Green Tara is the embodiment of the awakened quality of compassion, and she is committed to instantly come to the aid of any being in need. We engage in Tara practice to actively call on her to pacify our fear and the fear of all beings, and to protect us and all beings from danger. In doing so, we also cultivate these compassionate qualities in ourselves which are innate to each one of us, but are often obscured. Additionally, in developing a personal relationship with Tara, we are developing our relationship to the enlightened feminine aspect of Awakened Mind.

Lama Döndrup has practiced and studied in the Buddhist tradition for over twenty years. After five years of Theravadin Buddhist training, she immersed herself in the teachings and practices of the Shangpa and Karma Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. In 2005, she completed the traditional three-year retreat and was authorized as a lama. Upon her return to Marin County, she began teaching classes and leading pujas at Sukhasiddhi Foundation. Lama Döndrup enjoys guiding students through creation and completion stage practices; helping them to feel confident in their own understanding of the rituals and teachings; and supporting the natural unfolding of their innate wisdom. In addition to her Buddhist practice, Lama Döndrup has trained in the Diamond Approach for seven years and has a Masters of Fine Arts degree in piano performance. She is on the piano faculty at San Domenico Music Conservatory.