Amitabha The Buddha of Infinite Life

Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Life, is represented here in his traditional iconography. He sits in the diamond posture, with both hands flat in the contemplation gesture, holding a vase of elixir of immortality with a stylized "tree of life" on top of it

Amitabha is extremely popular in Tibet since his special ability is to prolong life. Many Buddhists commission images of him in both sculpture and painting in order to gain merit and an assured long life.

The teachings and rituals associated with Amitabha Buddha originated very early in India. According to some Tibetan scholars, Amitabaha was introduced into Tibet by Padmasambhava in the eighth century.

References:

Getty, Alice. The Gods of Northern Buddhism. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1978.

Lipton, Barbara, and Ragnubs, Nima Dorjee. Treasures of Tibetan Art: Collection of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.

Rhie, Marylin M. & Thurman, Robert A.F. Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet. London: Thames and Hudson, 1996.

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