Hindu images of women entertwined with trees, dated to 3,000 BCE, are linked with a worship of yaksis or tree spirits. Maya, the mother of the historical Buddha, gave birth to him in a grove, supported by a tree, and presented him on birth to a tree spirit. Green Tara is strongly connected with the forest.

"She is the great Protector, Khadiravani Tara, who dwells in the forest, the joyful beauty who roams free, arrayed in precious silks, pearls, and coral, drawing beings to her through her infinite compassion like bees to the hive." (Galland, p. 175)

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