Aparmita / Amitayus Statue

 Aparmita – The Buddha of Infinite Life

Aparmita (also called Amitayus) is the name of Buddha Amitabha in his Bestower of Longevity aspect. He may be regarded as either a celestial Buddha or a fully realized Bodhisattva, having attained Buddhahood many eons ago as a result of his infinite merit accumulated over countless past lives as a Bodhisattva. According to the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life, Aparmita, through the power of his good deeds, created a pure heavenly realm where he now dwells along with his innumerable divine disciples, enjoying boundless and endless life. He promises that if any faithful man or woman calls upon him at the moment of death, he will appear, together with a multitude of blessed sages, and deliver the dying person to his Pure Land where they will live in the light of the Dharma, free from suffering and death.

Gestures and Attributes

Aparmita sits in perfect equanimity with his hands in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation. Both of his palms lie face up in his lap where they hold the abrosia treasure vase that is his special emblem. His right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment, while his left hand, resting below, represents the world of appearance. Thus, Aparmita'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. His vase contains amrita, the elixir of awakening and immortality, and is adorned with leaves of Ashoka, a sacred flowering tree. This vase, along with its contents and adornments, symbolizes Aparmita's compassionate gift of a long life free from sickness and suffering.

Iconography

Aparmita sits in perfect equanimity with his hands in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation. Both of his palms lie face up in his lap where they hold the abrosia treasure vase that is his special emblem. His right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment, while his left hand, resting below, represents the world of appearance. Thus, Aparmita'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. His vase contains amrita, the elixir of awakening and immortality, and is adorned with leaves of Ashoka, a sacred flowering tree. This vase, along with its contents and adornments, symbolizes Aparmita's compassionate gift of a long life free from sickness and suffering.

About this Sculpture

Finely sculpted from copper alloy, the statue has been submitted to an oxidation process to yield a rich and sensuous finish, this sculpture is a beautiful portrayal of Aparmita. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best 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 fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.