The Thangka painting depicts Green Tara, who is associated with enlightened activity and abundance. She is commonly thought to be a Bodhisattva or Buddha of compassion & action, a protector who comes to one's aid to relieve one's physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. In Buddhism her name is translated as “She Who Leads Across”, which refers to her role in helping liberate humanity from Samsara, the Ocean of Illusion.

 Tara in Tantric Buddhism was born from the tears of Avalokitesvara, the Boddhisattva of compassion, and she personifies his compassion. She has many forms and can be gentle or menacing depending on her colour – as Green or White Tara, she is compassonate and helpful; as Red, Yellow, or Blue Tara she is fierce and protective. Green is the color of her main form and indicates her nature of active compassion.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha, is an ancient mantra that is related to Tara, the “Mother of all Buddhas,” and especially to her manifestation as Green Tara. Green Tara mantra is one of the three main mantras Tibetan monks and lamas recite upon praying. By reciting the mantra one is said to be able to invoke the blessings of Tara and request her protection.

 This thangka is painted in Newari style. The Newari style has its origins in the Valley of Kathmandu in Nepal, where Newa people lived and created. Newari artists were renowned throughout Asia for the high quality of their workmanship. In certain periods, their style had tremendous influence on the art of Tibet and China. The combination of Tibetan art made in the traditional Newari way has been acknowledged to create beautiful and intriguing masterpieces.

 Newari paintings are commonly kept in museums and private collections in the West and Asia. There are only a handful of genuine painters left, who can draw in this way, as it requires perfecting both Tibetan painting technique and Newari painting style. Hence, Newari style paintings are rarely reproduced nowadays and have near enough become extinct.