Green Tara Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

Green Tara, known as the "Mother of Liberation," is a revered female Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying the energy of compassionate action. She is often depicted seated in a relaxed posture, always ready to aid those who call upon her in times of need.

Among 21 different forms of Tara, Green Tara represents swift, protective action against fears, obstacles, and suffering.

Green Tara mantra is a powerful invocation, calling forth her blessings to remove physical, emotional, and spiritual obstacles. Reciting this sacred mantra invokes Green Tara's compassionate presence and grants protection and guidance on the path to enlightenment.

What is the Mantra of Green Tara?

“Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha” is the mantra of Green Tara. The first Dalai Lama wrote that on chanting the Tara mantra can instantly save us from eight dangers which are lions (pride), wild elephants (ignorance), snakes (jealousy), robbers (wrong views), prisons (greed), floods (desire), demons (doubts caused by delusion).

Meaning of Green Tara Mantra

The sacred mantra of Green Tara—Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha—is a divine call to her boundless compassion and swift protection. Each syllable holds deep spiritual significance, aligning the devotee with Tara’s enlightened energies. Breaking down the syllable of of Green Tara mantra and their meaning:

1. Om is the universal sound, representing the purity of body, speech, and mind.
2. Tare invokes Tara's essence, calling her to protect from worldly fears.
3. Tuttare removes inner obstacles, calming the mind’s turbulence.
4. Ture liberates from suffering, guiding one toward the path of ultimate peace.
5. Soha seals the invocation, anchoring Tara's blessings within the practitioner’s heart and mind, establishing the divine connection.

The literal translation of the mantra is: "Om, O Tara, I prostrate to you, O Tara, O swift one, so powerful, I offer you my deepest praise."

How to Pronounce Green Tara Mantra?

The Green Tara Mantra should be recited with reverence and mindfulness. Each syllable flows with a melodic rhythm, evoking Tara’s presence.

1. Om is pronounced as a deep, resonant sound, “aum”, representing the primordial vibration.
2. Tare is pronounced as “Tahr-ay,” invoking Tara’s name.
3. Tuttare is chanted as “Too-tahr-ay,”
4. Ture is chanted as “Too-ray,”
5. Soha is voiced as “So-hah,”

Recite the mantra slowly and with intention, allowing the vibrations to align with your heart and mind.

Green Tara Practice

Green Tara practitioners begin by visualizing Tara in her radiant green form, seated upon a lotus and moon disc, emanating light and grace. Tantric practitioners perform the Green Tara practice by meditating with a Green Tara thangka placed before them, using it as a sacred focus to deepen their connection with her enlightened presence.

As the mantra Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha is recited, devotees focus on Tara’s qualities of boundless compassion and swift action, inviting her blessings to remove obstacles and fears. Ritual offerings, prostrations, and meditative visualization are combined to connect with Tara’s energy, embodying her wisdom and compassion in daily life. This practice serves as a path to liberation, healing, and protection.

Benefits of Green Tara Mantra Practice

Practicing the Green Tara mantra bestows numerous spiritual and practical benefits. Reciting the mantra with devotion helps dissolve fears and anxieties, providing a sense of inner peace and security. The mantra's vibrations invoke Green Tara’s compassionate protection. Regular practice cultivates a deep sense of connection with Tara’s benevolent energy, fostering clarity of mind and emotional resilience.

Additionally, it supports spiritual growth by aligning practitioners with Tara’s swift and transformative qualities, guiding them towards liberation and the realization of their highest potential.

Here is a simplified process for practicing Green Tara:

1. Preparation: Find a quiet and clean space for your practice. You may use a Green Tara thangka or image as a focal point.
2. Posture: Sit comfortably in a meditative posture, with a straight back and relaxed body.
3. Visualize: Imagine Green Tara in her radiant green form, seated upon a lotus, surrounded by a halo of light.
4. Invocation: Recite the mantra Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha with devotion. You may use a mala (prayer beads) to keep count, traditionally aiming for 108 repetitions.
5. Meditation: Focus on Tara’s qualities of compassion and protection as you recite the mantra. Visualize her blessings removing obstacles and fears.
6. Dedication: At the end of your practice, dedicate the merit generated to the benefit of all beings, wishing for their happiness and liberation.

Conclusion

Through understanding of the Green Tara mantra meaning, correct pronunciation, and the ritual practice of recitation, devotees can invoke Tara’s blessings to overcome fears, remove obstacles, and achieve spiritual growth. The practice of this mantra not only brings personal relief and protection but also deepens one’s connection with Tara’s enlightened presence. By integrating Green Tara’s wisdom into daily life, practitioners advance on their path to enlightenment, embracing the qualities of compassion, clarity, and liberation that she embodies.

FAQs

Which Tara mantra is more powerful?

Green Tara mantra has popularity globally because of its transformative power.

What happens when you chant the Green Tara mantra?

When we chant the Green Tara mantra with all our soul and mindfulness we clean all the spiritual impurity within us. As we deepen ourselves in the meditation of Green Tara we could be blessed by Tara, who is also the mother of all Buddhas.

Can you do Green Tara without empowerment?

In Tibetan Buddhism, performing practices related to Green Tara without formal empowerment (also known as "abhisheka") is generally considered acceptable, but with some important considerations, and they are:

1. Respect and devotion
2. Preliminary Practices
3. Sincerity and mindfulness
4. Pure motivation
5. Seeking Guidance
6. Closure: Conclude with a moment of gratitude and reflection, maintaining a sense of Tara’s presence throughout your day.

How many times should I recite the Green Tara mantra?

Reciting the Green Tara mantra 108 times is traditional, but it can be adapted to fit personal practice and time constraints.