Who is the Buddha Amitābha?

The Buddha Amitābha is one of the most widely revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism. The name means "infinite light". He is also called Amitāyus, "infinite life". In Chinese he is Amituofo, and in Japanese Amida. He is central to Pure Land Buddhism, practised by many millions of people in East Asia and beyond.

His vows

The story of the Buddha Amitābha is told in the Pure Land sutras. Long ago, a monk named Dharmākara made a series of great vows, traditionally numbered as forty-eight. He vowed to create a pure land, a realm where beings could live in ideal conditions for reaching awakening. One of the best-known vows promises that anyone who sincerely calls on him with faith and the wish to be reborn there will be welcomed.

After practising for countless ages, Dharmākara fulfilled his vows and became the Buddha Amitābha. His pure land, called Sukhāvatī, "the land of bliss", is described as lying far to the west.

The Pure Land

Sukhāvatī is described in rich images: jewelled trees, lotus ponds and birds whose songs teach the Dharma. These images are often read as expressing a realm without the troubles that make practice difficult in our world. Those reborn there are said to be sure of reaching full awakening.

Many teachers also present the Pure Land as pointing to the mind itself, purified of greed, hatred and delusion. Both understandings are found in the tradition.

Recitation of the name

The main practice linked with the Buddha Amitābha is recitation of his name. In Chinese it is Namo Amituofo, and in Japanese Namu Amida Butsu. Both mean "I take refuge in the Buddha Amitābha". People recite it aloud or silently, alone or together, often counting on a string of beads. It is also recited at the time of death, to help the dying person turn their mind towards the Pure Land.

Images and companions

The Buddha Amitābha is usually shown seated or standing, often with hands in a meditation gesture, and coloured red in Tibetan art. He is frequently shown with two bodhisattvas: Avalokiteśvara, representing compassion, and Mahāsthāmaprāpta, representing wisdom.

Across traditions

Although he is best known in East Asian Pure Land schools, the Buddha Amitābha is also honoured in Tibetan Buddhism, where practices for rebirth in Sukhāvatī are common. For many Buddhists, he stands for boundless compassion that is open to everyone.