In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara is a bodhisattva and goddess who represents compassion, healing, and longevity.
Compassion: White Tara is associated with maternal compassion and is often depicted, with a young face. She is said to see all suffering and cries for help in the human world.
Healing: White Tara is associated with healing and is sometimes depicted in a trinity of healing deities.
Longevity: White Tara is associated with lengthening one's lifespan so that they can continue practicing the Dharma.
Purity: White Tara's white color symbolizes purity, wisdom, and truth.
Absolute Truth: White Tara's white color also indicates that she is Absolute Truth.
Essence of the Buddhas: White Tara is often referred to as the Mother of all the Buddhas and is said to be the essence of the past, present, and future Buddhas.
White Tara is worshipped in Tibet and Nepal and is second in popularity only to Avalokiteshvara.
She is often depicted with eyes in the palms of her hands, on the soles of her feet, and in the center of her forehead. She also holds a lotus flower in her left hand, which symbolizes the past, present, and future Buddhas.
What's the difference between White Tara and Green Tara?
Green Tara and White Tara are two of the most popular forms of the Buddhist goddess Tara, and they differ in color, posture, and what they represent:
Color: Green Tara is emerald green, while White Tara is white.
Posture: Green Tara is in her royal ease posture, with her right leg extended forward. White Tara is in the Vajra-paryanka posture.
Lotus: Green Tara holds a blue lotus, while White Tara holds a white lotus.
Eyes: Green Tara has two eyes, while White Tara has seven, with three on her face, two on her palms, and two on her legs.
Representation: Green Tara is often depicted as a young, mischievous girl, while White Tara is depicted as a mature woman.
Focus: Green Tara focuses on eliminating obstacles and overcoming fears, while White Tara focuses on healing, serenity, and extending life.
Symbolism: Green Tara's color symbolizes her connection to nature and her role as a protector. White Tara's calm energy symbolizes nurturing, peace, and a mother's love.
Practices: Green Tara practices focus on accomplishing activities, while White Tara practices focus on pacifying illness.
Together, Green Tara and White Tara represent unending compassion around the world at all times., serenity, and extending life.