Amitabha Buddha
The Buddha of Infinite Light and Boundless Compassion
Who is Amitabha?
Amitabha (Sanskrit: Amitābha, Tibetan: འོད་དཔག་མེད་, Öpakmé) is one of the most revered Buddhas in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. His name means “Infinite Light,” symbolizing limitless wisdom, compassion, and the radiant power to guide all beings out of suffering.
He is the central figure of Pure Land Buddhism, and the ruler of the Western Pure Land (Sukhāvatī) — a realm of peace and bliss where beings can be reborn to pursue enlightenment free from suffering and distractions.
Symbolism and Iconography
Spiritual Significance
Amitabha embodies the pure aspiration to save all beings. His infinite vows ensure that anyone who sincerely recites his name (“Namo Amituofo”) with faith can be reborn into his Pure Land after death — a shortcut on the path to full enlightenment.
“Even the most troubled soul is not beyond Amitabha’s light.”
In Tibetan Buddhism, Amitabha is also considered the spiritual father of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) and associated with the lotus family — the enlightened family of love and compassion.
When to Call Upon Amitabha
Mantra
Sanskrit: Om Ami Dewa Hrih
Tibetan: ཨོཾ་ཨམི་དེ་ཝ་ཧྲཱིཿ
Reciting this mantra invokes Amitabha’s presence and blessings of peace, protection, and liberation.
Amitabha in Your Life
Incorporating Amitabha into your spiritual space—whether through a thangka, statue, or simple daily chant—is a way to invite light into darkness and compassion into every breath.
“In the quiet glow of Amitabha’s light, we remember that all beings are worthy of peace, and no heart is beyond healing.”