Overview

White Tara - The Divine Mother

White Tara represents the enlightened and liberating activity of all the Buddhas. She embodies the motherly aspect of universal compassion. Her compassion for living beings and her desire to save them from suffering is said to be even stronger than a mother's love for her children. White Tara, the Mother of All Buddhas, is known for her swiftness in responding to the prayers of those who invoke her name. White Tara meditation practice is said to grant health, long life, fearlessness, patience, and peace. Sadhanas of White Tara are often performed to prolong life and heal illness. It is said that because Arya Tara is the collective manifestation of the enlightened activity of all Buddhas, her sadhana is easily accomplished.

Gestures and Attributes

Her right hand is open towards us in the gesture of supreme generosity, signifying her ability to fulfill our spiritual and material needs. Her left hand is in the gesture (mudra) of bestowing blessing, refuge, and protection. She has seven eyes - one in each hand and foot, and a third eye in her face - to show that she sees and responds to suffering throughout the universe; and she sits in the full lotus, or vajra, posture. Her left hand holds the stem of a blossoming white lotus signifying her spiritual perfection and complete purity of body, speech and mind.