The Buddha of the Western Paradise
Buddha Amitabha (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Buddha Amitabha and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Buddha Amitabha (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Opagme (Tibetan)
Buddha Amitabha benefits beings on many levels, especially by transforming the energy of desire into that of enlightenment. The highest level practitioner of Amitabha will gain enlightenment during the era of Shakyamuni’s teachings. The lower scope practitioner will be able to take rebirth in places where Amitabha’s or Avalokiteshvara’s practice is prevalent, in order to continue their spiritual journey. The medium scope practitioner will have the fortune to take rebirth from a lotus in Sukhavati Paradise in the presence of Amitabha, receiving a prophecy of their impending enlightenment from Amitabha himself.
Amitabha practice is very strong both in Tibet and China. In China there are many schools of Amitabha practice and his practice is highly revered as it is known to be efficacious. Chinese Buddhists, when meeting or parting with another person, salute each other by saying ‘Namo Omitofuh’ which means ‘Praise to Amitabha’. This is to constantly recognise the inherent nature of Amitabha in all beings they encounter. Buddha mentioned clearly that all of us have the seed of enlightenment, we just need to recognise this. Reciting the sutra and mantra of Amitabha diligently with great faith combined with certain layman’s vows creates the causes of taking birth in what is known as the ‘Western Paradise’ of Amitabha. Practitioners of this path are said to have no fear at the time of death as Amitabha will with an entourage escort the practitioner there personally.
He represents the awakened aggregate of mental discernment and purifies desire, hence he is red in colour. He is also deeply connected with the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden as he resides on the highest floor of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. Therefore, all who rely on Dorje Shugden for assistance against their obstacles and negative karma are also spiritually connected with Buddha Amitabha.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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