Green Tara is the female Tibetan deity known for swift compassion and depicted in green.
Tara is a major female Buddha in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Her name is often translated as “she who saves,” reflecting her role as a compassionate protector who helps beings cross the dangers of samsara. In Tibetan tradition, Green Tara is especially associated with active, immediate assistance; her extended right leg suggests readiness to rise and help.
Her green or blue-green color symbolizes awakened activity. Green Tara is commonly shown seated on a lotus, with one hand in a gesture of generosity and another holding a blue lotus. Her famous mantra is Om tare tuttare ture svaha, and the phrase ture is associated with Tara as the “Swift One.”
White Tara is a common mix-up: she is linked particularly with healing, purification, and longevity. Red Tara is another tantric form associated with power, while Green Tara is the best-known answer for swift compassionate action.