Material: Scroll. Hand-painted thangka. Paper only (White Tara thangka)

Size: Approx. 91x 62 cm

Description:

White Tara (Tibetan: སྒྲོལ་དཀར།, Sanskrit: Sita Tara) is one of the important Taras in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing compassion, wisdom and salvation. She is one of the twenty-one Taras, appearing in pure white, representing the power of purity and compassion. The following is a brief description of the meaning and origin of White Tara in Tibetan Buddhism:

**Meaning**

1. **Compassion and salvation**: White Tara is regarded as the incarnation of Avalokitesvara, symbolizing boundless compassion, and specializing in saving sentient beings from suffering, especially illness, danger and fear. Her white color represents purity and can purify karma and negative emotions.

2. **Longevity and Health**: White Tara is often associated with longevity practices. Practicing White Tara is believed to prolong life, eliminate illness, and bring peace and health to the body and mind.

3. **Wisdom and Purity**: Her white light symbolizes wisdom and purity, which can help practitioners eliminate ignorance and open up inner awareness.

4. **Protection and Blessing**: White Tara is believed to respond quickly to prayers and protect practitioners from external and internal obstacles, such as the Eight Tribulations (eight dangers) or inner greed, hatred, and ignorance.

**Image Features**

White Tara is usually depicted sitting on a lotus seat, with a white complexion and a kind face. Her right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (granting protection), and her left hand holds a white lotus (symbolizing purity). She is dressed in white celestial clothes and wears a five-buddha crown on her head, emitting a soft light. Her image is gentle and solemn, giving people a sense of peace and shelter.

**Origin**

1. **Legend origin**: According to Tibetan Buddhist legend, Tara is the incarnation of Avalokitesvara, and originated from the compassionate tears of Avalokitesvara. It is said that Avalokitesvara saw the suffering of sentient beings, and his tears flowed into a lake. Lotuses grew from the lake, and Tara appeared in the lotus. White Tara, as one of them, particularly emphasizes salvation and longevity.

2. **Classic basis**: The practice and inheritance of White Tara mainly come from the "Tara Sutra" and related tantric classics. Her practice method is circulated in various sects of Tibetan Buddhism (such as Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug), and is especially well-known in Tantric practice.

3. **Twenty-one Taras**: White Tara is one of the main images of the twenty-one Taras. Each Tara has different colors and merits, and White Tara is mainly about longevity, health and compassion. She is ranked as the most respected Tara along with Green Tara (main cause and salvation).

**Practice and Rituals**

- **Mantra**: The mantra of White Tara is "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayur Punye Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha", which includes the meaning of praying for longevity (Ayur), merit (Punye) and wisdom (Jnana).

- **Purpose of Practice**: Believers pray for health, longevity, peace, and the elimination of internal and external obstacles by chanting the White Tara mantra, visualizing her image, or practicing related rituals.

- **Festivals and Offerings**: In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara is specially offered during certain festivals or ceremonies, such as the longevity ceremony. Believers also offer White Tara statues or thangkas at home for blessings.

**Cultural Influence**

White Tara is not only revered in Tibetan Buddhism, but also has influenced Tibetan culture and art. Her image can be seen in many thangkas, sculptures, and temple murals. Her practice method has also been introduced to Han, Mongolia and other places, and has become an important deity for many practitioners.

In short, White Tara is a symbol of compassion and wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism. With its pure white light and the power of rapid salvation, she is deeply loved by believers. She is the compassionate manifestation of Avalokitesvara. Through the practice of White Tara, practitioners can purify their body and mind, prolong their life and health, and ultimately move towards the path of enlightenment.