Amitayus
Amitayus Mandala
Buddha Amitayus is the main bodhisattva form-emanation of the fire-element, which is symbolized by the Buddha Amithaba and the according deities, called the lotus-family. In most Mandalas the fire-element has the color red, is associated with the western region of the universe and has the lotos or nectar-vase as it's symbol. The lotos stands for pure intentions of all activities, while the nectar vase, filled with the subtle life-energy (nectar) demonstrates the immense power of this element.
Because of the life extending energy and the possibility to gain rebirth on a lotos flower in one of his beautiful western paradises, He is the most popular Buddha not just in Tibet but also in China and Japan. There are hundreds of traditions, cults and sects centered around Amithaba/Amitayus. Some traditions (basically in Japan) associate Amithaba with the sun and make special ceremonies at sunrise and sundawn. Among His many peaceful and wrathful deity aspects some highly popular ones are Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) with the famous mantra OM MANI PADME HUNG, White Tara with the mantra OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA and the Red Dakini. Both The Dalai Lama and The Panchen Lama are seen as emanations of Amithaba. The Dalai Lama as a form-emanation of Chenrezig and The Panchen Lama as a form-emanation of Amithaba/Amitayus.
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Amitayus Mandala Descriptive Overlay
Amitayus Mandala with Descriptive Overlay