Red Tara – The Wish Fulfilling Tara
Red Tara Thangka Painting: Red Tara is the manifestation of Tara expression of awareness of all phenomena. In Vajrayana Buddhism the practice of Red Tara is based on the ritual called the Mandala of wish-fulfilling essence that focuses on turning material desires into compassion and love. The ritual includes yoga, healing practices, and teachings on the nature of mind. The Red Tara empowerment ritual was originated by Amitabha Buddha and passed to Avalokiteshvara, then to an emanation of Tara and the famous Indian master Nagarjuna that transmitted this teaching to Padmasambhava.
Guru Rinpoche left this knowledge to his consort Yeshe Tsogyal, and asked her to hide it as a treasure to be discovered at a later time, which it would produce the most benefit. The teaching was discovered by lama Apong Terton, who lived in last century. Before his death the lama transmitted the ritual to a monk that promised to reveal it to the reincarnation of Apong Terton, Sakya Trizin.
Gestures and Attributes
Red Tara is depicted in her peaceful manifestation. She is seated with the right leg slightly extended like the most common representation of Green Tara. The right hand is extended outward across the knee facing upward and holding a long-life vase (Kalasha) and the left hand is positioned in front of the heart holding the stem of a utpala flower with bow and arrow of skillful meaning wisdom on top of it.
About this Red Tara Thangka Painting
This Tibetan-style Thangka Scroll Painting is meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans using ancient techniques. Crafted on cotton canvas, the painting features intricate 24-karat gold detailing. Produced by the seasoned artisans of Patan in Nepal, this masterpiece reflects generations of artistic expertise and tradition.
