Following the Guru

Green Tara Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha

My practice is something that shifts. There are core elements that remain but the study and contemplation take different routes. I'm led to new books, practice items and teachings. This last period was heavy with Guru Rinpoche, Vajrasattva and the fundamentals of tantra. There seems to be a rush of new activity, which tapers off. It almost comes to a rest with little stirring. Then, it starts again.

It seems like whatever area of focus I'm to embark on next, starts to manifest in small but sure signs. Once again, Green Tara dances to the forefront of mind. Just recently I read the english translation of Yeshe Tsogyal's secret biography. I'm also a huge fan of Padmasambhava's, so I picked up a copy of his biography as well. The two books are essential reads for practitioners of the Tibetan school of  Vajrayana, in my opinion. Highly recommended. By reading her biography it is clear that Yeshe Tsogyal IS Green Tara, the Mother of All Buddhas.

Green Tara arose earlier this year as well. I gave out a few Green Tara dharma items to friends--including a Green Tara tsa-tsa for my teacher Zachoje Rinpoche's birthday. She's always around, don't get me wrong. She likes to wander off for a little bit then she comes back around to see how things are. I've heard that some people will 'see' Green Tara in different aspects. When I think of Green Tara, she's dancing on a lotus, radiating multi-colored golden light.

Rinpoche mentioned that he might focus next year's teachings on the 21 Taras, including Green Tara, of course. I just about fell out of my chair when I heard that. It would be a true honor to receive teachings on Green Tara from Za Rinpoche. I'm looking forward to it and studying up on Tara. I have several of the more popular books on Tara and also an interesting book that was published in India on the history of Tara.

Buddha. Bodhisattva. Dakini. Goddess. Prajnaparamita.

She's Non-Dual.