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Amitabha Buddha is also one of
the five Tathagatas representing the wisdom of discriminating
awarenesses. When discriminating wisdom dawns on us, we realize
non-production or non origination of all things. He also
represents purified form of desire. Amitabha Buddha is red in
color. He is represented in a stupa facing to the west. He rides
on peacock symbolizing that he can take away the suffering of
others just as the peacock eats poisonous and yet his tail
shines forth.
Amitabha in Sanskrit means
immeasurable light or limitless light. He resides in the western
land of unlimited bliss. He is assisted by two Bodhisattvas viz.
Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamprapta.
When he was in Bodhisattva, he
was called Bhikshu Dharmakar. He made 48 vows to establish an
adorned land of unlimited bliss of ferry over those living
beings who recite his name. On the basis of those vows, any
living beings who have faith, makes vows, and practices
diligently he will be received by this Buddha and will be reborn
in the land of unlimited bliss.
Amitabha Buddha presides over the
Bhadrakalpa i.e. fortunate aeon. He always exhibits Dhyana mudra.
He belongs to lotus family. He originates from seed syllable
Hrih. He can be recognized by the symbol of lotus.
With his
extensive vows and great compassion, this Buddha has ferried
over innumerable sentient beings. The recitation of the name of
Amitabha Buddha is a common practice in China and Japan. In
Tibet too, devotees recite very often the prayers to be reborn
in the land of Amitabha Buddha.
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