Mother Tara Statue: From Art to Spirituality
Mother Tara, known in Sanskrit as "Syamatara," is a prominent figure in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. She manifests the active compassion of all Buddhas and is often depicted as a youthful and vibrant woman. Her role is to assist beings in overcoming fears and obstacles, guiding them toward enlightenment.
Key Takeaways
- Tara is part of Tibetan Buddhism's "Tara" family, representing active compassion.
- The statue's iconography, including color, posture, and symbols, holds deep spiritual meaning.
- Tara's meditation practice is linked to overcoming fears and obstacles.
- The statue is a significant cultural and spiritual artifact in Tibetan Buddhism.
Tara in Various Buddhist Traditions
In Tibetan Buddhism, Green Tara holds a place of honor as a protector from physical and spiritual dangers. Her presence in Chinese and Japanese Buddhism is still significant in certain sects, though less prominent than in Tibetan culture.
| Tradition | Role Of Green Tara |
| Tibetan | Protector, Compassionate Savior |
| Chinese | Embodiment of Compassion |
| Japanese | Guardian Deity |
Iconography and Symbolism
The Tara Statue is rich in symbolism. Typically, she is depicted in a seated position, with her right leg extended, indicating her readiness to rise and offer assistance. Her left leg is folded in the meditative position, symbolizing her mastery of inner wisdom. The color green represents active compassion and the vibrancy of life.
| Symbolism | Meaning |
| Right Leg Extended | Readiness to help |
| Left Leg Folded | Inner wisdom, meditation |
| Blue Lotus (Utpala) | Purity and power of compassion |
Comprising the 'eight ornaments' and the 'five silken garments,' the royal attire enhances the visual appeal of the Goddess Tara and carries profound symbolic meanings. The meticulous depiction of these elements adds layers of significance and spiritual resonance to the figures.
Click here to learn more about the garment of Goddess Tara.
Lotus of Enlightenment: Green Tara in Lalitasana Inspires Inner Peace
Click here to view our Green Tara Statue
We have masterfully hand-crafted this exquisite Green Tara statue, a shining beacon of devotion and artistry. The body has been molded using copper, which is lavishly gold-plated. We have depicted Mother Tara seated in the Lalitasana posture on a double-petaled lotus seat, representing enlightenment and purity.
Double Petaled Lotus Seat
Here, the double-petaled lotus seat represents her transcendence over dualities and mastery over the material and spiritual realms.
The double petals signify the duality of appearance and emptiness, reminding us that she effortlessly navigates the complexities of existence while remaining rooted in a profound non-dual awareness.
It symbolizes her ability to simultaneously exist in both the ordinary and transcendent worlds, guiding and offering solace to sentient beings in their worldly struggles while leading them toward spiritual liberation.
Lalitasana- Royal Ease Posture
Lalitasana symbolizes ease and transparency and promotes meditation and spiritual connection, turning the statue from a beautiful artwork into a tool for personal development.
This pose represents Green Tara's preparedness to jump into action and help people in need, with one leg folded in contemplation and the other stepping down, ready to rise and provide support.
Symbolic Hand Gestures
Tara's left hand gracefully rests in the Varada mudra, bestowing blessings and boons to all who seek her guidance. It symbolizes her boundless generosity and willingness to grant our heartfelt wishes.
Tara holds the Vitarka mudra in her right hand, representing the transmission of knowledge and teaching. This mudra signifies her role as a spiritual teacher, guiding us towards enlightenment and understanding.
Fully Bloomed Lotus
She also holds a fully bloomed-lotus stem in each hand. This represents purity, enlightenment, and the full blossoming of one's spiritual potential. The fully open lotus signifies the awakening of wisdom and compassion, symbolizing our aspiration to attain the highest state of Buddhahood.
It also conveys the idea that, like a lotus emerging from the muddy waters, we can rise above the challenges and impurities of the world to attain spiritual enlightenment.
After completing the crafting process, we used a variety of chisels and hammers to carve out the intricate design patterns. This includes all the ornaments, silk garments, royal attire, lotus seats, and two blooming lotuses.
Regal Attire [ 8 Ornaments & 5 Silk Garment]
An artist needs years of experience to hand-carve such intricate design patterns. The regal attire of Green Tara signifies her purity, divinity, and enlightened state of mind.
It represents her readiness to spring into action, connection with the natural world, and role as a protector and guide to enlightenment. The carving on the royal attire is a prime example of perfect craftsmanship.
