White Tara

Introduction

In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara emerges as a luminous figure, embodying compassion, peace, and longevity. Revered as a powerful bodhisattva, she is invoked for healing, protection, and spiritual growth. Often depicted as a serene and radiant woman, White Tara is central to both Vajrayana Buddhism and Bon, the indigenous religion of Tibet. Her iconography and mythology have captivated the hearts and minds of devotees for centuries.

Known as Sita Tara, she embodies compassion, wisdom, and purity within the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, particularly in Tibetan practices. White Tara, a bodhisattva, has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve liberation. Her origins are deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings, where she is celebrated for her boundless compassion and her role as a protector and healer. Often invoked for longevity and health, White Tara is a central figure in many rituals and practices within Tibetan Buddhism.

Physical Traits

White Tara is typically portrayed with a serene and compassionate demeanor, symbolizing purity and peace with her white skin tone. Adorned with exquisite jewelry and clothing, often in white or silver, she reflects her divine status. She is usually shown in a graceful sitting posture, radiating an aura of tranquility, with half-closed eyes that convey a profound sense of inner peace and wisdom.

Depicted as an ethereal goddess with radiant white skin, White Tara has seven eyes—on the soles of her feet, palms, and forehead—symbolizing her unwavering vigilance and compassionate watchfulness. She sits gracefully on a lotus throne, emanating serenity and healing energy. Her youthful appearance symbolizes eternal life and vitality. Often, she is shown holding a lotus flower, signifying spiritual growth and enlightenment, and sometimes with a vase filled with nectar, representing healing and abundance.

In many representations, White Tara is depicted in a serene and meditative posture, exuding tranquility and compassion. Her luminous white complexion symbolizes purity and the elimination of negative emotions. She is typically seated in the full lotus position (padmasana), with both legs crossed and soles facing upward. Adorned with elegant, flowing robes in shades of white and gold, accentuated with intricate patterns and jewels, she embodies divine nature.

Her most distinctive feature is her seven eyes—three on her face (one on the forehead and one on each palm and sole). These eyes represent her omniscient awareness and ability to perceive the suffering of all beings, providing her with the insight to offer aid and protection. Her right hand, in the gesture of supreme generosity (varada mudra), symbolizes her readiness to grant blessings and fulfill the wishes of those who seek her help. Her left hand, holding a lotus flower, is in the gesture of teaching (vitarka mudra), indicating her role as a spiritual guide and teacher.

Family

In the complex web of Buddhist mythology, White Tara’s lineage is deeply connected with other significant deities. She is one of the twenty-one Taras, emanations of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara. White Tara represents the compassionate aspect of Avalokiteshvara and is specifically associated with healing and longevity.

According to legend, White Tara was born from a tear of Avalokiteshvara, underscoring her origins in compassion and her role as his female counterpart. This connection emphasizes the profound bond between compassion and active assistance in Buddhist practice. White Tara embodies the nurturing and protective qualities of a divine mother, offering solace and protection to all beings.

She is sometimes depicted alongside other female deities, such as Green Tara, highlighting her role in the broader pantheon of Buddhist figures dedicated to aiding sentient beings. Additionally, White Tara is considered the consort of Amoghasiddhi Buddha, further cementing her association with longevity and healing.

Other names

White Tara is revered under various names that reflect her diverse attributes and significance. In Tibetan, she is called “Jetsun Dolma,” with “Jetsun” meaning “revered” and “Dolma” translating to “savior” or “liberator,” highlighting her esteemed role in alleviating suffering. Another prominent name, “Sitatara,” derives from the Sanskrit word “Sita,” meaning “white,” symbolizing her association with purity and healing. Additionally, she is known as “Vajra Tara” (Diamond Tara) and “Arya Tara” (Noble Tara), each name emphasizing different aspects of her divine nature.

Other names include “Drolma,” a general Tibetan term for Tara, and “Ageless Mother,” reflecting her connection with longevity and eternal youth. She is also referred to as “Ocean of Compassion,” underscoring her boundless empathy. In Tibetan, “Drolkar” translates to “She Who Liberates” or “She Who Saves.” These varied names and titles highlight the multifaceted nature of White Tara’s divine power and her ability to respond to the diverse needs of her devotees.

Powers and Abilities

White Tara possesses extraordinary powers that greatly aid her followers on their spiritual journey. Her abilities include healing physical and spiritual ailments, prolonging life, and offering protection from harm. Renowned for her capacity to bring inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, White Tara supports individuals in achieving tranquility and spiritual growth. She is particularly noted for her focus on healing and enhancing longevity, responding to the distress of those in need and alleviating their suffering.

As a bodhisattva, White Tara has committed to remaining in the cycle of samsara until all sentient beings are liberated from suffering. Her boundless compassion ensures that she is always ready to assist those who seek her help. Her seven eyes symbolize her omniscient awareness, allowing her to perceive and address the suffering of all beings. Devotees often chant her mantra, “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustim Kuru Svaha,” to invoke her presence and receive blessings for health, wisdom, and prosperity.

Modern Day Influence

White Tara’s influence transcends religious boundaries, impacting contemporary culture and society in various ways. In modern Tibetan Buddhism, she continues to play a central role in rituals, meditations, and teachings, with her mantras and visualizations being essential for cultivating compassion and wisdom. Her iconography also permeates the art world, inspiring detailed depictions in thangka paintings, sculptures, and literary works that capture her divine attributes.

Her compassionate nature extends into social and humanitarian efforts, motivating actions that alleviate suffering and promote well-being. White Tara’s teachings guide initiatives in social justice, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Additionally, her symbolism resonates with feminist movements, representing the strength and nurturing power of the feminine divine. In contemporary contexts, White Tara’s emphasis on healing and longevity reflects modern values of health and well-being, influencing fields such as medicine, psychology, and gerontology. Her image and teachings continue to inspire and provide solace to many, highlighting her enduring appeal and relevance.