Amitabha Buddha is an important figure in many Buddhist traditions. The our antiquated Amitabha statue is based on the thousands of lifetimes he spent as the bodhisattva Dharmakara. As a result, he accumulated an infinite amount of merit and he acquired his own pure land called Sukhavati. To gain admission his followers only need to say his name or recite the Amitabha mantra 10 times – “Namo Amituofo”. Once admitted, devotees will never be allowed to fall back into the vicissitudes of samsara and they will receive mentoring until they become enlightened beings.
This antiquated Amitabha statue sits in full lotus pose on a single lotus pedestal. His hands are flat in his lap depicting the Dhyana “meditation” mudra. Additionally, the traditional alms bowl of a Buddhist monk sits in the palm of his right hand. The alms bowl of a Buddhist monk has a very special symbolic meaning. This is because the bowl symbolizes ultimate renunciation and it also holds the three nectars which eliminate the three poisons.
This antiquated Amitabha statue is depicted with the elongated ears, three neck lines, third eye of wisdom, ushnisha top knot and right turning hair coils. These are all markings of a Buddha and also indicate high social status in ancient India. Click here to learn more Amitabha Buddha.
