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Green Tara

Green Tara

Green Tara for Compassion and Liberation

A Guide to the Beloved Buddhist Deity

Green Tara is a female bodhisattva representing compassion in action. She responds quickly to help solve problems including liberation from untimely death & recovery from disease. Her mantra is Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha.
The name Tara, in Sanskrit, means “star” symbolising her ability to guide and illuminate the path of enlightenment. In Tibetan, Tara is known as “Drolma” meaning “liberator” or “goddess”.
She represents compassion in action and is often referred to as the “Mother of all Buddhas” and the “Mother of Liberation”.

The Divine Feminine

The Divine Feminine represents the nurturing, compassionate, and creative aspects of the feminine energy. In Buddhism, one of the most revered embodiments of the Divine Feminine is Green Tara. She is a powerful deity who protects and guides practitioners on their spiritual journey.

Symbolism

Green Tara is often depicted as a young and beautiful goddess with a compassionate expression. The colour green represents her association with nature, growth, and renewal. Green Tara helps to overcome obstacles and is depicted with her right foot extended, symbolising her readiness to help and to spring into action, representing her swift and immediate response to the prayers and calls of her devotees. Her right hand is raised in a gesture of fearlessness, while her left hand holds a blue lotus, symbolising purity and spiritual awakening.

Green Tara in Buddhism

Origins and History

The origins of Green Tara can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology. According to legends, she was born from a tear shed by Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, and her purpose was to alleviate the suffering of all beings. Over time, her popularity spread to other parts of Asia, including Tibet, where she became one of the most widely worshipped deities. Today, she is revered not only by Buddhists but also by people from different spiritual backgrounds who seek her guidance, protection, and blessings.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, Green Tara is considered to be an embodiment of the active and compassionate aspect of enlightenment. She is believed to offer swift and immediate assistance to those who call upon her, helping them overcome obstacles, fears, and challenges on their spiritual path. She is also regarded as a Bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death to assist others in their journey towards liberation. Her presence represents the ever-present compassion and guidance of the Divine Feminine in the lives of practitioners.

Green Tara’s qualities and attributes

Green Tara is associated with numerous qualities and attributes that make her a powerful and revered figure in Buddhism. She is known for her compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and quick response to the needs of beings. Tara’s compassion extends to all realms of existence, and she is believed to help individuals overcome both physical and spiritual obstacles. Her wisdom is said to be as vast as the ocean, and she guides practitioners towards clarity, insight, and liberation. She embodies the essence of fearlessness, inspiring her devotees to face challenges with courage and determination.

Green Tara mantras and chants

Mantras and chants have been used for centuries as a means of invoking the Divine and connecting with spiritual energies. The mantra “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha” invokes the essence of Green Tara’s blessings and qualities. Reciting this mantra with devotion and concentration can help practitioners align their energy with that of Tara and invite her protection, guidance, and transformative power into their lives. Chanting the mantra can be done during meditation, as a daily practice, or in times of need for support and assistance.

How to connect with Green Tara

Connecting with Green Tara requires a sincere and heartfelt intention to seek her guidance and blessings. One can establish a connection through meditation, prayer, and the cultivation of devotion. Setting up a sacred space dedicated to Green Tara can create a conducive environment for connection and practice. This space can be adorned with images or statues of Green Tara, along with offerings such as flowers, incense, and candles. Regularly spending time in this sacred space, engaging in meditation and prayer, can deepen the connection with Tara and invite her presence into one’s life.

Green Tara meditation practices

Meditation is a powerful tool for connecting with Green Tara and experiencing her transformative energy. One common meditation practice associated with Green Tara is visualisation. In this practice, practitioners visualise Green Tara in front of them, radiating with a vibrant green light. They imagine her compassionate gaze, her outstretched hand, and the lotus she holds. As they continue to visualise, they can also recite her mantra or chant her name, deepening the focus and connection. This meditation practice helps cultivate her qualities such as compassion, fearlessness and wisdom.

Green Tara Mantra

Rituals and Offerings

Rituals and offerings play an important role in connecting with Green Tara and expressing devotion. Lighting incense, offering flowers, and lighting candles are common ways to create a sacred atmosphere and invite the presence of Green Tara. Water offerings are also made, symbolising purification and the offering of life-giving sustenance. Additionally, practitioners may create or purchase sacred objects such as malas (prayer beads) or thangkas (religious paintings) depicting Green Tara, as a way to honor and connect with her energy. Engaging in rituals and offerings with sincerity and reverence strengthens the bond with Tara and deepens the connection with the Divine Feminine.

