Aparmita Buddha - One of the three Buddhist Deities of long-life

Tibetan Buddhist Deities and Masters

This article is about Aparmita Buddha – Who is He, the story of His origin, Iconography, and differences with Amitabha Buddha.

Buddha of Infinite Life, foremost guide for beings in this world,

Your glory overcomes all untimely death,

You are a refuge for those of us who suffer without protection—

To you, Buddha Aparmita, I pay homage!

Who is Aparmita Buddha?

Aparmita, or Amitayus, represents Amitabha Buddha’s aspect as the granter of longevity. The Infinite-Life Sutra proclaims that Aparmita Buddha’s formidable divine light is unparalleled among Buddhas. Aparmita is one of the three deities of longevity, alongside White Tara and Usnisavijaya.

The story of Aparmita’s origin

When Amitabha Buddha assumed leadership of Esoteric Buddhism, he recognized the difficulty living beings faced in achieving enlightenment. Despite their efforts and practice, many died young, unable to reach enlightenment. Concerned, he manifested as light and traveled in ten directions, calling upon all Buddha lights to unite with his own. As they merged, he became Aparmita Buddha, the granter of longevity.

Aparmita is a celestial or fully realized Buddha. He is also the “Crowned-Buddha”.

Iconography of Aparmita Buddha

Aparmita sits in Dhyana Mudra upon a lotus moon-disk, with his legs in the Vajra position. His hands rest on his lap, cradling a lavishly adorned ambrosia vase, which holds the elixir of life—water, saffron, and nectar pills—granting immortality. Atop the vase rest leaves from the Ashoka tree, signifying a life free from sorrow (shoka) or illness. Indeed, a long life plagued by illness or sorrow is more a curse than a blessing. Draping from the vase’s lid are four strands of beads, symbolizing sacred pills.

Aparmita wears royal celestial attire, comprising five silk garments and eight pieces of jewelry. His adornments feature an intricate necklace and sizable earrings, inlaid with coral and turquoise. A scarf cascades over his shoulder, looping at the elbow before descending along the lower arm. His hairs are painted blue and falls on either side of His shoulders.

Similarities between Aparmita and Amitabha Buddha

In certain Buddhist traditions, Aparmita, the Buddha of eternal life, is synonymous with Amitabha. Both Amitabha and Aparmita have association with the direction West, the color red, the lotus flower, and they embody the transformation of desire into discerning wisdom. Both of them reside in Sukhavati, the Western Pure Land.

Differences between Aparmita Buddha and Amitabha Buddha

Nevertheless, Aparmita has developed a distinct identity as the Buddha of longevity, prosperity, and insight. Early sutra literature distinguishes Aparmita from Amitabha as separate beings. In Tibet, Aparmita is a personal guiding deity (Yidam) within the New Kadampa tradition.

There are several distinct differences in the iconography of Aparmita and Amitabha Buddha.

Amitabha is depicted as the Buddha, while Aparmita is presented as a Bodhisattva.

Amitabha’s hair is tied in a knot on top of his head with a gem crowning it. Aparmita’s hair is also in a top knot, but he wears a five-Buddha crown and exhibits the full splendor of the Buddha’s form.

Amitabha Buddha wears monastic Dharma robes without any ornaments, whereas Aparmita, as previously mentioned, wears silk garments and eight majestic ornaments.

Aparmita heals the sick, and upon their passing, they journey to Amitabha’s realm.

The differences in the Kayas of Amitabha and Aparmita Buddha

Buddha has three forms/bodies of worship – Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya and Dharmakaya.

Nirmanakaya is the physical form that represents the Buddha’s presence in the world, enabling the Buddha to interact with and guide sentient beings towards enlightenment.

Sambhogakaya is the subtle body of boundless forms that manifests from fulfilling spiritual vows and commitments. It represents the fruition of spiritual practices and abiding in a state of profound realization.

Dharmakaya is the ultimate truth body, embodying the essence of enlightenment, including concepts such as emptiness, Buddha-nature, and an existence that transcends both material and spiritual forms.

Among the deities Amitabha and Aparmita Buddha, Amitabha is the embodiment of Nirmanakaya, while Aparmita Buddha represents Sambhogakaya.

How to worship Aparmita Buddha?

Devotees prepare the sacred pill by blending butter into the dough, and they create ambrosia from spirits or beer, presenting it in a skull bowl to the grand image of Aparmita Buddha. The lama positions a vajra atop the vase of ambrosia and presents it before the image of Aparmita Buddha. The ambrosia’s wine is then sanctified, and the faithful consume it along with the holy pill, believing firmly that their devotion to Aparmita Buddha will bring them prosperity.

How worshipping Aparmita Buddha Helps?

Dedicated practice and devotion to Aparmita removes all hindrances to longevity, such as illness and suffering, and to calm the risk of untimely or premature death. Longevity is a vital aspect that grants devotees additional time and chances to engage sincerely in Dharma practices, facilitating liberation from the cycle of samsara. Furthermore, venerating Aparmita Buddha, aids in overcoming dangers that threaten the lives of even the loved ones.

In summary, we can say that Aparmita Buddha performs purification, cure diseases, lengthen lifespan, helps in acquiring good fortune and wisdom, avoids untimely or accidental death and also removes all negative karmas.

Whom to Offer Aparmita Buddha

It is a significant and auspicious practice for a Dharma student to offer Aparmita Buddha to their lamas as a request to the Buddha for the long-life of Lamas, so they can spread the doctrine of the Buddha to the world.