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White Tara (in Tibetan transliteration: Chöma Garlam), also known as the Life-Extension and Saviour Buddha Mother, is an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin). Avalokiteshvara has 32 manifestations, and among them, the Tara manifestations can transform into 21 different Saviour Mothers. White Tara is one of the 21 manifestations of the Holy Saviour Buddha Mother. In Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, Green Tara and White Tara are the most widely known among the 21 Tara manifestations. Tibetan Buddhism also refers to the Three Long-life Buddhas, which include Longevity Buddha, White Tara, and Venerable Buddha Mother. White Tara possesses the power to rescue from the Eight Difficulties. White Tara is considered a deity who grants long life to all sentient beings. While many believe White Tara solely provides longevity, in truth, her practice also fosters rapid wisdom growth for those who sincerely follow her teachings.
Legend has it that White Tara emerged from the tears of Avalokiteshvara's left eye. Avalokiteshvara has been saving sentient beings from suffering for countless eons, but beings continue to drown in the sea of suffering caused by the Five Desires, wandering in the Six Realms and enduring immense agony. Out of compassion for all sentient beings, Avalokiteshvara shed tears, and at that moment, the left tear transformed into White Tara, while the right tear transformed into Green Tara. Both deities joined their hands in respect, and together they spoke to Avalokiteshvara: "Bodhisattva, do not worry. We vow to save all beings trapped in the ocean of life and death, and to share your compassion and vow of salvation." Therefore, Tara is considered the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara’s compassionate tears.
Tibetan Buddhism states that Avalokiteshvara has many incarnations, and Tara is the manifestation that specifically aids those in suffering. Tara’s 21 forms are distinguished by different colors, and among them, White Tara is the most revered and commonly seen in temples.
According to Buddhist scriptures, this Bodhisattva is the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara’s compassion, appearing with a serene and dignified face, two arms, and a calm and mysterious aura. White Tara is one of the primary deities for healing illnesses and extending life in Buddhism. Her pure, moon-like radiance shines across the world, outshining even the brightest stars. She is worshipped by all beings. Her body is white, symbolizing the cessation of disasters, and she has seven eyes—one on each palm and foot, and a third in the center of her forehead. Her gaze extends across all realms, observing the suffering of sentient beings. Hence, she is also called the Seven-Eyed Buddha Mother, as her eyes can perceive and eliminate the causes of disease and pestilence, bringing liberation to those she gazes upon.
Legend has it that White Tara is kind-hearted, intelligent, and quick to offer help to those in need, earning her the title of Saviour Mother. In Tibetan history, the Princess of Chizun from Nepal is said to be the incarnation of White Tara, while Princess Wencheng of the Han Chinese is believed to be the incarnation of Green Tara (though another version suggests the opposite, with Princess Wencheng as White Tara and Princess Chizun as Green Tara. Both versions are plausible, but the former is more widely accepted as credible). According to records, before the death of King Songtsen Gampo, he completed the affairs of Tibet and made predictions about the future. He then placed his right hand on the head of Princess Chizun, who transformed into a white eight-petaled lotus, and White Tara's symbol appeared within it. When the king placed his left hand on Princess Wencheng’s head, she transformed into a green sixteen-petaled lotus, within which appeared Green Tara’s symbol. Finally, the king looked up to his deity—Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara—and his body merged with the two lotus flowers, glowing in unison.
White Tara is gentle and kind, and her intelligence is unparalleled—no secret can escape her perception. People often turn to her for help, which is why she is also known as the Saviour Mother. Her appearance is like the pure snow mountains, with a dignified and peaceful face. Her body is adorned with seven eyes: one on each palm and foot, and a third in the center of her forehead. Thus, she is also called the Seven-Eyed Buddha Mother, whose eyes allow her to observe and remove suffering from all sentient beings.
Her image is that of a two-armed figure with a serene and gentle face, a calm and peaceful smile, and a tranquil demeanor. She wears a flower crown and her hair is styled in a traditional Tibetan knot, with long, flowing strands behind her. She is adorned with golden earrings, white jewelry, and other precious ornaments, symbolizing purity and divine wisdom. Her body radiates five-colored lights, representing her ability to illuminate the world. Her robes are made from heavenly fabric, and her attire is rich with symbolism. Her seven wisdom eyes symbolize her ability to perceive and understand all sentient beings' needs.
White Tara symbolizes the power and dignity of all Buddhas, particularly emphasizing the attainment of Buddhahood through a female form. Her white color symbolizes wisdom, while her ornaments represent her power to liberate beings from samsara. In essence, she is the goddess of all initiation rituals and empowerments, capable of granting longevity and bringing blessings to those who seek them. White Tara embodies the accumulated merits of all 21 Tara manifestations, capable of alleviating illness, dispelling harmful winds, demons, and internal obstacles such as greed, hatred, and ignorance. Her power is boundless, and she is said to change form according to the needs of sentient beings.
White Tara is one of the 21 Taras and an incomparable sacred figure, especially for women. She is regarded as a wish-fulfilling goddess who grants longevity, removes obstacles, and fulfills desires. White Tara possesses the merits of all 21 Taras and can eliminate external and internal obstacles, such as diseases, evil spirits, and the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance. Tibetan Buddhism teaches that those who trust in her will find that she will offer great assistance, and she is considered the queen of all goddesses.
In the Twenty-One Tara Praise, there is a verse that says:
"Salutations to White Tara of the moonlight, her face radiating like the full moon in autumn, gathering the brilliance of countless stars, her light shining with great splendor."
Here, the verse praises White Tara, also known as Moonlight Tara. The meaning of the verse is that, just as the autumn moon is free from dust and clouds, White Tara’s face shines as brightly as a hundred full autumn moons gathered together, radiating a brilliant light like a cluster of stars. From this light, nectar falls, dispelling the suffering of all beings.
White Tara and Miao Yin (the Heavenly Sound Goddess) are of the same nature, and thus their practices are quite similar. If one practices Miao Yin's method well, their wisdom will greatly increase, especially in writing poetry, debating, and other intellectual pursuits. Therefore, practicing White Tara can also enhance wisdom.
Practitioners of Tara's teachings will eliminate all karma and obstacles, save them from all disasters, and fulfill all wishes: whether it is for a child, wealth, longevity, or any other desire. Her blessings are vast, and the benefits immeasurable.
The main aspiration and mantra of this Bodhisattva are to end the suffering of sentient beings, cure diseases, eliminate afflictions caused by past karma, and remove harmful influences from magical curses. She helps practitioners overcome obstacles, extend their lives, and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
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