Hand Made Copper Alloy in Oxidation Finish 8.75" Amitabha Buddha / Opame Statue

Amitabha Buddha / Opame 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 statue is a charming portrayal of Amitabha Buddha, also known as Opame. Finely sculpted from copper alloy, the statue has undergone an oxidation process that has resulted in a rich, sensuous patina. The Buddha sits gracefully in meditation upon a lotus throne, embodying the serene majesty of one who has attained self-mastery. With his head slightly inclined, he appears to smile with a secret inner joy, evoking feelings of encouragement and happiness in the observer.

This exquisite sculpture was handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are renowned as some of the finest in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The intricate metalworking techniques they employ have been meticulously passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, preserving the rich cultural heritage of their craft.