IMPORTANT FIGURES OF THE TIBETAN BUDDHISM

TARA-DROLMA
Tara-Drolma is "the saviour," a female bodhisattva with twenty-one possible manifestations. She was born of a tear of compassion falling from Avalokiteshvara's eye and is thus considered a female version of Avalokiteshvara. She also symbolizes purity and fertility and is believed to be able to fulfil wishes. She is traditionally the protector of the Tibetan people.
Images usually represent Green Tara, associated with night, or White Tara, associated with day. Green Tara sits in the half-lotus position with her right leg down, resting on a lotus flower. White Tara sits in the full lotus position and has seven eyes, found in her forehead, both palms and both soles of her feet. She is often seen as a part of a longevity triad, along with red Amitayus and three-faced, eight-armed Vijaya a female bodhisattva.

AVALOKITESHVARA - CHENRESIG
Avalokiteshvara-Chenresig, "the glorious gentle one," is the bodhisattva of compassion. His name means "he who gazes upon the world with suffering in his eyes." The Dalai Lama is believed to be a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, and pictures of the two are interchangeable, depending on the political climate. The current Dalai Lama is the 74th manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.
Avalokiteshvara's body is white and he sits on a lotus blossom. He holds rosary beads and a flower of compassion and clutches a gem to his heart. A deerskin is draped over his left shoulder.

BODHISATTVA
Bodhisattvas have reached a state of enlightenment but have vowed to save all other beings before they themselves enter Nirvana. Unlike Buddhas, they are often shown decorated with a crown and jewels.