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59-579: Reciting this mantra is believed to grant the reciter a peaceful and joyful life in this life, and allow them to be reborn into the Buddha Amitabha's buddha-field of Ultimate Bliss . It can also be recited to help the spirits of the animals that a person has killed in the past, including poultry, game, aquatic creatures, insects, etc. to ascend to a higher spiritual realm. The mantra was translated from Sanskrit into Chinese by Guṇabhadra ( Sanskrit ; Chinese : 求那跋陀羅, 394–468) from central India. It

118-703: A sutra is the Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra , translated into Chinese by Lokakṣema in 179 CE, with the discovery of a Gandhari language fragment of that sutra announced in 2018. Jeff Wilson writes that over a fifth of the sutras in the Taishō Tripiṭaka reference Amitābha, but three sutras in particular have become seen as canonical in East Asian Buddhism: Amitābha is understood as the Buddha of comprehensive love. Amitābha's pure land

177-473: A ceremony called "the Three Refuges and Five Precepts " to become Buddhist. Since the period of Early Buddhism , devotees expressed their faith through the act of taking refuge, which is threefold. These are the three supports or jewels in which a Sutrayana Buddhist takes refuge: In this, it centres on the authority of a Buddha as a supremely awakened being, by assenting to a role for a Buddha as

236-599: A compound of amita ("infinite") and āyus ("life"), and so means "he whose life is boundless". In Chinese, 阿彌陀佛 , pronounced "Ēmítuófó", is the Chinese pronunciation for the Sanskrit name of the Amitābha Buddha (Amida Buddha). The "e mi tuo" is the transliteration of the Sanskrit word "amita" which means "boundless" ( 無量 , "wuliang"). "Fo" is the Chinese word for "Buddha". In Vietnamese , Korean , and Japanese,

295-647: A pure land called Sukhāvatī ( Sanskrit : "possessing happiness"). Sukhāvatī is situated in the uttermost west, beyond the bounds of our own world. By the power of his vows, Amitābha has made it possible for all who call upon him to be reborn into this land, there to undergo instruction by him in the dharma and ultimately become bodhisattvas and buddhas in their turn (the ultimate goal of Mahāyāna Buddhism). From there, these same bodhisattvas and buddhas return to our world to help yet more people while still residing in his land of Sukhāvatī , whose many virtues and joys are described. The earliest known reference to Amitābha in

354-571: A teacher of both humans and devās (heavenly beings). This often includes other Buddhas from the past, and Buddhas who have not yet arisen. Secondly, the taking of refuge honours the truth and efficacy of the Buddha's spiritual doctrine , which includes the characteristics of phenomenon ( Pali : saṅkhāra ) such as their impermanence ( Pali : anicca ), and the Noble Eightfold Path to liberation. The taking of refuge ends with

413-536: Is a work of Kushan art , made during the Kushan Empire (30–375 CE), and was dedicated to "Amitābha Buddha" by a family of merchants. Gregory Schopen translates the inscription as follows: The 26th year of the Great King Huveṣka, the 2nd month, the 26th day. On this day by Nāgarakṣita, the (father) of the trader (Sax-caka), the grandson of the merchant Balakatta, the (son of Buddhapila), an image of

472-512: Is also called Amida Nyorai ( Japanese : 阿弥陀如来 , "the Tathāgata Amitābha") . In Tibetan, Amitābha is called འོད་དཔག་མེད་ Wylie : ' od dpag med , THL : Öpakmé and in its reflex form as Amitāyus, ཚེ་དཔག་མེད་ Wylie : tshe dpag med , THL : Tsépakmé . They are iconographically distinct. When in the descending standing position, Amitābha is often shown with left arm bare and extended downward with thumb and forefinger touching, with

531-640: Is an expression of determination to follow the Buddha's path, but not a relinquishing of responsibility. Refuge is common to all major schools of Buddhism. Since the period of Early Buddhism , all Theravada and mainstream Mahayana schools only take refuge in the Triple Gem. However, the Vajrayana school includes an expanded refuge formula known as the Three Jewels and Three Roots . In 1880, Henry Steel Olcott and Helena Blavatsky went through

