Tibetan Buddhist Temple of Montreal Arya Tara Mother of all
the Buddhas bestower of long life
Arya
White Tara, who is inseparable from our root Guru, is a Buddha emanation, who is
connected with longevity. One calls on her for health, strength, and longevity.
Her white colour indicates purity. She wears the Bodhisattva ornaments. She has
seven eyes: the two usual eyes, plus an eye in the centre of her forehead and
eyes in her hands and feet. These indicate that she sees all suffering and hears
all cries for help. She holds in her left hand a stem with 3 lotuses,
symbolizing the Buddhas of the three times. Tara's vow is to save all beings
from the suffering of cyclic existence. She is represented as a mature woman,
full-breasted and wise. She is the Mother who helps with long-term problems,
particularly problems of physical or mental health. Continued practice of her
Sadhana, makes it possible for us to receive her healing energies and to develop
our wisdom and compassion, enabling us to be of great benefit to others. Often
one sees Arya White Tara depicted with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
(Chenrezig), - White Tara to his right, and Green Tara to his left. White Tara
is placed in the Lotus (Padma) family of the five Buddha families. The mantra of
White Tara is:
OM TARE TUTARE TURE MAMA AYU PUNYE JNANA PUSTIN KURU
SVAHA
The Sadhana we are using in our regular practice was composed
by the illustrious, noble teacher, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche of Ganden Monastery,
and who was the junior tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Days of practice, Wednesdays at 7:30pm April 4, April 25, May
9, May 23