Hand Made Copper Alloy in Oxidation Finish 7.5" Amitabha 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 statue is a captivating portrayal of Amitabha, meticulously sculpted from copper alloy and treated with an oxidation process that imparts a rich, sensuous finish. Seated gracefully in meditation upon a lotus throne, the Buddha exudes the calm majesty of one who has attained ultimate mastery. His head is slightly inclined, and a gentle smile plays on his lips, radiating a secret inner joy that inspires feelings of encouragement and happiness in those who behold it.

The robes of Amitabha are exquisitely detailed, adorned with intricate hand carvings that reflect the exceptional skill of the artisans. The back of the sculpture is particularly remarkable, featuring elaborate carvings of beautiful flowers and winding vines, each element meticulously crafted with care. The overall oxidation finish imbues the statue with a pleasing warmth, inviting the viewer to linger and find solace in its serene presence.

This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are renowned for their unmatched expertise in metalworking. These craftsmen, the modern heirs of a centuries-old tradition, continue to create sacred art that adorns temples and monasteries around the world. Their fine metalworking techniques, passed down through generations, are evident in every detail of this statue, making it a true testament to the enduring legacy of the Shakya clan.