For many years, White Tara has held special significance in my life. Images, sculptures, and thangkas emanate a calm, maternal compassion and remind me to seek alternate perspectives when my view of life becomes distorted. 

White Tara represents the feminine side of spiritual growth. She is seen as a savior who listens to the suffering of all beings. Her purpose is to protect and help humans in everyday life and on the spiritual path. 

In Buddhism, White Tara is depicted with 7 eyes. Three on her face—the third on her forehead—and 1 eye on each palm and the soles of each foot. Through this heightened ability to see, she possesses spiritual awareness and a deep understanding of the world beyond ordinary perception. 

Standing or sitting on a lotus—a symbol associated with White Tara, and also significant in my life—she transcends worldly suffering and attachment. 

The color white is also significant, symbolizing wisdom, purity, and compassion; the color white is regarded as a purifying and life-giving force. 

Her hands positioned in a Mudra symbolize a gesture of granting boons or her ability to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. 

The image here was painted by a friend, Rigzen.