Mahāsthāmaprāpta is a bodhisattva of great spiritual strength and wisdom, especially venerated in Pure Land Buddhism. His name means “Arrival of Great Strength,” and he symbolizes the power of wisdom that leads beings toward enlightenment.
He is most often seen as part of the Amitābha Trinity, alongside Amitābha Buddha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) and Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion). In this trio, Avalokiteśvara represents compassion, Mahāsthāmaprāpta represents wisdom, and Amitābha embodies boundless light and life. Together, they guide beings to rebirth in the Western Pure Land (Sukhāvatī)—a realm of bliss where enlightenment is easily attained.
In iconography, Mahāsthāmaprāpta is sometimes depicted holding a lotus or a water jar, and in East Asian traditions, he may appear with a pagoda in his crown. In Chinese Buddhism, he’s known as Dashizhi (大勢至) and is occasionally portrayed with feminine features, similar to Guanyin.
A beautiful story from the Śūraṅgama Sūtra tells how Mahāsthāmaprāpta attained enlightenment through mindful recitation of Amitābha’s name, showing the power of nianfo (念佛)—a core practice in Pure Land devotion.
He is most often seen as part of the Amitābha Trinity, alongside Amitābha Buddha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) and Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion). In this trio, Avalokiteśvara represents compassion, Mahāsthāmaprāpta represents wisdom, and Amitābha embodies boundless light and life. Together, they guide beings to rebirth in the Western Pure Land (Sukhāvatī)—a realm of bliss where enlightenment is easily attained.
In iconography, Mahāsthāmaprāpta is sometimes depicted holding a lotus or a water jar, and in East Asian traditions, he may appear with a pagoda in his crown. In Chinese Buddhism, he’s known as Dashizhi (大勢至) and is occasionally portrayed with feminine features, similar to Guanyin.
A beautiful story from the Śūraṅgama Sūtra tells how Mahāsthāmaprāpta attained enlightenment through mindful recitation of Amitābha’s name, showing the power of nianfo (念佛)—a core practice in Pure Land devotion.