Amitabha Buddha

阿弥陀佛 Amitabha Buddha, (Sanskrit: Infinite Light), also Amitayus, Amida in Japan and Emituo Fo in China, is the fourth Dhyani (cosmic) Buddha of Pure Land School of Buddhism, China’s largest Mahayana school. When he gained enlightenment, he vowed to create a place with no suffering. Called the Western Paradise, it can be reached after death by all who call “Na Mo a Mi Tuo Fo” (“Devotion to Amita Buddha”) or chant his name sincerely in any language. They will be led there where they will be reborn, abide in a blissful state and learn Dharma taught by Amitabha. He bestows longevity and is often depicted in meditation holding a begging bowl. In the Ming he was a standing figure with a long right arm palms outward in varada mudra, the gesture of charity and his left at his chest holding a lotus blossom or incense pot. Images of the Amitabha Buddha often center Guanyin’s headdress acknowledging her spiritual connection to him.