Amitābha Buddha Tibetan Thangka Painting

Amitābha Buddha Thangka

This 100% hand-painted thangka, created in the Potala Palace of Tibet, uses masterful artistry and precise religious techniques to depict Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, protectors, and Buddhist teachings. Among the many thangka subjects, the Amitābha Buddha thangka holds a place of great importance. “Amitābha” translates as the “Buddha of Infinite Light” or “Buddha of Infinite Life,” and he is the guiding Buddha of the Western Pure Land (Sukhāvatī).

Specifications

• Size: 6 in × 8 in

• Canvas: Organic cotton

• Hand-painted: Crafted by artisans from the Potala Palace, Tibet

Significance of Amitābha in Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, Amitābha is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas (Five Wisdom Buddhas), representing the western direction and embodying the Wisdom of Discriminating Awareness. He is not only the principal Buddha of the Pure Land tradition in the exoteric teachings but also the tantric manifestation of Amitāyus, the Buddha of Infinite Life.
Therefore, Amitābha thangkas hold dual significance in both sutra (exoteric) and tantra (esoteric) traditions.

• Exoteric Depictions:
  Amitābha is often shown teaching in the Western Pure Land, surrounded by Avalokiteshvara, Mahāsthāmaprāpta, and countless pure beings born from lotus flowers. These scenes reflect the Pure Land tradition’s visualization practices and its vision of the blissful realm.

• Esoteric Depictions:
  Amitābha (as Amitāyus) may appear in bodhisattva attire, wearing celestial garments and jeweled ornaments. He is sometimes presented as the central deity of a tantric mandala, alongside protective deities such as Chakrasamvara or Yamāntaka, forming a complete tantric pantheon.