OLD TIBET

STATUES - BUDDHA (APARMITA or AMITAYUS)

Aparmit or Amitayus is the name given to Amitabha in his character as bestower of longevity. Although they are actually the same entity, Aparmita is also depicted differently. Instead of holding a begging bowl, he has a vase with the nectar of immortality on his lap. Aparmita may be turned either a Crowned Buddha or a Bodhisatwa, and is therefore richly clad and wears the 13 ornaments. His hair is painted blue and may either be coiled or fall to his elbows.

He is seated in full-lotus posture and his hands lie on his lap in the Dhyani Mudra, holding the ambrosia vase, his special emblem. The vase is richly decorated and from the cover fall four strings of beads which represent sacred pills.