Item: Amitayus Buddha - Amitayus

Amitayus Buddha: In the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhism a buddha is described as having three bodies: a form body (nirmanakaya), an apparitional body (sambhogakaya) and an ultimate truth body (dharmakaya). Amitayus is in the apparitional body. The ultimate truth body is without appearance and does not appear in painting or sculptural art.

At the center is Amitayus, red in colour, peaceful in appearance having the general shape of a buddha figure but attired in the garb, crown and ornaments of a bodhisattva, or heavenly figure. He holds a golden long life vase in the palms of the two hands placed in the lap. The legs are folded together in vajra posture with the right leg placed over the left.

At the top center is Amitayus Buddha in Sambogakaya appearance accompanied at the sides by eight heavenly offering goddesses. At the bottom left is White Tara and on the right is Green Tara. At the bottom center are the symbolic offerings of the five enjoyments.

Jeff Watt 2-2011