590-945: Is called the Dhāraṇī of Amitāyus Tathāgata 無量壽如來根本陀羅尼 (Ārya Amitābha nāma dhāraṇī) or the Sarvatathāgatāyurvajrahṛdaya-dhāraṇī. It is found in various versions. Amoghavajra's Wuliangshou rulai guanxing gongyang yigui (無量壽如來觀行供養儀軌 T. 930) is "arguably one of the most influential Esoteric Pure Land texts in East Asia" according to Proffit. The Sanskrit of Amoghavajra's version is called Ārya Amitābha nāma dhāraṇī : Namo ratna-trayāya, Namaḥ āryāmitābhāyā, Tathāgatāyārhate samyak-saṃbuddhāya, tad yathā, Oṃ amṛte amṛtodbhave amṛta-saṃbhave amṛta-garbhe, Amṛta-siddhe amṛta-teje amṛta-vikrānte, Amṛta-vikrānta-gāmine amṛta-gagana-kīrti-kare, Amṛta-dundubhi-svare sarvārtha-sādhane, Sarva-karma-kleśa-kṣayaṃ-kare svāhā. The Sanskrit of

649-594: Is considered one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas known also as the Five Tathagatas together with Akshobhya , Amoghasiddhi , Ratnasambhava , and Vairocana . Amitābha is associated with the western direction and the skandha of saṃjñā , the aggregate of perception, or distinguishing, and the deep awareness of individuality. His co-equal is the female Buddha Pāṇḍaravāsinī . His two main disciples (the same number as Gautama Buddha ) are

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708-600: Is described as being in the West, and he works for the enlightenment of all beings (represented iconographically as a blessing Buddha). The Amitayurdhyana Sutra recommends and describes at length the practice of visualising Amitābha and the Pure Land. The other two sutras do not detail visualisation practices, and have been interpreted in different ways, such as the nianfo practice of repeatedly saying Amitābha's name. Other practices developed from these sutras include practices at

767-546: Is focused around Amitābha Buddha. In East Asian Pure Land traditions, the main religious practice is the recitation or chanting of the phrase 南無阿彌陀佛 ( Mandarin : Nāmó Ēmítuófó, Japanese: Namu Amida Butsu) which means "Homage to Amitābha Buddha". Amitābha is also known in Tibet , Mongolia , Nepal , India and other regions where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. In the Highest Yogatantra of Tibetan Buddhism, Amitābha

826-655: Is immortality, O he who transcends immortality, O he who transcends immortality, O sky goer, O fame maker (or "O he who moves in the glory of the sky"), Hail! Some versions have amṛtasiddhaṃbhave ("O he whose state of existence has accomplished deathlessness") instead of amṛtasaṃbhave. Oskar Von Hinuber cites other versions from Central Asia such as: namo amitābhāya tathāgatāya tadyathā amṛ[te am]ṛto-bhate amṛtasaṃbhave amitagaganakīrtakare svāhā and namo amitābhāya tathāgatāya tadyathā maṛte phu amṛte phu amṛtaviśodhane phu svāhā From CBETA's Gunabhadra edition ( Taisho 0368): The Sanskrit titles of this long version

885-442: Is infinite as the sky (amṛtagaganakīrtikare) Amit%C4%81bha Amitābha ( Sanskrit pronunciation: [ɐmɪˈtaːbʱɐ] ) is the principal Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism . He is also known as Amitāyus , which is understood to be his enjoyment body ( Saṃbhogakāya ). In Vajrayana Buddhism , Amitābha is known for his longevity, discernment , pure perception , and the purification of aggregates with deep awareness of

944-460: Is infinite". The name Amitāyus (nominative form Amitāyuḥ ) is also used for the Sambhogakāya aspect of Amitābha, particularly associated with longevity. He is mostly depicted sitting and holding in his hands a vessel containing the nectar of immortality. In Tibetan Buddhism, Amitāyus is also one of the three deities of long life (Amitāyus, White Tara and Uṣṇīṣavijayā ). Amitāyus being

1003-725: Is such that they are on the paths of learning and no more learning. Thus, for Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha jewel includes innumerable Buddhas (like Amitabha , Vajradhara and Vairocana ), not just Sakyamuni Buddha. Likewise, the Dharma jewel includes the Mahayana sutras and (for certain sects of Mahayana) may also include the Buddhist tantras , not just the Tipitaka . Finally, the Sangha jewel includes numerous beings that are not part of

