This month, Nai Mu, Ticy City’s spiritual guru, invites you to mark your calendars for December 17, which coincides with the 17th day of the 11th month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This day is significant as it celebrates the birth of Amitabha Buddha.
“Nam Mo Ho Ni To Huk” – “I bow in reverence to the Buddha of the Pure Land, radiant with infinite light and boundless longevity.”
Join Nai Mu as we visit both Chinese and Vietnamese temples to pay our respects to this revered Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism.
Who is Amitabha Buddha?
The name “Amitabha” means “Infinite Light,” and “Amitayus” means “Infinite Life.” Amitabha Buddha is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, alongside Vairocana Buddha, Akshobhya, Ratna-sambhava Buddha, and Amoghasiddhi Buddha. Each of these Buddhas embodies a different aspect of enlightenment and is regarded as an emanation of the primordial Buddha.
In Mahayana temples, three Buddhas are commonly enshrined:
- Dhyani Buddha (Amitabha Buddha)
- Human Buddha (Sakyamuni Buddha)
- Sambhogakaya Buddha (Phra Bhaisajyaguru Vaitoonprapha or Medicine Buddha)
At the center of these altars is Sakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha, often depicted delivering teachings or holding a wish-fulfilling jewel. To his right stands Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of infinite light, who holds a red lotus in his hand. To his left is Phra Bhaisajyaguru Vaitoonprapha, the Medicine Buddha, who is associated with healing and compassion, often shown with a pagoda, an alms bowl, or a water jar.
The Pure Land of Sukhavati
Amitabha Buddha resides in the Pure Land, or Sukhavati, located billions of miles west of our world. This heavenly realm is a paradise of unmatched beauty, filled with golden soil, crystal-clear lakes, jeweled trees, and the sound of celestial music. It is said that anyone reborn in this Pure Land will inevitably reach full enlightenment.
Legend has it that Amitabha Buddha was once a king named Dharmakara. After renouncing his throne, he became a monk and vowed to create a paradise where all beings could achieve enlightenment. After countless eons of spiritual practice, he fulfilled his vow, establishing the Pure Land through 48 sacred oaths.
The Cultural Influence
The story and teachings of Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land tradition likely arose from the cultural exchange between India and Persia. It is believed that early Persian deities, like Zurvan, the god of infinite time and light, influenced the development of the Pure Land. These ideas blended with Buddhist teachings, forming the basis of the Pure Land school, which emphasizes light, wisdom, and compassion.
The Celebration
On the birthday of Amitabha Buddha, devotees chant his name, “Nam Mo A Mi To Fo,” with the belief that by doing so, they will be guided to enlightenment in the Pure Land. The practice is said to ensure that Amitabha Buddha, along with his two bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta, will guide the souls of those who recite his name at the time of death.
So, remember to mark December 17 on your calendar and join us in honoring Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of infinite light and life.
Story by: Nai Mu
