Description
Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, is honored in Buddhist traditions for compassion and boundless life. This statue suits a home altar, meditation space, or shrine, and it makes a meaningful gift.
About Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha, whose name means “Infinite Light,” is one of the most beloved Buddhas in the Mahayana tradition. He is also known as Amitayus, “Infinite Life,” and is honored as the Buddha of boundless compassion, wisdom, and longevity.
According to the Pure Land sutras, Amitabha presides over Sukhavati, the Western Pure Land, a realm of peace where beings can practice the path to enlightenment free from suffering. Devotees call on his name through chanting and prayer, hoping for rebirth there. The practice is central to Pure Land Buddhism across East Asia, and Amitabha is equally revered in Tibetan and Newar Buddhism.
In Nepal, and especially in the Newar Buddhist culture of the Kathmandu Valley, Amitabha is one of the five Dhyani Buddhas. He is associated with the west, the color red, the lotus, and the wisdom of discernment. He is most often shown seated in meditation, hands resting in the lap in the meditation mudra, sometimes holding an alms bowl.
Placed on an altar or in a quiet corner of the home, this statue serves as a reminder to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and calm.
The Amitabha Buddha Sculpture Ceremony is a devotional and meditative practice in Mahayana Buddhism, especially prevalent in Pure Land schools. The ceremony aims to invoke the blessings of Amitabha Buddha for wisdom, compassion, and rebirth in his Pure Land, Sukhavati. The ritual involves several stages:
- Preparation: This includes purifying the environment by cleaning it with incense or water and placing the sculpture on a raised altar. Candles or lamps are lit to symbolize the banishment of ignorance, while offerings such as flowers, incense, water, fruits, and sweets represent gratitude.
- Embracing Refuge and Cultivating Bodhicitta: The Refuge Prayer is chanted to seek enlightenment for all living beings.
- Depicting Amitabha Buddha: Participants envision Amitabha Buddha seated on a lotus throne within the Pure Land, radiating light and cleansing every soul present.
- Chanting and Mantra Recitation: The mantra “Om Ami Dewa Hrih” is recited mindfully. Practitioners visualize light rays from Amitabha purifying their body, speech, and mind.
- Committing to Merit: Participants dedicate the merit gained from the ceremony to achieve entry into the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, wishing happiness and freedom from suffering.
- Closing and Expressing Gratitude: The ceremony concludes with expressing thanks to Amitabha Buddha for his guidance and blessings. Additional rituals may include prostrations, lighting lamps, chanting Sutras, and group practices.
The benefits of the Amitabha Buddha ritual include spiritual growth, purification of karma, a deeper connection to Amitabha Buddha, blessings and protection, and fostering the aspiration for enlightenment.
This practice honours the Buddha of Infinite Light, aligns with his enlightened qualities, and cultivates spiritual development.
Our Customers Love Us
There are no reviews yet.