Who is White Tara?
White Tara (Sita Tara) is one of the two most beloved forms of Tara in Tibetan Buddhism. Where Green Tara is known for swift, active help, White Tara is associated with long life, health, healing and peace of mind. She is often part of the “three deities of long life”, together with Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya.
The seven eyes
White Tara is usually shown with seven eyes: two on her face, one on her forehead, and one on each palm and each sole. They symbolise her compassionate awareness that sees all suffering in the world, and her readiness to respond to it.
Her posture and colour
- White colour: purity, clarity and the light of wisdom.
- Seated in full meditation posture: calm, stable and complete.
- Right hand in the gesture of giving: generosity and blessing.
- Left hand holding a lotus: often with three blossoms representing past, present and future Buddhas.
The White Tara mantra
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Soha
The added words ask for an increase of ayur (life), punya (merit) and jnana (wisdom). Practitioners often replace mama (“my”) with the name of a loved one when chanting for someone else's health and long life.
A simple White Tara practice
- Sit quietly and imagine a soft white light in front of you.
- Chant the mantra slowly, 21 or 108 times.
- Imagine the white light gently filling your body, calming and renewing it.
- Finish by wishing good health and peace for yourself and others.
Spiritual practice can support calm and wellbeing, but it is not a replacement for medical care. Please follow your doctor's advice for any health condition.