After finishing all the hand carving, we proceed to gold plating. The body is fully gold plated, while we have gilded the face with genuine 24K gold. The precisely gold-gilded face exudes a serene grace that fills your space with serenity and reverence.
This statue's opulent gold layers draw attention to her empathetic demeanor, and its unique original mold guarantees that it is unlike anything else in shape and beauty.
The beautifully carved five-jeweled crowns are embedded with carefully chosen gemstones, conveying grandeur and originality. These gemstones enhance the statue's spiritual energy and aesthetic appeal, making it an effective meditation and peaceful focal point.
The hand-painted acrylic colors bring the statue to life, representing Green Tara's vigor and compassion. The statue's connection to nature and the earth's healing energies is strengthened by this vivid shade, which can serve as a source of inspiration and rejuvenation in your day-to-day activities.
Maejstic Green Tara on Snow Lion: Symbolizing Fearlessness Amidst Adversity
Click here to view our Green Tara seated on Snow Lion
Explore the heavenly grace of Mother Green Tara seated on the Snow Lion with his masterpiece. This masterpiece symbolizes strength, defense, and grace.
Similar to our previous statue, this statue is also molded using a copper body and later plated using genuine 24K gold.
Here, the deity is depicted in the royal ease posture, signifying her readiness to help those in need, and atop a snow lion that symbolizes bravery and fearlessness.
The Himalayan region's emblem, the Snow Lion, represents purity and the victory of reason over emotion. Combining Tara with her vahana (mount) combination calls the energies of inner strength and balance into your space.
This portrayal signifies her ability to tame and conquer the wildest of challenges and obstacles on our spiritual path. The portrayal of her gentle presence with the mighty snow lion illustrates the harmonious blend of compassion and courage that she embodies.
She is seated on a single-petaled lotus seat. Tara's sitting on a single-petaled lotus seat signifies her focused compassion and intimate connection to the suffering of sentient beings.
The single petal represents simplicity and purity of heart. Tara, in this form, is exceptionally compassionate and accessible, emphasizing her role as the human mother who responds swiftly to the pleas and prayers of her devotees.
Her presence on a single-petaled lotus seat reminds us of her closeness and readiness to assist us in distress, nurturing our spiritual growth with unwavering love and care.
The artistically gold-plated Green Tara's body radiates a soul-calming, compassionate gaze. This detail ensures that the figurine functions as a work of spiritual art and a source of inspiration and solace, as a constant reminder of Tara's boundless compassion and understanding.
Mother Tara's body, throne set, and the snow lion were hand-painted using acrylic colors. This gives off a lifelike glow that emphasizes Tara's protective attributes and the statue's bond with the earth.
We have also adorned five jeweled crowns and eight ornaments with carefully selected gemstones. This is a source of spiritual energy and a visual treat. These precious gemstones strengthen the statue's aura and encourage protection and healing.
In the figurine, Mother Tara holds a fully-bloomed lotus stem in her right hand and a half-bloomed lotus stem in her left hand. This signifies spiritual unfolding and growth.
Click here to learn more about Significance of Lotus in Buddhism
The partially open lotus represents our journey on the path of enlightenment. Just as the lotus gradually grows its petals, we, too, progress step by step on our spiritual journey, gaining wisdom and compassion along the way.
The half-bloomed lotus serves as a reminder of the continuous process of spiritual development, encouraging us to nurture our inner qualities and cultivate our spiritual potential.
Healing Lotus: White Tara's Padmasana Represents Pure Compassion and Wisdom
Click here view our Mother White Tara Statue
Take in the calm beauty of the White Tara statue, which represents longevity, healing, and peace. This magnificent piece perfectly embodies the serene spirit of White Tara with its richly gold-plated copper body.
She is sitting on a double-petaled lotus seat with her legs crossed, exuding divine calm and purity. The White Tara's face exudes a calm compassion that encourages introspection and inner tranquillity.
This delicate gilding highlights her ethereal beauty and boundless compassion for all beings, creating a space conducive to spiritual rejuvenation and sanctuary.
Her left hand is in Vitarka Mudra, while her right is in Varada Mudra. She also has eyes on each hand and a third eye on her forehead. Her multiple eyes symbolize her caring awareness of the world's problems and her ability to respond wisely and kindly.
The eye on her forehead represents her capacity to see beyond the physical world and comprehend the ultimate truth of existence. In contrast, the eyes on her hands and feet show her active participation in the world and her willingness to act to aid sentient creatures.
She holds a fully-bloomed lotus step in her right hand and a half-bloomed lotus stem in her left while seated on a double-petaled lotus seat.
