Material: Cloth. Printing. Scroll. (White Tara)

Size: Approx. 122 x 83 cm

Description:

White Tara (Tibetan: སྒྲོལ་མ་ལྗང་གུ།, Sanskrit: Śvetatārā) is a manifestation of Tara in Tibetan Buddhism, known for her white body and compassionate qualities of saving sentient beings. The following is a brief description of the myth of White Tara and its influence in Tibetan Buddhism:

**Myth of White Tara**

White Tara is one of the twenty-one Taras. Tara is regarded as the incarnation of Avalokitesvara in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the combination of compassion and wisdom. According to legend, Tara was originally manifested from the tears of Avalokitesvara. It is said that Avalokitesvara shed tears of compassion when he saw the suffering of sentient beings. The tears fell to the ground and turned into lotus flowers, from which Tara was born. White Tara, as one of the manifestations, symbolizes purity, compassion and longevity, and is responsible for saving sentient beings from illness, disasters and short life.

The image of White Tara is usually white, sitting on a lotus seat, with her right hand in the Abhaya Mudra (granting protection), and her left hand holding a lotus or making the Dhyana Mudra, emitting soft light. Her white color represents purity and cleanliness, symbolizing the ability to purify karma, prolong life and grant wisdom. According to the scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara has appeared in the form of incarnation many times to help practitioners overcome obstacles. For example, it is said that she once appeared as a woman to guide Atisha to Tibet to preach.

**The influence of White Tara in Tibetan Buddhism**

1. **Role in religious practice**:

- White Tara is widely worshipped in Tibetan Buddhism, especially when praying for health, longevity and career success. Her practice (White Tara Longevity Practice) is believed to help practitioners prolong their life and eliminate illness and karma.

- Her mantra "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha" is widely chanted and is said to evoke White Tara's blessings and protect practitioners from fear and danger.

- In Tibetan Buddhist Thangka art, White Tara is often depicted as the embodiment of compassion and wisdom, and becomes the object of meditation and worship by practitioners.

2. **Influence in Culture and Rituals**:

- The practice of White Tara is very common in Tibetan culture, especially in longevity prayer ceremonies. Many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries hold White Tara ceremonies, especially during the Tibetan New Year or important festivals, to pray for health and peace for believers.

- Her image also appears in Tibetan Buddhist architecture, sculptures and paintings, symbolizing the power of compassion and protection. For example, thangkas or statues of White Tara can often be seen in the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

3. **Spiritual Inspiration and Cross-sectarian Influence**:

- White Tara is worshipped not only in the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism, but also in other Buddhist traditions. Her compassionate image transcends sectarian boundaries and has become a particularly favorite guardian deity for female practitioners.

- The practice of White Tara emphasizes female power (a combination of compassion and wisdom), which has important inspirations for female practitioners and believers in Tibetan Buddhism, and symbolizes the sacred power of women.

**Summary**

As an important deity in Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara is deeply loved by believers for her compassionate salvation and longevity blessing. Her mythological story originated from the compassionate incarnation of Avalokitesvara, symbolizing the power of purification and protection. In Tibetan Buddhism, the practice methods, mantras and images of White Tara are widely used in religious rituals, art and daily practice, which have a profound impact on Tibetan culture and spiritual life. Her presence not only provides spiritual support for practitioners, but also demonstrates the profound concepts of compassion and wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism.

White Tara (printed thangka in cloth frame)