Original Painting

Green Tara

Paintings, Videsh
Nepal

This painting explores the fascinating connection between Green Tara and H. Rider Haggard’s mysterious goddess in his novel “She.” Set against snow-clad Himalayan peaks, Tara appears among ethereal clouds as both ancient Buddhist protector and literary muse. The composition weaves together her traditional role as swift spiritual guide—known for helping seekers overcome fear and obstacles—with the romantic mysticism that drew Western adventurers to these regions.
Surrounded by whispered words from Haggard’s Ayesha, the piece celebrates Nepal’s unique position as a cultural crossroads since the 1950s, where Indo and Western cultures create unexpected resonances, suggesting that divine feminine wisdom transcends cultural boundaries.

Dimension

21.2"(W) x 18.5"(H)

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Year Created

August 2023

Framing

Ready to Hang

Cultural Details

Green Tara in Buddhism: Revered as “Mother of Liberation,” born from Avalokiteshvara’s tears and reincarnated as Nepali princess. She represents swift compassionate action, helping seekers overcome obstacles and fears on their enlightenment path.
Nepal’s Cultural Bridge: Since the 1950s, Nepal has facilitated encounters between Indo-Tibetan traditions and Western seekers, though often overshadowed in literature.
Literary Parallels: Victorian fascination with Eastern wisdom mirrors Buddhist devotion, revealing universal recognition of divine feminine guidance across cultures and storytelling forms.

Artist's Personal Note

“While researching Himalayan spirituality, I discovered an unexpected parallel between Green Tara and Haggard’s goddess in ‘She.’ This revelation highlighted Nepal’s overlooked role as cultural bridge between Eastern wisdom and Western curiosity since the 1950s. Painting Tara among clouds with fragments of Ayesha’s words, I explored how universal archetypal truths appear across different cultures, literature, and spiritual traditions, revealing deeper unity beneath diverse expressions.”