1062-506: Is the "pulling out the fundamental cause of karmic obstacles". It brings about benefits for the reciter in this present life. Aaron Proffit explains the benefits of the long version of the dharani according to the tradition of Chinese Esoteric Buddhism as follows: Chanting this dhāraṇī one thousand times is said to purify all past karma, bestow rebirth in the highest level of Sukhāvatī, and produce visions of Sukhāvatī , Amitāyus Buddha, and assemblies of bodhisattvas. From these honored ones,

1121-465: Is the easiest way to distinguish them. Amitāyus is an emanation of Amitābha. Amitābha is the head of the Lotus family. In Vajrayana, Amitābha is the most ancient of the Five Tathagatas . He is of red color originating from the red seed syllable hrīḥ . He represents the cosmic element of "Sanjana" (name). His vehicle is the peacock. He exhibits Samadhi Mudra his two palms folded face up, one on top of

1180-559: Is usually recited 21, 27 or 49 times per day. In one type of group practice, participants usually recite this mantra three times after reciting the Heart Sutra or the Amitabha Sutra . The word "rebirth" tends to make people think that this mantra is only about "being reborn", and that it can only serve the particular purpose of going to the Pure Land. However, another positive and important function and meaning of this mantra

1239-522: The Ajitasena Sutra , Samādhirāja Sūtra and Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra . The appearance of such literature and sculptural remains at the end of the second century suggests that the teachings on Amitābha we becoming popular in the first and second centuries CE. Furthermore, there are sculptures of Amitabha in dhyani mudras as well as bronzes of Amitābha in abhaya mudra from the Gandhara era of

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1298-582: The Kalama Sutra , the Buddha explicitly argues against simply following authority or tradition , particularly those of religions contemporary to the Buddha's time. There remains value for a degree of trusting confidence and belief in Buddhism, primarily in the spiritual attainment and salvation or enlightenment . Faith in Buddhism centres on belief in the Three Jewels. In Mahayana Buddhism,

1357-524: The Brahmanical motif of a group of three refuges, as found in Rig Veda 9.97.47, Rig Veda 6.46.9 and Chandogya Upanishad 2.22.3-4. Lay followers often undertake five precepts in the same ceremony as they take the refuges. Monks administer the precepts to the laypeople, which creates an additional psychological effect. The five precepts are: A layperson who upholds the precepts is described in

1416-599: The Dhamma wheel . The Triratna can be found on frieze sculptures at Sanchi as the symbol crowning a flag standard (2nd century BCE), as a symbol of the Buddha installed on the Buddha's throne (2nd century BCE), as the crowning decorative symbol on the later gates at the stupa in Sanchi (2nd century CE), or, very often on the Buddha footprint (starting from the 1st century CE). The triratna can be further reinforced by being surmounted with three dharma wheels (one for each of

1475-640: The Shamarpas are considered to be emanations of Amitābha. In Shingon Buddhism , Amitābha is seen as one of the thirteen Buddhas to whom practitioners can pay homage. Shingon, like Tibetan Buddhism, also uses special devotional mantras for Amitābha, though the mantras used differ. Amitābha is also one of the Buddhas featured in the Womb Realm Mandala used in Shingon practices , and sits to

1534-593: The bodhisattvas Vajrapani and Avalokiteśvara , the former to his left and the latter to his right. In Tibetan Buddhism , there exist a number of famous prayers for taking rebirth in Sukhāvatī ( Dewachen ). One of these was written by Je Tsongkhapa , on the request of Manjushri . Amitābha is primarily invoked in Tibet during the phowa practices, or invoked as Amitāyus – especially in practices relating to longevity and preventing an untimely death. The Panchen Lamas and

1593-672: The Blessed One, the Buddha Amitābha was set up for the worship of all buddhas. Through this root of merit (may) all living things (obtain) the unexcelled knowledge of a buddha. Another early epigraphic mention of Amitabha (c. 610 CE) is found in Patan (Lalitpur) . It is a verse which states: I praise Amitabha, the best, dispeller of illusion by the light of great prajña . The light, victor who lives in Sukhavati with Lokesvara ,

1652-608: The Great Buddha of Kamakura ( 鎌倉大仏 ) at Kōtoku-in or the exposition mudrā, while the earth-touching mudrā (right hand pointed downward over the right leg, palm inward) is reserved for a seated Gautama Buddha alone. He can also be seen holding a lotus in his hands while displaying the meditation mudrā. There is a difference between Amitāyus and Amitābha. Amitāyus—the Buddha of Infinite Life—and Amitābha—the Buddha of Infinite Light—are essentially identical, being reflective images of one another. Sutras in which Gautama Buddha expounds