The Timeless Wisdom of Green Tara

Green Tara represents the Divine Feminine energy that resides within all beings. By cultivating a connection with her, we can tap into this energy and unleash its transformative power in our lives. Through her symbolism, qualities, and practices, she guides us towards compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and liberation. She offers her protection and assistance to those who seek her guidance, helping us overcome obstacles and find clarity on our spiritual path. By embracing the power of the Divine Feminine with her, we can awaken to our true nature and embody the qualities that lead to a more compassionate and enlightened existence.

May all beings be liberated

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How to Meditate

how to meditate

How to Meditate – A Beginners Guide to Meditation

Would you like to learn how to meditate? Meditation is a fantastic way to relax and clear your mind. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

  1. Find a Quiet Spot: Look for a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Sit Comfortably: You can sit on a chair, cushion, or floor—just ensure your back is straight and you’re comfortable.
  3. Close Your Eyes: This helps to minimize distractions and focus inward.
  4. Breathe Naturally: Don’t try to control your breathing; just let it flow naturally.
  5. Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Feel the rise and fall of your chest or the air flowing through your nostrils.
  6. Notice Your Thoughts: If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment. It’s natural for thoughts to arise.
  7. Stay for a Few Minutes: Start with just 5-10 minutes. You can gradually increase the duration as you get more comfortable with the practice.
  8. End Gently: When you’re ready to finish, open your eyes slowly and take a moment to appreciate the calmness before getting up.

Remember, meditation is a practice, learning how to meditate is a process and gets easier with time. Try to be patient and kind to yourself. How do you feel about giving it a try?

Preparing for Meditation

nine round breathing meditation

Mantra Meditation

how to meditate with mantra

Meditation on the Breath

how to meditate on the breath

Chakra Meditations

Root Chakra Meditation
Sacral Chakra Meditation
Solar Plexus Chakra Meditation
Throat Chakra Meditation
Soul Star Chakra Meditation

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Eightfold Path

eightfold path dharmachakra

The dharma wheel, or dharmachakra in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism.
When the wheel has eight spokes, the spokes represent the components of the Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path

Principles to create lasting positive change within daily life

The noble eightfold path, also known as the Buddhist eightfold path, goes beyond a simple self-help concept. It serves as a complete roadmap to guide and improve every aspect of our lives – from thoughts and actions to daily habits and relationships. The Eightfold Path originates from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha after achieving enlightenment.

What is the Eightfold Path?

A balanced approach to life

In Buddhism, the significance of the Eightfold Path lies in its ability to address the fundamental causes of suffering, known as the Four Noble Truths. The path offers a practical means to navigate the complexities of existence, encouraging practitioners to cultivate qualities such as compassion, mindfulness, and insight. By engaging with each aspect of the path, individuals can gradually transform their thoughts, actions, and perceptions, leading to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment. The Eightfold Path consists of eight components: Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Intention and Right View.

tigers eye beads

correct action

tigers eye

Right Action emphasises the importance of ethical behavior, promoting actions that do not cause harm to oneself or others.

carnelian

correct effort

carnelian

Right effort means cultivating positive and wholesome qualities through persistence and following through our positive intentions.

citrine

correct livelihood

citrine

Right Livelihood guides practitioners towards professions that are beneficial and do not contribute to suffering, encouraging a lifestyle aligned with ethical principles.

eightfold path fluorite

correct mindfulness

fluorite

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment by observing the body, mind and feelings with non-judgmental awareness.

eightfold path blue lace agate beads

correct speech

blue lace agate

Right Speech encourages individuals to communicate truthfully, kindly, and constructively, recognizing the power of words to uplift or harm.

eightfold path lepidolite

correct concentration

lepidolite

Right concentration is the development of a well focused mind. Insight and mental calmness is achieved through single pointed meditation by holding the mind steady on a single object.

eightfold path amethyst

correct view

amethyst

Right View refers to understanding the nature of reality as it is, which includes comprehending the Four Noble Truths and the impermanence of all things.

eightfold path selenite

correct intention

selenite

Intention or motivation toward non-violence and striving for a positive outcome.

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Making a Bronze Statue

Bronze Statue Buddhist Monk

Yellow Hat Buddhist Monk Bronze Statue

The process of making a cold cast bronze statue starts with sculpting the original statue using sculptor’s plasteline. Plasteline is a much more detailed medium than clay, although it does take longer to get a smooth finish. Creating the original takes hours and hours of detailed work – this is by far the longest part of the whole process.

The subject is a Buddhist monk sat in meditation in the lotus position with hands holding a bowl of nectar. He wears traditional monks robes and the distinctive and beautiful yellow hat. The yellow hat is associated with the Gelug Pa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gelug Pa, or Gelug, tradition was founded in the 14th century by Lama Tsongkhapa (1357 – 1419).

