Introduction to White Tara
Meet the Seven-Eyed Tara, White Tara. In Sanskrit, White Tara is known as Sita Tara, “The White Liberator.” She is also known as Drolma Karmo, which means “White Savioress” in Tibetan Buddhism.
The amazing story of White Tara starts with the great sadness of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Legend says he cried because of the endless suffering of all living things.
From one of his pure tears, a beautiful lotus flower bloomed, and from its center came the bright goddess, White Tara. She is essentially the active, healing side of Avalokiteshvara's enormous love.
Her presence instantly symbolizes healing, longevity, and a deep sense of peace that calms both physical pain and mental worries worldwide.
Symbolism of White Tara Deity
White Tara is one of the three deities in the "Trinity of Longevity" (Tse Lha Nam Sum), invoked to extend life and grant health.
Amitayus provides the foundational essence of infinite life, while Ushnishavijaya works to remove the karmic obstacles and spiritual impediments that lead to untimely death.
White Tara completes the trio by supplying the active, healing power and maternal compassion necessary to ensure prolonged life.
Let's look at some of the key symbols associated with White Tara:
I. Meaning behind White Tara’s colour
The colour white is seen as a purifying and life-giving force in Tibetan Buddhism. Her white body signifies her healing qualities and acceptance of ultimate reality.
II. The Seven Eyes
The distinctive seven eyes of White Tara are the primary symbol of her profound awareness and omnipresent compassion. Beyond the two on her face and the Third Eye on her forehead, she has an eye on the palm of each hand and the sole of each foot.
III. Posture: One open palm, one hand held at her heart
Her right hand is extended downwards, palm open and outward, in the Gesture of Generosity. Her left hand is typically held at her heart, often in the Vitarka Gesture of Teaching.
IV. The Blue Lotus Flower (Utpala)
This Blue Lotus Flower emphasizes that her power to grant healing and longevity flows from a pure mind that transcends all material attachment.
V. Ornaments and Silks
She is adorned with jewels and celestial silks. They symbolize the perfection of enlightened qualities and virtues, such as wisdom, compassion, and generosity.
White Tara Mantra
“Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha”
The mantra of White Tara is more than just a chant; it's a direct prayer asking her to increase life, health, and spiritual goodness.
Artistic Representation and Craftsmanship
The Thangkas depict White Tara with strict iconographic proportion on canvas, using a grid to precisely place her seated Vajra Posture and seven eyes. She is painted in a luminous, snow-white, using mineral pigments. Key details, including the Utpala lotus, are highlighted with fine 24K gold leaf, making the Thangka a radiant visual support for meditation.
White Tara statues are cast in bronze or copper using the traditional lost wax method. After casting, the surface is meticulously detailed and fire-gilded with 24K gold to represent her brilliant white form. The finished, consecrated statue is a potent, three-dimensional vessel of her enlightened energy, clearly defining her symbolic seven eyes.
Welcoming a White Tara image into the home attracts her sacred blessings. It serves as a powerful focus for healing and longevity. Dedicating space to her invites her maternal, all-seeing compassion, transforming the environment into a sacred space for spiritual well-being and growth.
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