1711-555: The Mahayana approach, the buddha is the totality of the three kayas ; the dharma encompasses scriptural transmission (contained in the sutras and tantras) and the realization of one’s self-knowing timeless awareness (including the views, states of meditative absorption, and so forth associated with stages such as those of development and completion); and the sangha is made up of bodhisattvas , masters of awareness , and other spiritually advanced beings (other than buddhas) whose nature

1770-531: The Saṅgha. Dutiyampi Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       For the second time, I take refuge in the Buddha. Dutiyampi Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       For the second time, I take refuge in the Dharma. Dutiyampi Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       For the second time, I take refuge in the Saṅgha. Tatiyampi Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       For

1829-616: The Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana tradition. The Triratna ( Pali : ti-ratana or ratana-ttaya ; Sanskrit : tri-ratna or ratna-traya ) is a Buddhist symbol , thought to visually represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism (the Buddha , the Dhamma , the Sangha ). The Triratna symbol is composed of: On representations of the footprint of the Buddha , the Triratna is usually also surmounted by

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1888-417: The acceptance of worthiness of the community of spiritually developed followers (the saṅgha), which is mostly defined as the monastic community, but may also include lay people and even devās provided they are nearly or completely enlightened . Early Buddhism did not include bodhisattvas in the Three Refuges, because they were considered to still be on the path to enlightenment. Early texts describe

1947-525: The beginning of the day or of a practice session. Its object is typically the Three Jewels (also known as the Triple Gem or Three Refuges , Pali : ti-ratana or ratana-ttaya ; Sanskrit : tri-ratna or ratna-traya ), which are the Buddha , the Dharma , and the Sangha . Taking refuge is a form of aspiration to lead a life with the Triple Gem at its core. In early Buddhist scriptures, taking refuge

2006-402: The buddha Lokeśvararāja , renounced his throne. He then resolved to become a Buddha and to create a buddhakṣetra (literally "buddha-field", often called a "Pureland" or "Buddha Land": a realm existing in the primordial universe outside of ordinary reality, produced by a buddha's merit) possessed of many perfections. These resolutions were expressed in his forty-eight vows , which set out

2065-627: The destroyer of the fear arising in the world, bearer of the lotus, and Mahasthamaprapta , the affectionate-hearted one. Regarding textual evidence, the earliest Buddhist sutra mentioning Amitābha is the translation into Chinese of the Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra (般舟三昧經; Bozhōu Sānmèi Jīng ) by the Kushan monk Lokakṣema around 180. This text has been dated to between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE by modern buddhologists. Other early Mahayana texts mentioning Amitabha include

2124-463: The dharani in the Stein collection print is: Namo ratnatrayāya Nama āryāmitābhāya tathāgatāyārhate saṃyaksaṃbuddhāya Tadyathā: oṃ amṛte amṛtodbhave amṛtasaṃbhave amṛtagarbhe amṛtasiddhe amṛtateje amṛtavikrānte amṛtavikrāntagāmini amṛtagaganakīrtikari amṛtadun-dubhisvare sarvārthasādhani sarvakarmakleśakṣayaṃkari svāhā Aum, brum, hum English: Homage to the Three Jewels , Homage to

2183-640: The emptiness of all phenomena. Amitābha is associated with the Diamond Realm ( vajradhātu ), whereas Amitāyus is associated with the Womb Realm ( garbhakoṣadhātu ). According to the Larger Sūtra of Immeasurable Life , Amitābha was, in very ancient times and possibly in another system of worlds, a monk named Dharmākara. In some versions of the sūtra , Dharmākara is described as a former king who, having come into contact with Buddhist teachings through

2242-507: The faith of the people. On the other hand, they are not to take the task of inspiring faith to the extent of hypocrisy or inappropriateness, for example, by taking on other professions apart from being a monastic, or by courting favours by giving items to the laypeople. Faith in the three jewels is an important teaching element in both Theravada and Mahayana traditions. In contrast to perceived Western notions of faith, faith in Buddhism arises from accumulated experience and reasoning . In

