Green Tara – The Rescuer
Tibetan Ritual Dholma Rupa: Green Tara is arguably the most beloved goddess in the Buddhist pantheon. She is the female embodiment of the enlightened compassion and miraculous deeds of all the Buddhas, offering protection and assistance to all who face challenges in their lives. She vowed that until all suffering was eliminated she would work continuously in a woman’s body for the benefit of sentient beings. Thus, Green Tara represents the very essence of virtuous and enlightened activity.
Green, being the color of nature and flourishing life, signifies her energetic and vivacious personality. She is always depicted as a beautiful and vigorous young woman with a touch of playfulness. In this sense, she teaches us not to take ourselves too seriously. She delights in a receptive mind and an open heart, for in such a person her blessings and wisdom can naturally unfold.
Gestures and Attributes
Green Tara is depicted in a posture of graceful contemplative ease with her right leg extended (like shown in this Tibetan Ritual Dholma Rupa). The extension of her leg symbolizes her continuous activity, constant alertness and her readiness to spring into action to assist those who call upon her. Her right hand is extended downward, palm open, with thumb and index finger touching. This hand position is known as Varada Mudra, or the gesture of granting wishes and protection. Her left hand, raised to shoulder height with fingers extended and palm turned outward, is in the gesture of granting refuge and freeing from fears (Abhaya Mudra). Each of her hands also holds the stem of a beautiful lotus flower that floats above her shoulder as a symbol of her radiant purity and power.
About this Tibetan Ritual Dholma Rupa
This exquisite Tibetan Ritual Dholma Rupa is an enchanting portrayal of Green Tara / Dholma, expertly cast from copper alloy using the lost wax method and gilded with 24-karat gold in an antique finish. The hand-painted face adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. Each piece is individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are renowned for their exceptional skill and dedication to preserving traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The Shakya clan is the modern heir to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. Their fine metalworking techniques have been meticulously passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, ensuring that each piece is a masterpiece that embodies both artistic excellence and profound spiritual significance.
The lost wax method, a traditional technique used in Nepal since the 10th century, allows for the capture of intricate details and features, from the deity’s facial expression to the ornate adornments that adorn her form. The subsequent gilding with 24-karat gold, achieved through the traditional fire gilding technique, lends the sculpture a luminous quality that enhances its visual splendor and evokes the enlightened spiritual presence of Green Tara.
This sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.
