White Tara

In a legend it is said that Avalokiteshvara was watching from his paradise the world of suffering beings. He wept to see that they were suffering in increasing numbers, no matter how many of them he had already freed. From the tears that fell on his face two Tara were born, a peaceful white one from the left and a fierce green one from the right.
Like the manifestation of a miraculous action, both gave him the courage not to give up his task.

White Tara represents the nurturing aspect of compassion. It can manifest itself in various forms.
Tara was born to deliver. Her name indicates who is beyond the ocean of suffering, in a state where there is love for all beings. She offers help in overcoming internal obstacles.

Sitting in the position of the vajra with her legs crossed, she brings a quality of unconditional compassion: she is attentive in seeing all the sufferings of the world, for this purpose she is depicted with seven eyes.
In her left hand, at heart level, in the mudra of “giving refuge”, she has a blue flower of uptala from which two buds rise. The three flowers represent the knowledge of the three times: the uptala flower the present time and the two buds respectively past and future.

White Tara represents purity, wisdom, truth and longevity of life.
Together with Amitayus and Ushnisha Vijaya it is part of the trinity of long life.

Thangka

Original size: about 60 cm x 80 cm
Technique: mineral and natural pigments on handmade canvas
Completed: September 2018