | | very young woman. Some have said that this |
| necessary for the development of enlightenment | | | | represents the mother-daughter dynamic of the same |
| which is why she is a goddess that is considered a | | | | goddess. The mother imagery can also be called more |
| vital guide for those that wish to seek the path to | | | | divine than the daughter imagery which is considered |
| eternal spiritual enlightenment. | | | | more earthen and centered on dealing directly with - |
| The Goddess Tara is often associated with success | | | | and saving - humans. Again, this is a replication of |
| and achievement. In essence, she is symbolic of the | | | | savior symbolism. |
| life's work of a committed and pious Buddhist. While | | | | However, you could also look towards these two |
| Tara does appear in other modes of Buddhism, she is | | | | forms of the Goddess Tara to also be considered |
| much more active in Tibetan Buddhism where she | | | | another form of the Yin and the Yang. That is, you |
| takes on the added dimension of a meditation deity. | | | | cannot have a daughter without a mother so you |
| Through meditating on the concept of the Goddess | | | | cannot have the Green Tara without the White Tara. |
| Tara, one would hope to gain wisdom and insight into | | | | This would infer that there is a duality among the two |
| the human condition and how to evolve as a more | | | | of them that is infused into those that pray mantras to |
| fully realized being. (This contributed to the image of | | | | these goddesses. (Or singular Goddess if you prefer |
| her as a savior) Since humans are complex creatures, | | | | to look at them from the universalist perspective) This |
| the concept of the Goddess Tara divides into many | | | | is certainly a positive thing since embodying the various |
| different personifications. | | | | components of the Green Tara and the White Tara |
| Yes, there is also a duality present with the symbolism | | | | greatly aids in the development of an understanding of |
| of the Goddess Tara. Specifically, there is both a | | | | the principles behind their symbolism. Namely, that they |
| Green Tara and a White Tara. Actually, there are | | | | will always be present in some form and can hopefully |
| other forms (and colors) in which the Goddess Tara | | | | guide those seeking enlightenment to their desired |
| embodies. Commonly, it is these two variants of the | | | | outcome. |
| goddess which are considered the most impactful to | | | | |