Material: Copper casting. (The bottom can hold holy objects)

Size: Height 8 cm

Description:

The Buddha of Longevity (Tibetan: Tsewang Lhamo, Sanskrit: Amitāyus) is an important deity associated with longevity, health and vitality in Tibetan Buddhism. Its meaning and origin can be understood from the following aspects:

Meaning

1. **Longevity and Health**: The Buddha of Longevity is regarded as the deity that grants longevity, eliminates diseases and enhances vitality. By practicing the method of the Buddha of Longevity, believers pray to extend their lifespan, overcome health obstacles, and gain more time to realize the Dharma on the path of practice.

2. **Wisdom and Enlightenment**: The Buddha of Longevity not only represents longevity on the material level, but also symbolizes spiritual longevity, that is, the continuation of wisdom and the achievement of enlightenment. Its practice helps to remove obstacles in practice and enhance inner clarity and stability.

3. **Compassion and Blessing**: The Buddha of Longevity is one of the incarnations of Amitābha, belonging to the Lotus Division, and embodies the power of compassion and purification. Practicing the rituals of the Buddha of Longevity can help believers purify their karma and achieve balance and harmony of body and mind.

Origin

1. **Relationship with the Buddha of Longevity**: The Buddha of Longevity is the longevity aspect of the Buddha of Longevity (Amitabha), focusing on the continuation of vitality and health. In the Tibetan Buddhist tantras, the Buddha of Longevity has different manifestations, and the Buddha of Longevity is one of them, emphasizing the extension and purification of life.

2. **Tantric Tradition**: The practice of the Buddha of Longevity originated from the tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the tantric scriptures such as the Tsewang Tantra. These scriptures record the rituals, visualization methods, and mantras of the Buddha of Longevity (such as "Om Amarani Jiwangtiye Soha").

3. **Symbolism and Imagery**: The Buddha of Longevity is usually depicted as red, sitting on a lotus seat, holding a vase filled with longevity nectar, symbolizing the nourishment and continuation of life. Its image is associated with the qualities of the Padmasambhava, representing purity and compassion.

Practice

- **Rituals and Mantras**: Believers receive blessings by chanting the mantra of the Buddha of Longevity, visualizing its image, or participating in the initiation of the Buddha of Longevity. Practices usually include offerings, meditation, and prayers, aiming to purify the body and mind and prolong life.

- **Longevity Dharma Ceremony**: In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, longevity dharma ceremonies are held, especially on important festivals or when praying for someone, to enhance the blessing through collective practice.

Culture and Practice

The practice of the Buddha of Longevity is very common in Tibetan Buddhism, especially when praying for health, longevity, or for the blessings of a guru or loved ones. Many Tibetan Buddhists wear amulets of the Buddha of Longevity or offer thangkas of the Buddha of Longevity for protection and blessings.

In short, the Amitamu is not only a symbol of longevity and health in Tibetan Buddhism, but also the embodiment of compassion and wisdom. Its practice helps believers achieve balance and improvement on both the secular and spiritual levels.