Symbolic Meaning of White Tara - Saptalochana Tara

White Tara is one of the set of Taras in Tibetan and Newari Buddhist Religion. She holds a very important role in Tibet and Nepal as it is worshiped in these areas of the world. It is believed that Tara in general protect the human beings while they are crossing the ocean of existence.

Among the two forms of Tara, White Tara is regarded as consort of Avalokiteshvara, some times also of Vairochana. She is usually depicted in seated position, dressed and crowned like a Bodhisattva. And sometimes she is regarded as Saptalochana Tara. Saptalochana simple means seven eyes. The deity has two normal eyes and extra eyes on her forehead, palm and feet and lotus flower at one or both of her shoulder. She is seated in full Vajra Posture. Her right hand is in boon conferring posture, her left hand in teaching gesture holding the stem of the lotus. She is found  wearing all sorts of precious ornaments which makes her look beautiful.

Tara is also considered as a goddess of forest relating to plant life like flowers and trees. Thanks to this, Tara is also regarded as a goddess of healing goddess. This is specially true to White Tara as she is not only treated as healing goddess but also as goddess of mother with quality like caring and nurturing and giving birth. Because of this people practice the teaching of  White Tara for healing purpose and prolonging healthy life. She is also considered by some as goddess or wind. This symbolizes that just like wind she quickly responses to any call for help. In other words, she is readily makes herself available to those who need her help.

Check the deity here for more image and White Tara buddha statue.