Amida Buddha statue is one of the most respected of all the Buddhist Sculptures in Japan. Associated with the immense power of the lord, Amida Buddha statue is the statue of lord Buddha in a savior form. Amida Buddha statue highlights the after life and the life thereafter. For, reincarnation and rebirth is an integral idea of the religion called Buddhism.
Amida Buddha statue portrays one of the five major Tathagata forms of wisdom. Lord Buddha gained wisdom after a prolonged period of meditation. The wisdom thus earned formulates the postulates of Buddhism. Most of the Amida Buddha statue are made of bronze, silver and other metals. However, one can also find clay and marble Amida Buddha statues in the curio shops of Japan.
The famous Daibutsu figure of Lord Buddha is nothing but an Amida Buddha statue. According to the Mahayana Tradition of Japan, Amida Buddha statue is the most sacred of all the sculpted forms of Lord Buddha. The forty eight vows associated with Amida Buddha is still a part of the Buddhist priests and nun's induction ceremony in Tibet. With the concept of retrieval of Pure land being an integral part of Amida Buddha statue and tradition, one also finds deeper political and sociological importance in Amida Buddha statue.
History of Amida Buddha statue
Most of the specimens of Amida Buddha statue were already under construction in Japan during Prince Shotoku's time. Today most of the Amida Buddha statue are extensively used for the 90 day Circumambulation Ceremony. In this ceremony, most of the devotees walk around the Amida Buddha statue and chant the name of Amida Buddha. A standard Amida Buddha statue can be made of wood, marble, stone or even metal . One can notice an intricate background work along with the main Amida Buddha statue.The posture of Buddha is usually seated but one can also notice a standing Buddha with a blessing hand in Amida Buddha statues. |
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Most of the Amida Buddha statues can be seen with closed eyed Lord Buddha.
Amida Buddha statues can be found in major curio shops and boutique stores of Japan. One can also find Amida Buddha statue in traditional Buddhist temples. Associated with peace and omniscience, Amida Buddha statues can help in creating a peaceful milieu.
The intricately carved background of Amida Buddha statue is believed to have been influenced by traditional Hindu art as is seen in many of the temples of north India. Many historians are also of the opinion that Amida Buddha statues portray the best of Buddhist and Hindu sculpture form.
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