Green Tara Mantra
Swift compassion, swift protection — the mantra of the beloved female Buddha.
Quick answer
The Green Tara Mantra invokes Tara, the female Buddha of swift compassion and protection. It is one of the most beloved mantras in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Tradition
- Buddhist
- Language
- Sanskrit / Tibetan
- Deity
- Tara
- Best time
- Morning, or whenever protection is needed.
- Best for
- Protection, Swift help, Healing
Listen
Curated recordings for meditation, devotion, and daily practice.
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Original
Transliteration
Oṃ tāre tuttāre ture svāhā
Translation
O Tara, swift one, swift protectress — so it is.
Line by line
Oṃ
The awakened body, speech, and mind of Tara.
tāre
Liberation from suffering.
tuttāre
Liberation from the eight great fears.
ture
Liberation from disease and dualistic mind.
svāhā
So it is — may this take root.
Meaning
Literal
'Om — O Tara, O swift one, O deliverer — so it is.'
Spiritual interpretation
Green Tara is called upon for swift protection from the eight great fears — outer and inner. Her name means 'she who ferries across,' the one who carries beings from suffering to the other shore.
What this mantra is used for
How to chant
108 times daily is traditional in Vajrayana practice.
When to chant
Morning, or whenever protection is needed.
Origin & context
Vajrayana Buddhism; central to Tibetan practice.
Related mantras
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need initiation to chant the Green Tara Mantra?+
Formal empowerment deepens the practice, but Tara is considered accessible to all. Many teachers encourage this mantra as an entry point to Vajrayana.