Buddha Amitabha in Sukhavati, the Western Paradise-C2006-66-185

Buddha Amitabha, or Buddha of Boundless Light, presides over the pure realm of Sukhavati (the Realm of Bliss), one of five buddha fields, each with a resident guiding Buddha. Identified by his ruby red color and begging bowl filled with the nectar of immortality, Amitabha symbolizes the element of fire and the transmutation of desire and attachment. This thangka, in a golden brocade with subtle floral patterns, makes beautiful use of pastel colors to depict the seated Amitabha surrounded by the Eight Great Bodhisattvas as well as other buddhas and protectors. The pure realm is enclosed by a full circular rainbow—a Sukhavati composition that originates near Tashilunpo Monastery in Central Tibet, Tsang province. Amitabha is believed to have made 51 vows to lead all sentient beings to his pure realm. As a path to liberation from cyclic existence, many Buddhists pray to be reborn in Sukhavati.

See this Art of the Week up close in the current iteration of our Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room in the ongoing Sacred Spaces exhibition, on view until October 15, 2019.