Material: Ceramic (Completed by professional lamas of this association through mantra chanting and consecration)

Dimensions: Maximum diameter approximately 10 cm, height approximately 9.5 cm

Description:

Amitayus (Sanskrit: Amitāyus, Tibetan: Tsepagme), also known as the Buddha of Immeasurable Life or the Buddha of Immeasurable Wisdom, is one of the most important deities in Tibetan Buddhism. He is an emanation or sambhogakāya form of Amitabha Buddha (Amitābha, the Buddha of Infinite Light), specifically emphasizing the aspect of "immeasurable life," symbolizing infinite life, vitality, and longevity. Amitayus is typically depicted with a red body, wearing a five-Buddha crown and bodhisattva adornments, his hands forming the meditation mudra, holding a **long-life vase** (or kalasha) filled with the nectar of immortality (amrita).

The vase itself originates from ancient Indian Buddhist tradition and is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Eight Symbols of Good Fortune). It is called the "treasure vase" or "wish-fulfilling vase," symbolizing perfect wisdom and merit, abundant wealth, and eternal life. In Tibetan Buddhism, the vase of Amitayus (the Buddha of Longevity) is particularly regarded as a vessel of the nectar of immortality, containing the essence of longevity, capable of bestowing longevity, removal of obstacles, health, and wisdom upon all beings. This vase is not only an object held by Amitayus but has also developed into an independent ritual implement, used in longevity empowerment ceremonies, mandala offerings, or home placement.

In Tantric rituals, the vase is often made according to terma (hidden treasure) texts (such as those of the Nyingma school), containing mandalas, medicinal herbs, gold and silver jewels, nectar pills, mantras, and other substances. After being blessed by high-ranking monks through rituals, it becomes a powerful blessed object.

How to Properly Offer an Amitayus Vase

Offering an Amitayus vase should be done with reverence, and it is best to follow the guidance of a guru. Here are the common correct methods:

1. **Placement**:

- Place it in your home shrine, altar, or a high, clean place (such as a tall cabinet in the living room). Avoid low places, bedrooms, or near the toilet.

- It can be placed in the wealth corner of your home (southeast corner) or in your company safe to increase blessings, longevity, and wealth.

- If it is a specially made longevity vase (such as one for the God of Wealth or specifically for longevity), it can be placed alone or in multiple places (vases blessed by different masters can coexist).

2. **Daily Offerings**:

- Offer clean water, fresh flowers, incense, lamps, milk, food (such as biscuits), and fruit daily (similar to offerings to the Buddha).

- Offer incense and recite the Amitayus mantra: **Om Amarani Jivanti Ye Svaha**, which can eliminate karmic obstacles and increase lifespan.

- If possible, practice the Amitayus ritual: visualize the nectar from the vase flowing into your body, filling you, restoring vitality, and prolonging your life. - Perform smoke offerings or tsog offerings regularly (e.g., on the 10th of each Tibetan month) to enhance blessings.

3. **Precautions**:

- Treat the vase as a mandala of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas; do not touch the mouth of the vase or invert it.

- Avoid allowing others to touch it casually; if it is touched, clean it with sandalwood oil or purify it with incense.

- When making offerings, generate Bodhicitta, praying for all beings to have long life, be free from illness, and be liberated from suffering and attain happiness.

- If participating in a longevity empowerment ceremony, the guru will sprinkle purifying nectar from the vase, bestowing blessings.

Proper offerings can bring benefits such as longevity, health, protection from disasters, enhanced family fortune, and auspicious wealth.

Meaning and Influence in Tibetan Buddhism

**Meaning**:

- **Longevity and Immortality**: The nectar inside the vase symbolizes immortal wisdom, which can purify karmic obstacles, overcome life-limiting hindrances, and prolong life, allowing practitioners more time to practice and attain enlightenment.

- **Perfect Merit and Virtue:** Represents the four activities of pacifying (curing illness), increasing (longevity and wealth), attracting love (good relationships), and subjugating (removing obstacles), with a particular emphasis on increasing longevity.

- **Compassion and Wisdom:** Amitayus, along with White Tara and Ushnishavijaya, are known as the "Three Deities of Longevity," collectively symbolizing compassionate salvation, removing obstacles, and prolonging life. The vase also connects to the Pure Land tradition, helping sentient beings to be reborn in the Pure Land or attain immortality.

- **Mandala Symbolism:** The vase is equivalent to the mandala of the deity, containing the five elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and space), absorbing the essence of the universe, and symbolizing perfect merit.

**Influence:**

Amitayus practices are extremely popular in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug), often used in longevity retreats (tsé drup), initiations, and longevity prayer ceremonies. High lamas such as Padmasambhava and Tsongkhapa have transmitted its teachings.

- For believers: It helps overcome illness and premature death, increases blessings and wisdom, improves feng shui, and brings prosperity to the family. Many temples hold longevity ceremonies annually, benefiting the community.

- Cultural significance: It influences Buddhism in Mongolia, Nepal, and other regions, and the vase is incorporated into folk customs (such as auspicious ornaments), symbolizing wealth and longevity.

- Spiritual significance: It emphasizes not only physical longevity but also "spiritual longevity"—extending opportunities for spiritual practice, accumulating merit, and ultimately attaining Buddhahood.

The Longevity Buddha Vase is a practical and auspicious blessed object in Tibetan Buddhism. Through offering and practice, it can bring vast benefits in both this life and the next. For deeper understanding, it is recommended to seek guidance and empowerment from a qualified master.

Note: This item is to be completely dedicated and sealed. It should not be opened. If opened, the dedication of the vase is lost, and its magnetic properties are dispelled.