The goal of this sculpture, as with all works of art, is to transmit the energy and feelings of the sculptor’s intention through the medium, in this case through a bronze statue. We wanted to convey calm, steady, uplifting and aligned energy through the sculpture so when viewed this energy is imparted to you, giving meaning and purpose to the artwork.

The 7 step process is detailed below. The finished sculpture can be purchased here in our online shop. We are now in the process of making the next sculpture, so watch this space!

STEP 1.

Preparing the sculpture for casting with a circular cardboard barrier to prevent the silicone from flowing away

Step 1 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk

STEP 2.

The first coat of silicone is applied with a brush ensuring all detail is covered with no air bubbles

Step 2 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk

STEP 3.

The silicone is thickened and applied in a thick paste. Each layer is applied when the previous layer is touch dry.

Step 3 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk

STEP 4.

When the silicone is an inch thick it is left to fully cure and dry for several days

Step 4 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk

STEP 5.

The silicone mould is cut at the back with a sharp scalpel, in a zig zag style, to release the statue inside

Step 5 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk

STEP 6.

Powdered bronze is applied to the inner surface of the mould before adding a mix of 70% bronze powder suspended in 30% resin

Step 6 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk

STEP 7.

The statue is released from the mould, then the final and 7th step is to lightly sand and polish the figurine to reveal the beautiful deep golden sheen of the bronze.

Step 7 - Bronze Statues Buddhist Monk
Step 7 - Bronze Statues
Step 7 - Buddhist Monk
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Transformation with Love

Lush Green Forest

Laurels of Light

It is a new day. The lush fresh light beams heavy through the dense forest of life. We are one and new to the changes afoot. It is not difficult or easy, it is different. Each one has a goal and path of understanding, and learning for the future of the human race.

We teach and bring forth the message of oneness to assist the transition with ease and flourishing light, to bring harmony within to troubled minds, and illuminate the direction of peace and healing. They can change in an instant with the correct supportive environment of love. The energy of love is all around and yours for the taking, use it wisely and surround yourself with its vibration, bringing steady calm and balance of the opposites and extremes.

The middle way is a finite line between the love and the hatred, each to their own preference of mode, but with the same result. The goal is love. Humanity needs this shift, for the love and joy is welcome amongst many, and brings ultimate peace for the planetary system of light and all things. Each man needs love, it is a forgiven right, in the hierarchy of flight and gain, we overcome the tribulations of trouble, and strive for the betterment of the way in all things.

Rest now in your laurels of light for this will show you the path of wonder and delight and gratitude will comfort the cause for your betterment and release the bounds of restriction and allow light to flood the work of all men. We are peace keepers of harmony, known only to the best of us who try the method with persistence gleaned to all at one.

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Into the Light

Mount Kailash

The Path

We are the children of earth, waking from the slumber, rising from the ashes of ignorance, blessed with hindsight and growth, deep in the fathoms of desire, loosening the chains, releasing the grip of resistance and hardship into the realm of light, blessed with divinity and growth, longing for renewal and freedom. The freedom to be and think.

The parallel universes are wide and a steep learning curve but we are here, you are not alone in your thinking, there is support in bringing the oneness to humanity. The gentle lapping waves of outgrown desire will take thee forward to new lands of hope, glory and sustenance.

There is much to do, there is plentiful guidance, trust and hope for the future is yours. Take my hand and follow the way, the path of joyful freedom from thought and perception. All is new in this field, outstretched beyond limitations, here is life anew awaiting in the dusk and shadow for your return.

The new light is bright in the distance, we can make it, make the journey across the wildlands and pasture of unknown cherished territory and lands of the free. The time is upon us for change of direction and guidance to the new pasture of life, flat lands rise and fall with the waves of the path.

We are at one, at peace on the journey, for we know and trust the perfect route of kindness, carrying joy within to release the burden along the way, there is peace inside hearts and all this for the cause. The liberation remains elusive, the dance of death and light is ours for the taking and much ado now, to this end, we are golden and newly spoken, words of gold will release, forming patterns of light to build the new environment of peace, and knowing this, we move forward steady, steadfast in the light of golden sun and worship to the stars. And it is so.

Treading the path, steadfast in determination to succeed with ease, light feet on the surface, gentle with our footprint. We are golden in our approach of the sunlight above and within, shining through the darkness, the darkest of days behind, illumination of the soul will prevail. These days are long and winding with ease, and encourage the meander of truth for all in insight and gold display forth their camels of trust and hope to bring forth in shame and glory.

We go on foot far and wide in the wilderness of hope, and we seal the hope path with our love for each other of perfection of the road along the way. The weak will find liberation in the smallest places, and beyond there is hope and the glory is theirs.