Sunday, June 3, 2012

Gods And Goddesses: Amida


Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light, is referred to as the Japanese Amitabha, is who people turn to near death.  Amida Buddha, Amida Nyorai and Amida Butsu are also names to refer to Amida. He is often depicted meditating with his hands position in a manner where his thumbs are touching and fingers are together, sometimes depicts is of Amida holding a lotus. Depictions also show two attendants known as the Amida Sanzon.

People pray to Amida when someone they know is about to die as it is said Amida has the power to change death is life.  Chanting “Namu Amida Butsu” is said to help gain rebirth in what is known as the Pure Land Paradise and to reject anything which prevents obtaining Buddhahood.

Before Amida attained Buddhahood he was known as Hozo and made forty-eight vows, which is now the basis for the vows taken by followers, monks and nuns today.

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