Amitayus Buddha: The Deity of Infinite Life, Longevity, and Compassion

Amitayus Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Life, symbolizes longevity, vitality, and spiritual prosperity. Amitayus represents the boundless compassion and wisdom that grants both physical and spiritual longevity, a timeless source of healing and peace. 

Who is Amitayus Buddha?

Amitayus is a celestial Buddha closely associated with Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Amitayus manifests as his aspect of long life and boundless vitality, particularly venerated in Tibetan Buddhism for health, rejuvenation, and protection from untimely death.

Amitayus is often invoked in long-life ceremonies, meditation practices, and through thangka paintings as a divine presence that bestows vitality, spiritual growth, and liberation from suffering.

Iconography and Symbolism

Every aspect of Amitayus is a sacred map of enlightenment. He is depicted sitting in quiet meditation; his deep ruby-colored body is a symbol of joy and supreme life force. 

• Color: Deep ruby or red, symbolizing power, vitality, and compassionate energy.
• Posture: Seated in meditation (vajra posture), embodying stability and inner stillness.
• Hands and Vase: He holds a long-life vase (kalasha) in his lap, filled with nectar, the elixir of longevity, and the essence of awakened life. 
• Crown and ornaments: Regal jewelry and a five-jewel crown, signifying enlightened dignity and connection to the five wisdoms.
• Expression: Calm, radiant, compassionate; reflecting the unshaken equanimity of an awakened mind. 

Symbolic meanings: 

Historical Origin and Spiritual Background

Amitayus is rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, especially in connection with Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land teachings. 

• Scriptural Source: As mentioned in texts such as the Sukhavativyuha Sutra and the Amitayurdhyana Sutra, which describe his vow to protect beings and extend their lifespan for spiritual growth.
• Tantric Expansion: In Vajrayana Buddhism, Amitayus became a central figure in long-life practices (tsewang), invoked to restore vitality and purify karma that obstructs life. 
• Iconic in Tibetan Tradition: Revered by Tibetan masters such as Guru Padmasambhava and Je Tsongkhapa, who transmitted long-life empowerments (Amitayus initiations) through unbroken lineages.
• Connection to Amitabha Buddha: Regarded as the sambhogakaya (enjoyment body) form of Amitabha, the compassionate manifestation of his infinite light transformed into life energy.
• Role in the Long-Life Trinity: Often invoked alongside White Tara and Ushnishavijaya, forming the triad of deities dedicated to longevity and spiritual vitality.
• Symbol of inner renewal: Beyond physical longevity, Amitayus represents the continuity of awareness and compassion, the “immortal life” of an enlightened mind.
• Living practice: His sadhana, mantras, and thangkas continue to be used by practitioners seeking healing, vitality, and a deeper connection to enlightened consciousness.

Invite this timeless energy and spirit with this authentic Amitayus Buddha Thangka art. 

Amitayus and Amitabha Buddha: Two Faces of Infinite Enlightenment

In Mahayana Buddhism, Amitabha and Amitayus are often regarded as two aspects of the same enlightened being.

Amitabha and Amitayus are both the Buddha of Infinite Light, representing boundless compassion and wisdom, and longevity, healing, and the extension of spiritual life, respectively. 

In the Mahayana concept of the three bodies (Trikaya) of a Buddha:

• Amitabha is considered the Nirmanakaya (manifest form body), typically depicted in monk’s robes holding a begging bowl.
  
  
• Amitayus is regarded as the Sambhogakaya (enjoyment or celestial form body), often depicted wearing ornate jewels and holding a vase of amrita (nectar of immortality).

In Buddhist iconography, Amitabha is depicted as peaceful and monk-like, while Amitayus appears regal, adorned with a crown and jewels. Both are central figures in Pure Land Buddhism: Amitabha as the founder of the blissful Pure Land (Sukhavati) and Amitayus as the embodiment of life, vitality, and healing within that realm. 

Amitayus is considered the emanation or expanded aspect of Amitabha, emphasizing infinite life alongside infinite light. In Tibetan Buddhism, the distinction is clear, but both are venerated as immensely powerful and compassionate Buddhas who aid beings toward enlightenment. 

Explore our collection of Amitayus Thangka paintings, each crafted to embody the blessings of vitality and serenity.

Mantra of Immortal Light

The sacred mantra of Amitayus Buddha resounds with the vibration of healing, renewal, and timeless life force: 

Om Amarani Jiwantiye Soha, where Amarani means "deathless one" or "immortal essence," referring to the undying, infinite life energy of Amitayus. Jiwantiye means “for life” or “bestowing life,” invoking the Buddha’s power to sustain, protect, and prolong vitality. 

This mantra is a profound spiritual invocation that aligns the practitioner with the infinite, life-giving energy of Amitayus. Through its recitation, one purifies karmic obstacles, revitalizes body and mind, and cultivates long life, radiant health, and spiritual growth. Beyond the wish for physical longevity, the mantra awakens the “deathless” consciousness, connecting the practitioner to the eternal flow of life and enlightened awareness.

Also, Amitayus practice encompasses mantra recitation, visualization, offerings, and long-life empowerments, all aimed at purifying karma, restoring vitality, promoting well-being, and guiding consciousness toward peaceful rebirth.  

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Amitayus Buddha?

Amitayus Buddha, also known as the Buddha of Infinite Life, is a revered long-life form of Amitabha Buddha in both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. He embodies the qualities of longevity, merit, and wisdom. In sacred imagery, Amitayus is often depicted seated in deep meditation, holding a vase filled with the nectar of immortality, a symbol of boundless vitality and life energy. Practitioners invoke Amitayus to cultivate long life, good health, and spiritual well-being. 

2. Is Amitayus the same as Amitabha?

Amitayus Buddha and Amitabha Buddha are understood as two aspects of the same enlightened being. Amitabha means “Infinite Light” and embodies boundless wisdom and compassion, while Amitayus means “Infinite Life” and represents the qualities of longevity and vitality. In essence, Amitayus is the long-life manifestation of Amitabha Buddha. 

3. What does Amitayu’s long-life vase contain and represent?

The long-life vase held by Amitayus contains amrita, the sacred nectar of immortality. This nectar symbolizes the pure essence of life, healing, and spiritual vitality. The vase itself represents Amitayus’s power to dispel illness, obstacles, and untimely death, bestowing health, longevity, and the life force needed to continue one’s spiritual journey toward enlightenment. 

4. Does Amitayus grant immortality?

Amitayus does not grant physical immortality but rather spiritual longevity and the removal of obstacles that shorten life. Through Amitayus practice, meditation, and mantra recitation, practitioners cultivate merit, vitality, and wisdom, extending their lifespan and creating the conditions necessary for spiritual realization. His blessings represent the awakening of eternal spiritual life that transcends the cycle of birth and death (samsara). 

If you felt connected, I warmly invite you to explore our collection of sacred art of Amitayus Buddha at Buddha’s Art of Healing. Each thangka is created with devotion and intention to help you connect more deeply with eternal life and spiritual life force.