2301-533: The first century, suggesting the popularity of Amitābha during that time. One of the last prayer busts of Amitābha can be found in the trademark black stone of the Pala Empire (c. 750–1161 CE), which was the last Buddhist empire of India. Refuge in Buddhism In Buddhism , refuge or taking refuge refers to a religious practice which often includes a prayer or recitation performed at

2360-477: The glories of Sukhavati, the Pure Lands, speak of the presiding Buddha sometimes as Amitābha and sometimes as Amitāyus. When depicted as Amitāyus he is depicted in fine clothes and jewels and as Amitābha in simple monk's clothing. They are also simply known as Amida in the Chinese and Japanese tradition. The image of the gold colored statue in the article is of Amitāyus as he is wearing a five-pointed crown, which

2419-566: The moment of death, call upon him. This openness and acceptance of all kinds of people has made belief in pure lands one of the major influences in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Pure Land Buddhism seems to have first become popular in Gandhara , from where it spread to China infused with Taoists and Confucian philosophy before spreading to Central and East Asia . The sutra goes on to explain that Amitābha, after accumulating great merit over countless lives, finally achieved buddhahood and created

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2478-493: The monastic sangha proper, including high level bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara , Vajrapani , Manjushri and so on. The most used recitation in Pali : Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       I take refuge in the Buddha. Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       I take refuge in the Dharma. Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       I take refuge in

2537-524: The noble Amitabha (Infinite Light), to the Tathāgata , the Arhat , the completely and perfectly awakened one ( samyaksambuddha ). Thus: Oṃ O immortality ( amrta ), O maker of immortality! O born of immortality! O essence/embryo (garbha) of immortality! O immortality perfecting one! O the brilliance (teja) of immortality! O he who goes beyond immortality! O he who goes beyond immortality and whose glory

2596-480: The other, lying on his lap. The lotus is his sign. When represented on the stupa, he always faces toward west. He is worshiped thinking that one can have salvation. The first known epigraphic evidence for Amitābha is the bottom part of a statue found in Govindnagar, Pakistan and now located at Government Museum, Mathura . The statue is dated to "the 26th year of the reign of Huviṣka " i.e., 104 CE. It

2655-525: The practitioner will hear all of the sutras and, at the moment of death, attain rebirth in Sukhāvatī, emerging from a lotus blossom at the rank of a bodhisattva. At the end of life, one will certainly attain rebirth in Sukhāvatī, see the Buddha, hear the Dharma, and quickly attain the highest level of bodhi. As in some of the other texts discussed previously, this dhāraṇī text describes a seven-jeweled chariot that transports one to Sukhāvatī. The Sanskrit term amṛta appears several times in this dhāraṇī and others. In

2714-499: The right and Mahāsthāmaprāpta on the left. This iconography is known as an Amitabha triad , and is especially common in Chinese , Japanese , and Korean art . Amitābha is said to display 84,000 auspicious and distinguishing marks reflecting his many virtues. Amitābha can often be distinguished by his mudrā : Amitābha is often depicted, when shown seated, displaying the meditation mudrā (thumbs touching and fingers together as in

2773-425: The right hand facing outward also with thumb and forefinger touching. The meaning of this mudra is that wisdom (symbolized by the raised hand) is accessible to even the lowest beings, while the outstretched hand shows that Amitābha's compassion is directed at the lowest beings, who cannot save themselves. When not depicted alone, Amitābha is often portrayed with two assistant bodhisattvas, usually Avalokiteśvara on

2832-499: The same Chinese characters used for Amitābha are used to represent his name, though they are pronounced slightly differently: In addition to transliteration, the name Amitābha has also been translated into Chinese using characters which, taken together, convey the meaning "Infinite Light": 無量光 (Wúliàngguāng). In the same fashion, the name Amitāyus ("Infinite Life") has been translated as 無量壽 (Wúliàngshòu). These translated names are not, however, very commonly used. In Japanese, Amitābha

2891-558: The saṅgha as a " field of merit ", because early Buddhists regard offerings to them as particularly karmically fruitful. Lay devotees support and revere the saṅgha, of which they believe it will render them merit and bring them closer to enlightenment. At the same time, the Buddhist monk is given a significant role in promoting and upholding faith among laypeople. Although many examples in the canon are mentioned of well-behaved monks, there are also cases of monks misbehaving. In such cases,

