Amitabha – The Buddha of Infinite Light
According to the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, the magnificence of Amitabha 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 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 is depicted in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation, with both palms facing 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 Sculpture
Behold the timeless embodiment of tranquility and grace: the exquisite statue of Amitabha Buddha. Crafted with reverence and devotion, this magnificent piece resonates with the serene essence of enlightenment. Fashioned from a noble copper alloy and adorned with the resplendence of 24-karat gold, each delicate detail is a testament to the mastery of its creators.
Atop a magnificent lotus throne, Amitabha Buddha sits in a state of serene meditation, his countenance bearing a gentle smile that emanates boundless joy and compassion. The face, painstakingly hand-painted, reflects a depth of emotion that touches the soul of the beholder, inviting them into a realm of peace and serenity.
This masterpiece hails from the skilled hands of the Shakya clan, nestled in the ancient city of Patan, Nepal. Renowned for their craftsmanship and devotion, these master artisans have preserved a sacred tradition spanning centuries. Passed down through generations, their refined metalworking techniques breathe life into the divine, perpetuating a legacy of sacred artistry that graces temples and monasteries worldwide.
In every curve and contour, one can discern the echoes of devotion and reverence, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Shakya clan. As the embodiment of timeless craftsmanship and spiritual reverence, this statue stands as a beacon of enlightenment, inspiring all who gaze upon it to seek inner peace and transcendence.
