Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha is the mantra of Green Tara, one of the most beloved figures in Tibetan Buddhist practice. Unlike many deities associated with wisdom or power, Tara embodies active compassion: swift, responsive, and unconditionally present for those who call on her. Her mantra is said to remove obstacles, protect from fear, and open the heart to genuine care for all beings.
Meaning and Pronunciation
Om is the universal primordial sound. Tare means liberator, the one who liberates from suffering. Tuttare means the one who liberates from the eight fears, which include both outer dangers (fire, water, thieves, lions) and inner dangers (ignorance, jealousy, pride, doubt). Ture means the one who liberates from disease and duality. Soha is a Tibetan word meaning "may it be so" or "so be it," sealing the prayer with affirmation. Pronounced Om Tah-ray Too-tah-ray Too-ray So-hah, the mantra has a gentle, flowing quality suited to slow, meditative chanting.
How to Use It in Your Practice
This mantra is particularly powerful as a compassion meditation. After settling into a comfortable seated position, bring to mind someone who is suffering, perhaps someone close to you or someone in the news who is in difficulty. Chant the mantra aloud or silently with the sincere intention that your chanting contributes to their liberation from that suffering.
You can also use this mantra when you are facing your own obstacles or fears. The quality of Green Tara is immediate responsiveness: she does not deliberate but acts. Chanting her mantra is an invitation to bring that same quality of swift, open-hearted responsiveness to whatever challenge you are facing, rather than becoming paralysed by analysis or worry.
