Tabo Monastery Golden Hall: Green Tara

INDIA, Himachal Pradesh

This depiction of Green Tara is located on the north wall of the Golden Hall of Tabo Monastery. According to the sutras, anyone who cultivates the practice of Green Tara will be delivered from negative karma and suffering, and released from endless rebirth. A devotee will receive good fortune, long life, and wisdom. In addition, their wishes will be granted and they will be reborn in a Pure Land after death.
Painted against a vivid red background, Green Tara wears an ornate crown, large earrings, a tight upper garment, and a long skirt. Appearing dignified and wise, Tara holds an upala flower with the left hand and forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra with the right hand. The elegant posture, slender arms, broad shoulders, and a slim waist are features of Kashmiri art. Yeshe O, the founder of Tabo Monastery, once sent Tibetans to Kashmir to receive monastic ordination and training. Two of these Tibetans returned and brought with them over 30 Kashmiri artists. One of the two Tibetans, Rinchen Zangpo, went on to found 15 monasteries that are decorated with Kashmiri style murals.