Material: Red copper casting

Size: 30cm (approximate size)

Narrative:

Amitabha (Amitābha), meaning "Buddha of Infinite Light", also known as "Buddha of Infinite Life", is the Buddha in Buddhism who symbolizes infinite light and life. He is the leader of the Western Paradise, and is known as the "Three Holy Ones of the West" together with Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.

**Story and Origin**

According to the "Infinite Life Sutra", before Amitabha Buddha became a Buddha, he was a practitioner named **Fazang Bhikkhu**. After hearing the Dharma, he made the **Forty-eight Great Vows**, hoping to create a pure land without worries and sufferings, so that all sentient beings can escape the suffering of reincarnation and be reborn in the Pure Land. These wishes include:

1. May all sentient beings hear his name and thereby attain liberation.

2. May the Pure Land be free of suffering and filled with peace and light.

3. May all sentient beings who are reborn in the Pure Land quickly attain Buddhahood.

After countless kalpas of practice, the monk Dharmazang finally attained enlightenment, became Amitabha Buddha, and created the Western Paradise.

**SYMBOLS AND IMAGES**

The image of Amitabha Buddha is usually:

- **Golden body**: symbolizes brightness and majesty.

- **Hands in Dhāna mudra** or holding a lotus: represents guiding sentient beings to the Pure Land.

- **Lotus Seat**: symbolizes purity and freedom from defilement.

**BELIEF AND PRACTICE**

In Buddhism, chanting the name of "Namo Amitabha" is believed to eliminate karma, increase blessings, and ensure rebirth in the Pure Land. This practice method is simple yet profound, and is especially admired by Pure Land Buddhists.

The stories and teachings of Amitabha Buddha not only demonstrate the Buddhist pursuit of compassion and wisdom, but also provide a path to liberation for all living beings.