Traditional features of our Tibetan Tsepame statue (Amitayus) include the urna, the third eye of wisdom between the brows, indicating that Tsepame has achieved the state of perfected wisdom, and the topknot of gathered hair rising above his crown, crowned with a gold finial. His blue-black hair falls in painted tresses over both shoulders — a distinctive feature of Amitayus iconography — framing a delicately hand-painted face with arched teal brows and lips finished in red. Tsepame sits in vajra (full lotus) pose; vajra is a Sanskrit word translating as diamond or lightning bolt, a symbol of indestructible virtue. Long ribboned scarves loop around both elbows and flare outward into stylized swirls at either side of his knees, lending the fully fire-gilded figure a sense of celestial movement.
Our Nepali master artisans created the statue with the crown and jewelry of a Bodhisattva: a five-pointed crown, large circular earrings, layered beaded necklaces, armbands, and wristlets. At the request of the buyer, we would be happy to adorn the crown and jewelry with turquoise and red coral stones before delivery, at no extra charge. The statue will wear the colors well and inspire all who see it.
Tsepame Statue Tibetan Longevity Rituals
The most prominent feature of our Tibetan Tsepame statue is the ambrosia vessel resting on his upturned palms in the Dhyana Mudra — the long-life vase filled with the nectar of immortality, its lid rising into a tall ornamental plume. Tsepame statues serve as the centerpiece of Tibetan longevity rituals, because Tsepame is the embodiment of the longevity attribute of Amitabha Buddha. Buddhas and high-level Bodhisattvas have the ability to take any form necessary to ease the suffering of sentient beings, and Amitabha appears as Tsepame to grant long life to devotees — read more about this relationship in Amitayus, the Longevity Form of Amitabha.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Amitayus is one of the three long life deities alongside White Tara and Namgyalma, and longevity rituals centered on his statue are performed in the hopes of prolonging life, removing obstacles to practice, and creating the conditions for an auspicious rebirth. Learn more about long life deities — White Tara, Amitayus & Namgyalma, or find answers to common questions in our Amitayus Buddha Statues FAQ.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue and ritual item is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal's Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
