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The Buddhist deity White Tara
The Buddhist deity White Tara

The Buddhist deity White Tara

Place of Origin
  • Nepal
Dateapprox. 1400-1500
MaterialsCopper with gilding, turquoise, lapis lazuli, other gemstones, and glass
DimensionsH. 21 1/2 in x W. 17 in x D. 12 1/2 in, H. 54.6 cm x W. 43.2 cm x D. 31.8 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S22+
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 12
Subject
  • deity
  • Buddhism
  • crown
  • White Tara
More Information
According to the First Dalai Lama, White Tara is “the wisdom, compassion, and enlightened activity of all buddhas arising in the form of a beautiful goddess.” She is an important goddess in Nepal and Tibet, and worship of her dates from the 600s, when the two queens of the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (reigned approx. 627– 649) were deified and worshiped as the two forms of Tara.
White Tara’s right hand, posed in the gesture of giftgranting, indicates her gifts of spiritual attainments and buddhahood to disciples. Her left hand, posed in the gesture of dispelling fear, shows that she protects disciples from all danger and disaster. The eyes on her palms and the soles of her feet show her mastery of the four doors of liberation through which she frees all beings from misery.