White Tara (Skt. Sita Tara) is also known as Saptalocana Tara, the 'Seven-eyed Saviors', and along with Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya she appears as one of the three principal Buddhist deities of longevity. Her meditational practices are mainly employed to confer long-life, alleviate illnesses, and to remove the obstacles that are indicative of an untimely death. Thangkas of White Tara and the 'Trinity of Long-Life Deities' are frequently commissioned for such purposes, and also to auger an auspicious rebirth for a deceased relative or friend.
How does Thangka benefit us?
It goes without saying that each and every element of a painting is symbolic. Whether you practice Buddhism or hold other religious beliefs, a thangka can aid you on your path to enlightenment regardless of your religious affiliation. Thangkas are paintings of gods that include a variety of iconographic details and symbolism to promote meditation on the gods' teachings. Any thangka is meant to help dissolve the film of ignorance, which is a major impediment to the path to enlightenment. The Thangka is honored as a sacred object. They propagate the teachings of Buddhism, bring about peace, harmony, and oneness, as well as neutralize any potential negative energy.
