The Embodiment of Compassion and Longevity
In the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, few figures are as beloved and revered as White Tara, the goddess of compassion, long life, and healing. She is often depicted as a youthful and radiant figure, embodying purity and wisdom. White Tara, known as Drolkar in Tibetan, is seen as the female embodiment of enlightened activity. Her presence is a source of solace and hope for those seeking liberation from suffering and the attainment of enlightenment.
White Tara is particularly known for her role in bestowing longevity and protection from illness. Legend recounts that she arose from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, who wept at the sight of the world's suffering. From these tears sprang two lotuses, and from each lotus emerged a Tara – White Tara and Green Tara. This origin story highlights White Tara's profound connection to compassion and her commitment to alleviating the suffering of all beings.
Iconography and Symbolism
This exquisitely crafted statue captures the serene grace and divine power of White Tara. She is seated in the lotus position, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. Her right hand is extended in the Varada Mudra, the gesture of generosity and granting wishes, signifying her willingness to bestow blessings upon her devotees. Her left hand holds a lotus flower, representing purity, renunciation, and the potential for enlightenment.
A distinctive feature of White Tara is the seven eyes: the two normal eyes, an eye in the center of her forehead, and an eye in each of her palms and soles. These eyes symbolize her all-seeing compassion and her ability to perceive the suffering of beings in all realms. They represent her vigilance and her readiness to respond to the needs of those who call upon her. She is adorned with intricate jewelry and a crown, signifying her divine status and her empowerment to overcome obstacles.
Craftsmanship and Spiritual Significance
Handcrafted in India from brass, this statue is a testament to the enduring traditions of Buddhist art and iconography. The metalwork exhibits a keen attention to detail, from the delicate folds of her robes to the intricate carvings of the lotus base. The golden hue of the brass adds to the statue's luminous quality, further enhancing its spiritual aura. The artisans of India have long been celebrated for their skill in creating sacred objects that inspire devotion and facilitate spiritual practice. Displaying this image of White Tara in your home or meditation space serves as a constant reminder of her compassionate presence and inspires one to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and a commitment to the well-being of others. It is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any collection, offering a tangible connection to the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and the universal aspiration for enlightenment.
Exploring the Mystical Beauty and Symbolism of Tara: An
Insightful Journey
Tara is an important and revered deity in Tibetan Buddhism who
appears as a female Bodhisattva. Buddhist monks and followers
meditate on the image or deity of Tara to develop some good
qualities such as compassion and kindness. Tara is known as the
mother of compassion or liberation and is considered the female
aspect of Avalokiteshvara (who possesses the compassion of all
Buddhas). She manifests in different forms such as Green Tara
and White Tara. Green Tara is associated with fearlessness and
White Tara, as radiant as the moon, is associated with good
health. Tara also appears in red, blue, and yellow colors.
Tara, being the ocean of compassion, descends to this material
world to save fallen souls from the vicious cycle of repeated
birth and death. Whoever visualizes and meditates upon the form
of Tara crosses the ocean of material existence. She is often
depicted as having a beautiful youthful body and sitting on a
full-blown lotus resembling the form of Goddess Lakshmi.
What is Tara the goddess of?
Tara is usually associated with Tibetan Buddhism but in Chinese
Buddhism, she is considered the female manifestation of Guanyin.
She is given the position of the supreme mother who is full of
compassion and mercy. She enlightens living beings about the
nature of this material world (temporary and full of miseries)
and heals their emotional and physical wounds. She encourages
them to walk the path of self-realization and to uplift their
consciousness in order to come of material existence.
What does the statue of Tara symbolize?
Just as a mother is very merciful towards her child; she cries
when the child is in distress or pain, similarly, Tara acting as
the mother of the world, is the embodiment of all compassion and
mercy. She symbolizes various qualities such as peacefulness,
empathy, wisdom, love, and kindness. She helps all living beings
come to the real or true understanding of self. As a Buddhist
practitioner concentrates on the form of Tara, he develops these
qualities that help him advance in his spiritual journey.
Where should Tara statues be placed?
If you are planning to buy the statue of Goddess Tara, you can
keep it on the altar of your home. This will help you to focus
better on Tara"e;s form and invoke her energy. The form of Tara is
beautiful to look at and therefore, you can also place the
statue/deity on a clean table or a shelf in your living room to
spiritualize the entire space, leaving a positive impression on
the guests.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
- The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.
- To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.