Hello,

I'm originally a Muslim, but have been learning Buddhist philosophy on and off for the last two years. Recently, for the last two weeks, I have:

1. renounced the religion that I was born in; that is Islam

2. Accepted refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha

3. Started worshipping his holiness Lord Buddha

4. Started worshipping the mother of all Buddhas the mighty venerable Lady Green Tara.

I have been performing Refuge mantra daily, prostrating at least 100 times before His Holiness Lord Buddha, and the venerable mighty wise compassionate Lady Green Tara.

However, I have some questions to which I can't find any answers. My first question is:

1. When doing the 21 praises for Lord Green Tara, at what point do I have to prostrate? Is it at the beginning of the praise verse, or at the end? The reason i ask this is because I do not have the text memorized. Hence, when I have to look at the written text, I lose my focus towards the highly mightly esteemed deity who I am starting to feel is blessing me so much now.

2. Is it necessary to secure refuge in All Might Lord Buddha before Green Tara worship, or can I just secure refuge in Lord Green Tara?

I know some of these questions can be answered by a teacher; unfortunately, I am unable to find a teacher. I did go to some temples but was left to my own.

Any guidance to this (Especially question 1) will be very helpful.

I have surrendered my body, my soul, my mind to the mightiest of all beings the high might Lord Buddha, and the mother of all buddhas the fiercest yet the most compassionate Lady Green Tara. Please help me, please guide me so I can find my true path.