Three Bodhisattvas of Long life in Buddhism: How They Are Worshipped For Longevity

Among the countless enlightened beings who guide sentient life, three Bodhisattvas stand as guardians of longevity and spiritual endurance. 

Their blessings are said to prolong life, purify obstacles, and fill the heart with timeless awareness, reminding us that longevity is not the absence of death but the presence of purpose. 

Let’s look into who the three bodhisattvas of long life are and why they are revered for longevity. 

Who are the Three Bodhisattvas of Long Life?

In Buddhism, longevity is not just about living longer; it’s about living with purpose. A long life provides valuable time to practice Dharma, cultivate compassion, and benefit others. As the Buddha taught, human life is rare and precious, and maintaining it with health and clarity is a blessing that should not be taken for granted.

To protect and preserve this precious life, Buddhist traditions, particularly those of Mahayana and Vajrayana, call upon the blessings of three enlightened beings, known as the Three Bodhisattvas of Long Life: Amitayus, White Tara, and Namgyalma.

Each deity embodies a distinct aspect of longevity:

• Amitayus, the Buddha of infinite life, symbolizes vitality and the wisdom that transcends time.
• White Tara: The motherly protector, she represents compassionate healing and long-lasting well-being.
• Namgyalma: The victorious goddess represents purification and triumph over the causes of premature death. 

Together, they form the Triad of long-life deities, a union of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual power that supports both physical vitality and inner awakening.

1. Amitayus: The Buddha of Infinite Life

Among the three bodhisattvas of long life, Amitayus is the principal figure associated with long life. His name means “infinite life,” and he is regarded as a celestial aspect of Amitabha Buddha. In Tibetan Buddhism, Amitayus is invoked not only for longevity but also for spiritual vitality, clear consciousness, and protection from untimely death. 

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Amitayus is depicted as a serene Buddha seated in full meditation posture upon a lotus throne. His body radiates a deep ruby-red hue, representing the life force and pure awareness. In his lap, he holds a vase filled with the nectar of immortality, a symbol of eternal life and rejuvenation. This nectar is believed to purify all defilements, heal illness, and restore the energy of body and mind. 

His mantra, “Om Amarani Jivantaye Soha,” is recited to purify karma that shortens life and to strengthen vitality and spiritual endurance. Practitioners often visualize Amitayus above their head, pouring the nectar of immortality into their body. This nectar fills every cell with radiant light, dispelling fatigue, fear, and negativity. 

Amitayus practice is also performed by lamas as a long-life empowerment (Tsewang), a ritual that transmits his blessings through visualization, mantra, and sacred substances. 

2. White Tara: Motherly Protector 

White Tara, also known as Sitara, is the feminine embodiment of compassion and a gentle protector of life. She is titled as “Mother of All Buddhas” and is revered as a compassionate, nurturing deity who embodies maternal care, healing, longevity, and protection. 

White Tara’s radiant white color symbolizes purity and serenity. She sits gracefully in a full lotus posture, with a calm and compassionate, motherly expression. Her seven eyes, on her forehead, palms, and soles, symbolize her all-seeing awareness and constant vigilance over the suffering of beings.

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She embodies the wisdom that understands all suffering and the compassion that seeks to heal it. Her mantra, “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Soha,” means, “May I be granted long life, merit, wisdom, and strength.” Through her meditation and mantra, practitioners seek long life, recovery from illness, and the stability needed to continue spiritual practice.

White Tara’s blessings are often invoked for those who are ill or facing life-threatening conditions. Her energy is believed to restore vitality, strengthen the life force, and create a protective field around practitioners. 

3. Namgyalma: The Victorious Goddess Over Death

The third deity, Namgyalma, also known as Ushnishavijaya, represents the purification of negative karma, especially the karma that can lead to a shortened life.

Namgyalma is depicted with three faces and eight arms, a form that represents her power to act in all directions for the benefit of beings. Her central face is white, the right face is yellow, and the left face is blue. These colors symbolize her vast power and her ability to address different aspects of existence.

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Her mantra, “Om Bhrum Soha Om Amrita Ayur Da Dai Soha,” and spiritual practice are considered among the most potent in Buddhist longevity rituals. The mantra of Namgyalam is often inscribed on prayer wheels, stupas, and sacred banners, spreading her blessings to all beings touched by the wind or sight of the symbols. 

Practitioners purify negative karma that may cause illness or untimely death through meditation and mantra recitation. This fosters a long and meaningful life that supports spiritual growth. 

Common Forms of Worship Across the Triad

 Each deity has specific practices; the general methods for worshipping them for longevity are similar:

1. Visualization (Sadhana): Worship usually begins with visualizing the deity, either above the head or in front of the practitioner. The deity is imagined as radiating healing light, which purifies the body and strengthens the flow of vital energy. 
   
   
2. Mantra Recitation: Chanting specific mantras is a key practice. The vibrations of these mantras are believed to carry the deity's blessings and power, helping to transform the practitioner's body, speech, and mind. 
   
   
3. Making Offerings: Devotees present offerings such as butter lamps, water, flowers, and incense to the deity's image or statue. These acts help cultivate a positive connection with the divine and accumulate spiritual merit. 
   
   
4. Receiving Blessings (Wang and Lung): Receiving the initiation (Wang) and transmission of teachings (Lung) from a qualified teacher is essential, as it ensures that the practice is properly guided and firmly rooted in the authentic lineage. 
   
   
5. Creating a Supportive Environment: Having a dedicated space for worship, such as an altar with a thangka or statue of the deity. This will serve as a constant reminder and focus for devotion, helping to deepen and support one's spiritual practice. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Who are the three Bodhisattvas of long life?

The Three Bodhisattvas of Long Life are Amitayus, White Tara, and Namgyalma. They are revered for their blessings of longevity, health, spiritual vitality, and protection from obstacles that may shorten life. Practitioners often invoke these deities together in prayers, rituals, and meditations to cultivate not only a long and healthy life but also spiritual growth and wisdom. 

2. What does three Bodhisattvas of long life represent?

Amitayus, known as the Buddha of Infinite Light, represents boundless life, wisdom, and merit. White Tara embodies compassion and healing, granting health, protection from illness, and emotional strength. Namgyalma is a powerful female deity associated with purification, healing, and protection from untimely death. Through her sacred mantras and rituals, she removes obstacles to long life and fosters spiritual renewal.

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