Hand Made Oxidized Copper Alloy 9" Amitabha/Amida Opame Buddha Statue

Amitabha Buddha Statue

 Amitabha – The Buddha of Infinite Light

According to the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, the magnificence of Amitabha surpasses that of all other great beings, thus he is known as the Buddha of all the Buddhas. Buddha Shakyamuni once said of Amitabha, "The majestic glory of his light could not be exhaustively described if I praised it continuously, day and night, for the period of one kapala."

Amitabha dwells in a pure celestial realm, created via the power of his infinite merit accumulated over countless lifetimes as a Bodhisattva. His light shines brilliantly from this celestial realm, pervading the entire universe. According to the Sutra, if sentient beings encounter his light, their defilements are removed; if they see his light, they are relieved and freed from affliction. At the end of their lives, beings who have faith in Amitabha reach emancipation, as he gives them rebirth in his Pure Land. And as Shakyamuni explains, "Sentient beings who are born in that Buddha-land all reside among those assured of nirvana."

Gestures and Attributes

Amitabha is depicted in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation, with both palms face up and lying in his lap. His right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment, while his left hand, resting below, represents the world of appearance. Thus, Amitabha's posture expresses his mastery over the world of appearance through enlightenment, and signifies the enlightened state of mind for which samsara and nirvana are one. In some representations, he holds the traditional begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl is filled with amrita, the elixir of awakening and immortality, and symbolizes Amitabha's infinite openness and receptivity toward all sentient beings.

About this Sculpture

This captivating statue is a masterful depiction of Amitabha Buddha, crafted by skilled artisans in Patan, Nepal. The figure is finely sculpted from a copper alloy and subjected to an oxidation process, resulting in a rich, sensuous finish that exudes warmth and beauty.

The Buddha sits gracefully upon a lotus throne, his expression serene and tranquil as he meditates. His slightly inclined head and subtle smile convey a sense of inner joy and encouragement, uplifting the observer's spirits.

The exquisite craftsmanship is evident in the intricate hand carvings adorning the Buddha's robes, showcasing the artisans' exceptional skill and attention to detail. The lovely oxidation finish lends a pleasing sense of warmth and liveliness to the statue, gently drawing the viewer in.

This sculpture is the product of a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations of master artisans from the Shakya clan, considered among the finest in the world. These skilled craftsmen have honed their metalworking techniques over time, creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. The captivating work of art is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nepali craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of Buddhist iconography. It invites the observer to linger, leaving thoughts of the world behind and prompting feelings of encouragement and happiness.