Amitābha (Sanskrit: अमिताभ) is a revered Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Pure Land Buddhism. His name means "Infinite Light", and he is associated with boundless wisdom and compassion. Amitābha is believed to have created a Pure Land called Sukhāvatī, where beings who call upon his name with faith can be reborn and attain enlightenment.
In East Asian Buddhism, Amitābha is often depicted alongside the bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta. His practice, known as nianfo in Chinese and nembutsu in Japanese, involves reciting his name as a path to liberation.
His doctrine is especially prominent in Pure Land Buddhism, where followers seek rebirth in his Pure Land, Sukhāvatī, a realm of bliss and spiritual progress. Here are some key aspects of his teachings:
Amitābha Buddha's 48 vows are central to Pure Land Buddhism, outlining his commitment to creating a realm where beings can attain enlightenment with ease. These vows, recorded in the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, describe the conditions of his Pure Land, Sukhāvatī, and the salvation he offers to those who call upon him. Here are some key vows:
In East Asian Buddhism, Amitābha is often depicted alongside the bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta. His practice, known as nianfo in Chinese and nembutsu in Japanese, involves reciting his name as a path to liberation.
His doctrine is especially prominent in Pure Land Buddhism, where followers seek rebirth in his Pure Land, Sukhāvatī, a realm of bliss and spiritual progress. Here are some key aspects of his teachings:
- The Power of Faith: Amitābha vowed to save all beings who sincerely call upon his name. This practice, known as nianfo (Chinese) or nembutsu (Japanese), involves reciting "Namo Amitābha Buddha" as a way to cultivate faith and devotion.
- The Pure Land: Amitābha created a paradise where beings can be reborn and attain enlightenment more easily, free from suffering and distractions.
- Compassion and Infinite Light: His name means "Infinite Light", symbolizing wisdom, and "Infinite Life", representing boundless compassion.
- Accessible Enlightenment: Unlike other Buddhist paths that require rigorous meditation and discipline, Amitābha's teachings emphasize grace and devotion, making enlightenment accessible to all, even those with limited spiritual practice.
Amitābha Buddha's 48 vows are central to Pure Land Buddhism, outlining his commitment to creating a realm where beings can attain enlightenment with ease. These vows, recorded in the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, describe the conditions of his Pure Land, Sukhāvatī, and the salvation he offers to those who call upon him. Here are some key vows:
- No Suffering: His Pure Land will have no hell, hungry ghosts, or animals, ensuring a peaceful existence.
- Guaranteed Enlightenment: Those reborn in his Pure Land will never fall back into lower realms and will eventually attain nirvana.
- Golden Appearance: All beings in his Pure Land will have radiant, golden bodies, symbolizing purity.
- Divine Abilities: Residents will possess supernatural knowledge, including the ability to recall past lives and perceive distant Buddha lands.
- Infinite Light & Life: Amitābha vowed that his light and lifespan would be boundless, illuminating countless worlds.
- Effortless Salvation: Anyone who sincerely chants his name will be reborn in his Pure Land, regardless of their past karma.