Amitabha, Sanskrit word, literally means boundless
light and boundless life. Amitabha is the chief Buddha of the
Lotus (Sanskrit-Padma) family. He is also called the Buddha of
Immeasurable Light and the Buddha of the Western Paradise or the
Pure Land of Sukhavati (Tibetan - Dewachen). Amitabha has forty-eight
great vows to establish and adorn his Pure Land. Practitioners
of the Pure Land Schools of Buddhism (found in China, Hong Kong,
Taiwan, and Japan) believe that reciting the holy name of Amida
(Amitabha) Buddha with devotion will direct their consciousness
into his pure land after death. Amitabha Buddha emanates ruby
red light. Red symbolises love and compassion. Like the setting
sun, his radiant form warms and pacifies the hearts of all who
gaze at him. As head of the Lotus family, he represents gentleness
and openness. This reflects his boundless compassion and receptivity
enabling one to feel accepted and protected. His posture is one
of composure and stillness. There is a serene smile of blissful
wisdom on his face. Amitabha sits in the aspect of meditating,
encouraging the viewer to follow the essential teaching of the
Buddha, "to subdue one's mind".
|