Aparmita / Amitayus / Tsepame – The Buddha of Infinite Life
Hand Painted Tsepame Sculpture: Aparmita / Amitayus / Tsepame is the name of Buddha Amitabha in his Bestower of Longevity aspect. He may be regarded as either a celestial Buddha or a fully realized Bodhisattva, having attained Buddhahood many eons ago as a result of his infinite merit accumulated over countless past lives as a Bodhisattva. According to the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, Aparmita, through the power of his good deeds, created a pure heavenly realm where he now dwells along with his innumerable divine disciples, enjoying boundless and endless life. He promises that if any faithful man or woman calls upon him at the moment of death, he will appear, together with a multitude of blessed sages, and deliver the dying person to his Pure Land where they will live in the light of the Dharma, free from suffering and death.
Gesture and Attributes
Aparmita / Amitayus / Tsepame sits in perfect equanimity with his hands in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation. Both of his palms lie face up in his lap where they hold the ambrosia treasure vase that is his special emblem. His right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment, while his left hand, resting below, represents the world of appearance. Thus, Aparmita’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. His vase contains amrita, the elixir of awakening and immortality, and is adorned with leaves of Ashoka, a sacred flowering tree. This vase, along with its contents and adornments, symbolizes Aparmita’s compassionate gift of a long life free from sickness and suffering.
About this Hand Painted Tsepame Sculpture
This captivating sculpture represents Aparmita/Tsepame, masterfully crafted from copper alloy using the meticulous lost wax method. Gilded with 24-karat gold and adorned with a hand-painted face, the statue exudes a rich, alluring finish. The intricate hand carvings, enhanced by the golden touch and beautiful hand painting, impart a lifelike quality to the sculpture.
Aparmita/Tsepame is adorned with a finely carved five-pointed crown and elegantly detailed ornaments, embodying the attributes of a Bodhisattva in his Bestower of Longevity aspect. The Bodhisattva’s robes are exquisitely carved with flowers, winding vines, and a Kalasha. The lotus base is also beautifully hand-carved, with a striking Vajra lying horizontally in the middle, surrounded by winding vines. The overall hand-painted face, combined with the blend of 24-karat gold and beautiful color combinations, elevates the sculpture’s special, beautiful, and ritualistic essence.
This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, renowned as some of the best craftsmen in the world. These artisans are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down through generations since ancient times, ensuring that each piece is crafted with the utmost skill and reverence.
This sculpture not only stands as a testament to the exceptional artistry of the Shakya clan but also as a beacon of spiritual and cultural heritage.
