Question asked by Anonymous
I heard that Lama Tsongkhapa and Tara closer to us? Is it true and how so – because I have experienced instant help from them. Once I was due to go for a college interview and I started getting stomach pains that made me weak and almost unconscious. My mum offered incense to Green Tara and almost immediately the pain went away. Grateful to her and love her to this day.
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your question. From the side of the enlightened beings, they are all equal in their love and compassion for us, that is why they manifest is so many different forms with various practices to help us overcome particular types of suffering. For example, when we need to develop compassion and overcome our anger, the practice of Chenrezig is very good. When we need to develop more wisdom and overcome ignorance, then Manjushri’s practice is very good.
The difference in how “quick” or “closer” a particular Buddha is actually due to our own karma. Some Buddha’s appear “closer” to us, because the general pervasive karma of our time makes it easier for us to propitiate them for their help. All Buddhas will help when we call them, but due to our karma some may be able to help quicker than others.
Lama Tsongkhapa and Green Tara are examples of Buddhas that can help us quite quickly in our time and age. Both of their practices are extremely beneficial. Green Tara’s swiftness is actually physically shown in her iconography. While a lot of deities sit cross-legged, Green Tara sits with her right leg down. This shows she is ever-ready to help those who call upon her and she does so very quickly.
However, in order to get real and lasting help from them in order to transform our minds to become better people it is important to engage in their practices daily. The key here is consistency. Coupled with deity practice, if you practice transformation of the mind, for example by following the path of the Lamrim, they are able to help you even more.
I am very happy to read that Green Tara helped you, and you should make most of the connection with Green Tara, by continuing to make offerings to Green Tara as the embodiment of the Three Jewels everyday, and if possible engage in recitation of her prayers and mantras. This would be very beneficial. I hope this helps.