Vintage Chinese Gilt Bronze Amitayus Buddha of Infinite Life Statue 無量壽佛

Vintage Chinese Gilt Bronze Buddha
Amitayus 無量壽
Buddha of Infinite Life
Origin: China. Circa: early-mid 20th century
H 9.25 in. (23.5cm), W 6 in. (15cm), D 4 in. (10cm)
Condition: abrasions, overall very good

Amitayus is one of the five Dhyani Buddhas, along with White Tara and Ushnishavijaya they are the trinity Buddhas of Eternal Life. Amitayus is the Infinite Life Buddha 無量壽佛, an aspect of Amitabha Buddha, the Infinite Light 无量光佛. Amitayus represents the regenerative principle (renewable energy) of nature in a timeless universe.

As described in scriptures, Amitayus Buddha has the appearance of a youth of 16 years, slim, well proportioned with long black flowing hair, seated in the vajra posture. Here he is seated atop of a rounded throne encircled with two rows of lotus petals. The statue is Mongol/Qing style, well cast and finished with hand chasing foliate patterns, his face is alert, and eyes are gazing downward in meditation, with hands folded in dhyana mudra, he holds a vase of immortal nectar. The essential message of the Buddha of infinite life is to be affixed in concentration. He invites us to withdraw our external senses and focus inward. By meditating on Amitayus, delusion and disease transformed into the wisdom of discernment.