Japanese Art: The Amida Buddha
by Persons familiar with Buddism or with Japanese art will know of the Amida Nyorai, or Amida buddha.
The statue known as Amida Nyorai has special significance in Buddhism. Amida Nyorai is a fully enlightened being, or Buddha. In Buddhism it is thought that there are many enlightened beings who are like the original historical Buddha.
Buddha Amitabha-Image via Wikipedia
Tourists who visit Japan may visit shrines and temples during their trip to Japan. Tourists who visit the Byodo-in temple will be able to see Amida Nyorai or Amida Buddha in its original resting place. The statue was made for the Byodo-in temple in the 11th century, by an artist known as Jocho.
Image via Wikipedia
The sculptor would have been familiar with Buddhist teachings and his work portrays ideas which are a part of Buddhism. Every part of the Amida buddha has some significance to Buddhist audiences.
Amida Nyorai is seated in the cross-legged lotus position. The lotus position represents the purity traditionally symbolized by the lotus flower.
Image via Wikipedia
The bun on top of the statue’s head represents enlightenment. The clothes the statue is dressed in are monk’s robes.
The hand gestures on the Amida buddha have significance. In fact, the positioning of the hands in each statue of the Buddha has meaning to Buddhists. The hands of the Amida Nyorai are positioned to show meditation and balance. Buddhists regard meditation and balance as the way to achieve enlightenment.
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Post CommentDreamy777
On July 16, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Awesome post
Rosettaartist1
On July 16, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Great art.
sambasivarao
On July 16, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Very interesting post.
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Thanks Dreamy
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Hi Rosetta
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Hi Samba
neopisiva
On July 16, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I generally like Japanese arts…:)
Jimmy Shilaho
On July 16, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Beautiful Sharifa, sometimes forget you are Jamaican.
Atanacio
On July 16, 2011 at 3:15 pm
a very good share my friend
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Hi Neo
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Jimmy, although Christianity is the dominant religion, there are many different religious groups in Jamaica living in harmony in Jamaica
I am a Christian
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Thank you Frank.
mphsglo
On July 16, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Very nice. The pictures are very pretty.
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 16, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Hi Mph
wonder
On July 17, 2011 at 12:21 am
Good pieces of art and aestheticism.So Divine, yet moderate. I have a sleeping Buddha at home.
LewSethics
On July 17, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Beautiful article, although the picture with the three Buddhas confused me. What is their significance to the Amida Nyorai Buddha?
The Soul Explorer
On July 17, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Good share. Thanks!
Cassle Tang
On July 17, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Very inspiring post about Amida Buddha. I never knew the meaning of lotus position, so I’m glad to know it. Very artistic and nicely illustrated article about Amida Buddha. Great job.
pattiann
On July 18, 2011 at 4:54 am
I am Roman Catholic, but have always been interested in Buddhism. Thank you for sharing.
CHIPMUNK
On July 18, 2011 at 6:50 am
Awesome
Melody SJAL
On July 18, 2011 at 10:00 am
Pretty interesting.
Francois Hagnere
On July 18, 2011 at 10:52 am
I love these Buddhas. A truly beautiful post. Thank you Sharifa.
mona rastogi
On July 18, 2011 at 11:30 am
Awesome post
Michal Dorcak
On July 20, 2011 at 10:26 am
Another new thing I learned, never heard of this art.
SharifaMcFarlane
On July 20, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Lew,
The Amida Nyorai has different names in different cultures. One of the other popular names is Amitabha.
In the picture, the Amida Nyorai is in the center, flanked by his two assistants.
yes me
On July 26, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Cheers pal
SharifaMcFarlane
On August 20, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Cheers Matt
Master Yeh
On May 3, 2012 at 1:45 am
Wu Tai Fo Mi Le