White Tārā : The One as Wish Fulfilling Wheel

White Tara - སྒྲོལ་མ་དཀར་པོ། - 白度母

White Tara, represented by the wheel of the mantra in her heart, is known as Yishin Korlo, or the Wish-Fulfilling Wheel. The wheel, which is both beginningless and endless, symbolizes her ability to fulfill all wishes without any limitations. This is the origin of her name. 

White Tara is primarily associated with longevity and the attainment of original wisdom. According to the original Ngön Jung Gyu, the Buddha stated, “The white one is to be used to save beings from untimely death,” which highlights the significance of the White Tara practice. Her special purpose is to promote long life. Ultimately, White Tara aids in the liberation of beings from samsara and, on a more immediate level, helps remove obstacles to achieving a long life. 

Continuing with the praises, the text states, “With TURE, you protect yourself from all illnesses.” TURE represents another aspect of Tara's enlightened activities. Anyone who sincerely and confidently turns to Tara can be freed from any illness. 

Finally, you request “the supreme gift of a long life dedicated to Dharmic activity.” To achieve your goals in the Dharma, which greatly benefit both yourself and others, having a long life and good health is essential. 

Iconography of White Tara

    Understanding The Essence of Tara

    When discussing the various teachings of the Buddha, they are typically classified into three main categories: vinaya, sutra, and tantra. Tantra itself is further divided into several lineages, including kriya, charya, and yoga tantras. Kriya is considered the lowest level, charya is the middle level, and yoga is the highest level of tantra. Within yoga tantra, there are three additional classifications: father tantra, mother tantra, and union tantra. Among the vast body of tantras—approximately six million lines—that the Buddha taught within these three lineages, Tara is included in the mother tantra lineage. 

    Tara embodies the essence of the dharmadhatu itself, meaning she has no singular appearance or color. However, because she is active in the lives and experiences of sentient beings, she is perceived in various ways. The Ngön Jung Gyu thoroughly explains the purity of the different forms of Tara, the various mantras associated with her, and her four activities. There are twenty-one distinct Taras, each with its form, color, and unique aspects. While these different appearances serve to meet the diverse needs of beings and reflect skillful means, they remain the same. Ultimately, although Tara manifests in various forms, there is no difference in her fundamental nature.   

    As mentioned above, White Tara is associated with longevity and the attainment of original wisdom. 

    References

    • Rinpoche, K. K. (2003). The wish-fulfilling wheel: The Practice Of White Tara. 
    • Rinpoche, T. (1971). The Sadhana of Chintachakra White Tara. FPMT. 

    Other forms of White Tara

      Commonly associated with

        White Tara