We have adorned the figurine with carefully selected gemstones. The gemstones' interaction with the white acrylic paint of the statue adds a layer of vibrancy and depth, signifying purity and clarity.
The White Tara statue, which was painted by hand in white acrylic, is a symbol of purity and serenity. With its finely detailed painting, Tara's statue becomes a potent representation of peace and protection for your home or meditation space, capturing the light and tranquillity for which Tara is renowned.
What is Takes to craft such Masterpieces
The artisans who craft Buddhist statues in Nepal are skilled craftsmen and custodians of a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Their work combines artistic talent, meticulous skill, deep religious understanding, and unwavering dedication.
Historical Origin and Evolution:
The art of creating Buddhist statues in Nepal began in the fifth century AD, with influences from the Licchavi era, renowned for its cultural rebirth. This art has changed through the ages, absorbing forms from nearby areas and adjusting to suit regional aesthetic and spiritual tastes. Emphasizing this custom's antiquity and longevity highlights the sculptures' historical significance and uniqueness.
Artisan Lineage and Master Craftsmen:
The art of creating these sculptures is frequently passed down through the generations within families, and the techniques are carefully guarded trade secrets. The depth of talent and tradition may be demonstrated by including profiles of renowned artisans, such as the legendary Arniko from the 13th century, who significantly contributed to the expansion of Nepalese art in Tibet and China.
Unique Carving Details and Techniques:
Every statue is one-of-a-kind, with minute intricacies unique to the deity it represents. The intricate representations of legendary situations, delicate facial expressions, and minute ornamentation that call for extraordinary precision are frequently seen in the sculptures. The technical intricacy involved is highlighted by techniques like repoussé and chasing, which are employed to produce high-relief features on metal surfaces.
Material Rarity and Sourcing:
High-grade bronze, gold for gilding, and semi-precious stones for embellishments are among the resources supplied through customary and occasionally antiquated commerce routes. Their scarcity and purity raise the statue's worth and spiritual importance.
Sizes and Monumental Works:
These statues range in size from little enough to fit in the palm of your hand to enormous pieces that fill whole temple sanctuaries. Giant statues have additional cultural and spiritual importance since they are frequently the result of community undertakings and act as focal places for group prayer and pilgrimages.
Sacred Rituals in Crafting:
Rituals and prayers are performed during statue-making to ensure that every step aligns with spiritual and heavenly calendars. The finished statue is dedicated through complex ceremonies that "invite the soul" of God into the statue, which is revered as a living representation of God.
Cultural and Economic Impact:
The craft preserves Nepal's artistic legacy and makes a significant economic contribution to the area. The demand for these sculptures in foreign marketplaces indicates how well-liked they are worldwide and how Buddhism has spread.
Labor-Intensive Process:
Creating a single statute demands weeks to months of effort, contingent on size and complexity. The lost-wax casting process is time-consuming, requiring meticulous attention at each stage. Subsequent steps, including carving, gilding, and painting, add layers of effort and time.
Spiritual Connection:
Many artisans perceive their work as a form of spiritual practice or devotion. Crafting a deity statue is considered sacred, infused with reverence and respect. This spiritual connection is a driving force for achieving the highest standards in their craft.
Tara Statue For Meditation
- Meditation and Devotional Practices: The Tara Statue is a focal point for meditation, where practitioners contemplate and internalize Tara's qualities. Devotees engage in practices such as visualizations and recitation of Green Tara's mantra ("Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha"), including other forms of Tara as well. Individuals aim to nurture compassion and wisdom through these practices, establishing a deep connection with Tara's compassionate energy.
- Overcoming Obstacles and Fears: In meditation, Tara is invoked for her perceived ability to overcome obstacles on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Believers turn to her for relief from suffering and protection against various dangers. The statue symbolizes a source of strength and guidance for individuals navigating life's challenges.
- Role in Monasteries and Temples: The Tara Statue occupies a position of honor within Tibetan monasteries and temples. Placed in prayer halls, it becomes a focal point for reverence and a constant reminder of the path of compassion. Monks and laypeople alike offer prayers and incense to the statue, seeking the blessings and guidance of Tara in their spiritual journey.
Mother Tara's depiction in Buddhist statues is not merely an artistic endeavor but a profound spiritual symbol, resonating deeply with Buddhist teachings and practices.
Crafting her statue goes beyond artistic representation, becoming a tangible manifestation of these qualities. It stands as a beacon of hope and solace for devotees, symbolizing the embodiment of compassion in both the physical and spiritual realms.