Green
Tara embodies the Earth element. Born from the tear of the Bodhisattva Avolokiteshvara,
she vowed to return in female form until all beings were liberated. She is a powerful
goddess, a bodhisattva who helps us to overcome obstacles and cultivate and generate
our inner compassion.
This Tibetan antique copper gilt bronze statue from the early 1900s is
designated by its extraordinary detail. Here Tara is resplendent with her luxuriant
diadem, earrings and ornamental bangles. She is swathed in a highly detailed dhoti
and the soft folds and intricate borders of her blouse (choli) bring her lithe
body to life.
Here,
Green Tara is in the position of elegant repose in royal ease: her right foot
resting on an extended lotus. Her left hand in the jhana mudra, the gesture of
teaching, compliments her right hand which is elegantly arched in the varada mudra
the gesture of giving. Two lotuses rise from each of her hands. Her body is youthful
and sumptuous, representative of that delightful aspect of Tara which is wisdom,
compassion and strength expressed in the form of an eternally young 16 year-old
girl. This is an exceptional piece which beautifully expresses the eternal beauty
and resonant power of the embodied Goddess. (SD)