In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Tara is a highly respected female Bodhisattva. She is regarded as the embodiment of compassion and wisdom, bringing protection and salvation to all living beings. Among them, Tibetan White Tara, as a form of Tara, is characterized by compassion and peace, and is regarded as the goddess who eliminates pain, prolongs life and brings blessings.
The image and symbol of Tibetan White Tara
Tibetan White Tara is shown in her pure and flawless white image. She sits on a lotus, usually with her right hand in a relaxed posture (the “Fearless Seal”), and her left hand holds a subtle lotus, symbolizing her compassion and wisdom. . Her eyes gaze gently at all living beings, expressing selfless love and compassion. The image of White Tara exudes a kind of purity and wisdom that transcends the world, giving people inner peace and enlightenment.
White Tara is considered to be the incarnation of the great merciful and compassionate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. She uses her endless love and wisdom to relieve all living beings from suffering. Her seven eyes symbolize extraordinary insight into the source of suffering for all living beings.
White Tara is regarded as a symbol of life continuity and blessing. By practicing her method, practitioners can receive blessings to correct karma, overcome diseases and prolong life.
Why does White Tara have 7 eyes?
The seven eyes in the image of White Tara are deeply symbolic and reflect her wisdom and compassion. The existence of these eyes represents her omniscience and omnipotence in the process of helping all living beings and saving the world.
Eyes: represent her understanding and insight into the world, and are regular human vision.
The eyes on her forehead: symbolize her eyes of wisdom, which can see through the truth of everything in the world and transcend ordinary cognition.
Eyes in the palms of her hands: Each of her hands holds an eye, which shows that she sees and helps all living beings with a compassionate heart.
Eyes on the soles of her feet: These eyes represent her universal concern for all living beings, aware of their needs and pain wherever they may be.
The existence of these seven eyes means that White Tara can observe everything in the world from an omniscient and omnipotent perspective, and use her wisdom and compassion to guide and help all living beings escape suffering and achieve liberation and happiness. Her expression is sympathetic and loving, symbolizing her infinite compassion and care for all living beings.
The Meaning and Merit of White Tara
White Tara is considered a symbol of life, health, and longevity. Her name “Tara” means “liberator,” and she uses her boundless compassion to save those born in the cycle of life and death. She is a compassionate mother who is always ready to bless and comfort those who suffer. Believers believe that by reciting and praying to the White Tara, they can achieve health, longevity, and inner peace.
The Status of White Tara in Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan White Tara occupies a pivotal position in Tibetan Buddhism. She ranks with the Goddess of Mercy and the Great Power Bodhisattva and other gods, and has a lofty position in the belief.
Practitioners who believe in White Tara receive her enlightenment and guidance in prayer, recitation, and practice, in order to overcome difficulties in life, improve the quality of life and spiritual realm.
The Practice and Application of White Tara
In the practice of Buddhist practitioners, the practice of White Tara is seen as a powerful way to cultivate compassion and wisdom. By focusing on her image and spells, practitioners can inspire their inner compassion and gain enlightenment in wisdom. In addition, when facing difficulties and challenges in life, believers will also seek the protection and blessing of White Tara to gain strength and courage to face various difficulties. Practitioners will also demonstrate their piety towards White Tara through practical actions such as giving and doing good deeds, and integrate her compassionate spirit into daily life.
Portrait of White Tara and Traditional Art Forms
（1） Tangka Art
Thangka is a treasure of religious art in Xizang. As an important religious image, White Tara is good at drawing Thangka. The image of White Tara on Thangka is colorful and beautiful, elegant and vivid, which is awe inspiring.
（2） Sculpture Art
Tibetan White Tara Statue can be seen everywhere in temples, family altars, and folk religious sites. These sculptures showcase her divinity and power, providing spiritual protection and guidance for believers.
Where should Tibetan White Tara be placed?
Tibetan White Tara is usually worshipped in Xizang’s Buddhist temples, meditation rooms, or individual altars. In these places, she is placed on a altar or in a Buddhist niche, usually alongside other statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The altar or shrine should be placed in a clean, quiet, and devout place so that believers can concentrate on reciting scriptures, worshipping, or praying to White Tara.
For personal offerings, the statue of White Tara can be placed in a family meditation room, family altar, or in a personal meditation corner. This place should be considered sacred, therefore it needs to be kept clean and quiet. In addition to placing a statue of White Tara, offerings such as flowers, incense burners, and candlesticks can also be placed on the altar to show respect and offerings.
Whether in temples or places of personal worship, the placement of the White Tara should be regarded as a respectful and devout act, showing respect for her compassion and wisdom, and hoping to receive her protection and blessings.
White Tara – a refuge for the soul and a refuge for faith
In short, Tibetan White Tara has brought peace and shelter to countless believers with its profound compassion and magical power. Her image and story have become sustenance in the lives of believers, guiding them to practice the world with elegance and pursue inner peace and wisdom. Let us admire the mystery and solemnity of White Tara, and seek love, wisdom, and strength in faith.