Amitabha Buddha / Opame – The Buddha of Infinite Light
Painted Amitabha Buddha Statue: According to the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, the magnificence of Amitabha Buddha / Opame surpasses that of all other great beings, thus he is known as the Buddha of all the Buddhas. Buddha Shakyamuni once said of Amitabha, “The majestic glory of his light could not be exhaustively described if I praised it continuously, day and night, for the period of one Kapala.”
Amitabha Buddha / Opame dwells in a pure celestial realm, created via the power of his infinite merit accumulated over countless lifetimes as a Bodhisattva. His light shines brilliantly from this celestial realm, pervading the entire universe. According to the Sutra, if sentient beings encounter his light, their defilements are removed; if they see his light, they are relieved and freed from affliction. At the end of their lives, beings who have faith in Amitabha reach emancipation, as he gives them rebirth in his Pure Land. And as Shakyamuni explains, “Sentient beings who are born in that Buddha-land all reside among those assured of nirvana.”
Gestures and Attributes
Amitabha Buddha / Opame is depicted in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation, with both palms face up and lying in his lap. His right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment, while his left hand, resting below, represents the world of appearance. Thus, Amitabha’s posture expresses his mastery over the world of appearance through enlightenment and signifies the enlightened state of mind for which samsara and nirvana are one. In some representations, he holds the traditional begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl is filled with amrita, the elixir of awakening and immortality, and symbolizes Amitabha’s infinite openness and receptivity toward all sentient beings.
About this Painted Amitabha Buddha Statue
This sculpture, a stunning portrayal of Amitabha Buddha Opame, showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Sculpted with precision from copper alloy through the lost wax method, gilded with 24-karat gold, and adorned with a meticulously hand-painted face, the statue emanates a rich and sensuous finish. The intricate carvings, coupled with harmonious color combinations, lend the statue a vibrant and lifelike appearance. Amitabha’s monastic robes exhibit elegant detailing, gracefully draping over his shoulders with subtle folds in the fabric. Seated on a lotus throne, the Buddha exudes a regal and dignified presence.
Handcrafted by master artisans of the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal, renowned as among the world’s best, this sculpture reflects a centuries-old tradition of sacred artistry. The fine metalworking techniques employed in its creation have been skillfully passed down through generations, highlighting the timeless expertise of these modern heirs.
