Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land, Sukhavati. In Mahayana Buddhism he vowed to welcome into his Pure Land all who call on him with faith, and reciting his name is one of the most widespread Buddhist practices in East Asia.
How he is shown
- Red, the colour of the west and of the setting sun, seated in full meditation posture on a lotus and moon disc.
- Both hands rest in his lap in the gesture of meditation, holding an alms bowl.
- Monk's robes, without the crown and jewels of a bodhisattva.
- Peacocks often support his throne: his traditional mount.
Amitabha and Amitayus
Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, is closely linked to Amitabha and is sometimes treated as his long-life form. He is easy to tell apart: he wears a crown and jewels, and holds a long-life vase in his lap.
His companions
In paintings of the Pure Land, Amitabha is flanked by two bodhisattvas, usually Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) and Mahasthamaprapta. Chenrezig is often described as his spiritual son, and Amitabha often sits above Chenrezig or White Tara in other paintings.
His mantra
In Tibetan practice, Om Ami Dewa Hrih. In Chinese Buddhism, the recitation of his name, Namo Amituofo, is one of the most familiar prayers of all.
In a painting
Look for a serene, symmetrical face, a smoothly shaded red, and fine pattern on the robes. An Amitabha thangka suits a meditation space or a quiet wall.
