White Tara

Nepal, 17th century
Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay

Tara, the Nepalese Buddhist goddess of compassion, exists in two forms, a peaceful "White Tara" and a fierce "Green Tara." She was born from the tears shed by Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, for the sufferings of mankind. Her right hand is extended in the gesture of giving (varada mudra); her left makes the sign of teaching (vitarka mudra). Tara has seven eyes, although these are not particularly visible in the photo: a third eye in the middle of her forehead, and one eye in each of the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet.