White Tara

Tara is one of the most beloved deities of Tibetan Buddhism, a female bodhisattva (enlightened being) who vowed to remain in female form until all beings are liberated from suffering. She manifests in many colors and forms, each representing a different aspect of enlightened compassion: Green Tara is the active protector who swiftly removes obstacles; White Tara is the healer, long-life goddess, and bestower of wisdom.

White Tara is depicted as a serene, luminous white figure in meditation posture with seven eyes — one in each palm, one in each sole of the foot, one in the forehead, and two normal eyes. These seven eyes represent her all-seeing compassion that observes the suffering of beings in all realms simultaneously and never rests from responding. She holds a white lotus in full bloom and is associated with dawn, purity, and the pristine nature of mind.

The White Tara practice — centered on her mantra 'Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustim Kuru Ye Soha' — is performed specifically for long life and healing. It is traditionally done for those who are seriously ill or at risk, and is considered one of the most powerful healing practices in the Vajrayana tradition. In Mongolia and Tibet, White Tara is one of the most popular household deities, with her image in nearly every home.