The mantra 'Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha' is the primary dhyana (meditation) mantra of Green Tara, a revered bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism who embodies swift compassion and protection. While this mantra is most prominent in Buddhist traditions, it also appears in certain Hindu Tantric texts, where Tara is counted among the Dasha Mahavidyas (ten wisdom goddesses). In the Hindu context, the 'Tara Tantras' describe Tara as a fierce yet compassionate goddess who grants liberation and protection. The mantra's bija (seed) syllables are 'Tare', 'Tuttare', and 'Ture', each carrying specific meanings: 'Tare' invokes Tara as the liberator from suffering, 'Tuttare' addresses her as the remover of all fears, and 'Ture' signifies her swiftness in granting blessings.
The closing 'Swaha' is a standard offering term used in Vedic and Tantric rituals, as seen in the 'Yajurveda' and later Tantric works like the 'Mantra Mahodadhi'. Phonetically, the mantra's repetitive 't' and 'r' sounds are believed to stimulate energy centers and focus the mind. Traditionally, this mantra is chanted for protection from fear, the swift removal of obstacles, and the attainment of enlightenment. It is also used to cultivate compassion and to overcome inner and outer dangers.
Recommended chanting context includes daily practice, preferably at dawn or during meditation sessions, with a minimum of 108 repetitions using a mala. Ritual settings may involve visualizing Green Tara, often depicted as a youthful green goddess seated in a relaxed posture, with her right hand in varada mudra (boon-granting) and left hand holding a blue lotus. According to the 'Sādhanamālā', a collection of Tantric sadhanas, this mantra should be recited with pure intention and focus, as it is considered a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. No specific cautions are mentioned in traditional sources, but as with any mantra, respect and proper initiation from a qualified guru are advised for deeper practice.
Om, O Tara, O Swift One, O Liberator, salutation and offering.
The mantra contains seed-syllables: 'Tāre', 'Tuttāre', 'Ture' are bija-like invocations of Tara's aspects; 'Svāhā' is a standard offering bija.