2950-560: The texts as a "jewel among laymen". In Tibetan Buddhism there are three refuge formulations, the Outer , Inner , and Secret forms of the Three Jewels. The 'Outer' form is the 'Triple Gem', (Sanskrit: triratna ), the 'Inner' is the Three Roots and the 'Secret' form is the 'Three Bodies' or trikaya of a Buddha . These alternative refuge formulations are employed by those undertaking deity yoga and other tantric practices within

3009-458: The texts describe that the Buddha responds with great sensitivity to the perceptions of the lay community. When the Buddha sets out new rules in the monastic code to deal with the wrongdoings of his monastics, he usually states that such behavior should be curbed, because it would not "persuade non-believers" and "believers will turn away". He expects monks, nuns and novices not only to lead the spiritual life for their own benefit, but also to uphold

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3068-510: The third time, I take refuge in the Buddha. Tatiyampi Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       For the third time, I take refuge in the Dharma. Tatiyampi Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.       For the third time, I take refuge in the Saṅgha. Except this there are various recitations mentioned in Pali literature for taking refuge in the Three Jewels. Brett Shults proposes that Pali texts may employ

3127-634: The three jewels are understood in a different sense than in Sravakayana or non-Mahayana forms of Buddhism. For example, the Buddha is usually explained through the Mahayana doctrine of the three bodies ( trikaya ). According to the Mahayana treatise titled Ratnagotravibhāga ( Analysis of the Jeweled Lineage ), the true meaning of the triple gem is as follows: According to the Tibetan Buddhist master Longchenpa : According to

3186-643: The three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha). The triratna symbol is also called nandipada , or "bull's hoof", by Hindus . A number of examples of the triratna symbol appear on historical coins of Buddhist kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent . For example, the triratna appears on the first century BCE coins of the Kuninda Kingdom . It also surmounts the depictions of stupas , on some

3245-480: The time of death, such as visualising Amitābha in the heaven (sun) over their head (Western horizon), think his name as a mantra, and leaving the body as a soul through the acupuncture point Bai Hui (百會). East Asian Buddhist traditions commonly invoke Amitābha's name in a practice known as nianfo ( 念佛 ) in Chinese and nembutsu in Japanese. This is the central practice of East Asian Pure Land Buddhism which

3304-846: The type of Pureland Dharmākara aspired to create, the conditions under which beings might be born into that world, and what kind of beings they would be when reborn there. In the versions of the sutra widely known in China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, Dharmākara's eighteenth vow was that any being in any universe desiring to be reborn into Amitābha's pure land ( Chinese : 淨土 ; pinyin : jìngtǔ ; Japanese pronunciation : jōdo ; Korean : 정토 ; romaja : jeongto ; Vietnamese : tịnh độ ) and calling upon his name with sincerity, even as few as ten times will be guaranteed rebirth there. His nineteenth vow promises that he, together with his bodhisattvas and other blessed Buddhists, will appear before those who, at

3363-458: The underlying Indic form: oṃ amṛta-teje hara hūṃ . The proper form of Amitābha's name in Sanskrit is Amitābha , masculine, and the nominative singular is Amitābhaḥ . This is a compound of the Sanskrit words amita ("without bound, infinite") and ābhā ("light, splendor"). Consequently, the name is to be interpreted as "he who possesses light without bound, he whose splendor

3422-510: The west, which is where the Pure Land of Amitābha is said to dwell. Amitābha is the center of a number of mantras in Vajrayana practices. The Sanskrit form of the mantra of Amitābha is oṃ amitābha hrīḥ ). An alternative Tibetan mantra is Om ami dewa hri (Sanskrit: oṃ amideva hrīḥ ). Amitabha's main mantra in Shingon Buddhism is Om amirita teizei kara um (Japanese: オン・アミリタ・テイゼイ・カラ・ウン ), which represents

3481-568: The Ṛg Veda this term refers to the elixir of eternal life. The iconography of and texts associated with Amitābha/Amitāyus often describe this buddha as one whose Dharma serves as the ambrosia that grants eternal life. This is also connected to great bliss (mahāsukha), which may refer in particular to the ultimate bliss attained through the practices found in the tantras. Sanskrit : English: Homage to Amitābha ("Infinite Light") Tathagata ("He who has gone to Thusness "). Thus: O producer of immortality ( amrita ), O he whose state of existence

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