White Tara is the female Buddha of long life and compassion. With Amitayus and Namgyalma, she is one of the "three deities of long life" of Tibetan Buddhism, and her practice is traditionally done for long life, health and the removal of obstacles.
How she is shown
- White, the colour of purity, seated in full meditation posture on a lotus and moon disc.
- Seven eyes: the usual two, a third on her forehead, and one in each palm and on each sole. She sees the suffering of beings everywhere.
- Her right hand rests at her knee in the gesture of giving.
- Her left hand is at her heart, holding the stem of a lotus that often carries three blossoms (a bud, a full bloom and a flower going to seed), for the Buddhas of the future, present and past.
- Silks and jewels, often with Amitabha or Amitayus Buddha above her.
White Tara and Green Tara
Both are forms of Tara. Green Tara, with one foot stepping down, stands for swift action and protection; White Tara, seated still in meditation, for long life and serenity. Many people choose them as a pair.
Her mantra
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayur Punye Jnana Pushtim Kuru Soha: the request for long life, merit and wisdom is added to Tara's root mantra.
In a painting
Look for a calm, even face, the seven eyes drawn with care, and smooth shading in the white of her skin, which is hard to paint well. White Tara is often chosen as a gift, with a wish for a long life.
