Green Tara, the main aspect, is shown in the center surrounded by 20 smaller Taras. These depict the various shades of compassion. At the top sits Amitabha, Buddha of Infinite Light. To be honest this is a lovely thangka but not totally accurate. In an exceptional, expensive thangka each figure would hold a different implement and mudra. The figures in this thangka are various colors but all hold lotuses and long life vases. It’s still a delightful thangka. There’s a good amount of gold detail and the overall composition is well balanced and holds lots of interest.
The twenty-one Taras can be distinguished by the colour of their bodies, adornments and postures. They protect people from eight and sixteen kinds of fears. The eight great fears are 1) lions (pride)danger of pride and from lions, 2) elephants (laziness) 3) fire (anger) 4) snakes (jealousy) 5) thieves (false views) 6) imprisonment (greed) 7) floods (desire) 8) demons (doubts).
The sixteen lesser fears are the fear of the five elements (earth quakes, floods, wind, fire and fear of space), the fear of weapons, tyrannous authority, criminals, spirits, elephants, wild animals, poisonous animals, sickness, accidents and untimely death, poverty and frustrations of hopes and plans.
Canvas Size: 17"x 24" Brocade Size: 28"x 50"
(see paragraph 4 of the thangka catagory page for information on brocade borders)
