White Tara is one of the 21 aspects of the bodhisattva Tara, who is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the female embodiment of compassion and action. The history of White Tara thangka can be traced back to the early development of Tibetan Buddhism in the 7th century, where she was initially depicted in the form of a simple white goddess. Over the centuries, White Tara has evolved into a complex deity with a rich and diverse mythology, and her image has been depicted in various forms in thangka paintings and sculptures.
White Tara is said to have originated in Nepal, where she was worshiped as a goddess of fertility and healing. According to legend, she was born from the tears of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who was overwhelmed by the suffering he witnessed in the world. White Tara's white color represents her pure and compassionately motivated nature, and her seven eyes symbolize her all-seeing gaze, which is focused on the suffering of all beings.
In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara is often depicted in a peaceful and meditative pose, holding a full-moon-shaped cup in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left. This image is believed to symbolize her role as a nurturer and healers of physical and spiritual afflictions. White Tara is also associated with long life and protection, and her image is often used in rituals and offerings to help individuals overcome illness, disease, and negative influences.
White Tara thangka paintings first emerged in the 7th century, during the reign of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. These early paintings were simple and stylized, and they typically depicted White Tara in a frontal position, holding a lotus flower and a vase. Over time, the style and complexity of White Tara thangka paintings evolved, as artists began to incorporate elements of Indian and Chinese art into their work.
During the 11th century, the famous Tibetan artist Atisha introduced a new style of White Tara thangka painting, which was characterized by elaborate, highly detailed depictions of the goddess. This style became known as the “Atisha tradition,” and it remains one of the most popular styles of White Tara thangka painting to this day. Atisha's White Tara thangka paintings were known for their intricate details, vivid colors, and lifelike depictions of the goddess, and they became highly sought after by Tibetan royalty and other wealthy patrons.
In the late 16th century, the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism emerged, and they developed a new style of White Tara thangka painting, which was characterized by more abstract, stylized depictions of the goddess. This style became known as the “Gelugpa tradition,” and it is still widely used today. Gelugpa White Tara thangka paintings are characterized by their bold, bright colors, and their stylized depictions of the goddess, which emphasize her peaceful and serene nature.
White Tara thangka paintings continued to evolve over the centuries, and today, they are produced by artists from all over the world. Modern White Tara thangka paintings are characterized by their intricate details, vivid colors, and lifelike depictions of the goddess, and they continue to be used as powerful spiritual tools in the Buddhist tradition.
In conclusion, the history of White Tara thangka paintings is a rich and diverse one, and it reflects the evolution of Tibetan Buddhism over the centuries. From the simple, stylized depictions of the 7th century to the elaborate, highly detailed paintings of today, White Tara has remained a powerful symbol of compassion and healing, and her image continues to inspire and comfort individuals around the world. Whether used in religious rituals