What is the Western Pure Land of Bliss?

“ pure land is the common expression used to refer to the Western universe of Amitabha Buddha’s Bliss. It also refers to an important section of Mahayana Buddhism which is called Amidism. The Buddhism of pure land is centered on faith, devotion and the recitation of the name of the Amitabha Buddha. It allows access after life to the universe of this Buddha which is filled with light, longevity and happiness.

Amitabha, Pure Land, Awakening

amitabha is the Buddha of Buddhas. The popularity of his cult explains his different names. In Sanskrit, it is named ” Amitabha which can literally be translated as “Infinite Light”. This infinity refers to an expanse in all spatial directions combined with endless time. Still in this Indo-European language, this Buddha is also called ” Amitayus which means “Infinite longevity”. amitabha also bears other Chinese names from the sutras concerning him.

Recitation of this Buddha’s mantra of Infinite Light and Infinite Longevity leads to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Bliss. It helps you to reach Nirvana, to become a Buddha and to help others arrive at this spiritual state as well. This recitation of theamitayu mantra is associated with the development of the Bodhi Mind. When you do it, you have to visualize the syllables, use a mala or, failing that, clasped hands and dedicate the practice. The most important thing is the intention that we put in the mantra and the will to do so.

The Ideal Buddha, a male and a female in sexual union

When we talk about Buddha, one thinks directly of an Awakened male human being. This is the image we have in the story of Buddha. In the culture of Esoteric Tantra, one displays today as “Ideal Buddha” an image divided into two figures, a male and a female who are embraced in sexual union. It must be understood that it is not the sex that takes precedence, but the sexual symbolism.

These “masculine” and “feminine” Buddha images display two main aspects of Enlightenment including Love and Wisdom. This evokes the inseparable character of these two elements which are considered to be the very essence of Buddhahood. In Tibetan culture, this connection is represented by the “yab-yum”. The term “yab” refers to the father and “yum” to the mother. In monasteries and temples in tibetwe can see paintings that represent these Buddhas in union. For them, this type of representation is sacred, which is not perceived in the same way among Westerners who consider them an erotic oriental art.

In the Buddhist Tantra, the twist is a bit different. It is the “feminine” Buddha who is associated with the Wisdom aspect of Enlightenment and the “masculine” with the aspect of Love and Compassion. These two figures are represented by the vajra and the lotus or the vajra and the bell. In any case, this symbolism is not associated with ordinary sexual differences.

The symbolism of the five Buddhas, male and female

Given these combinations of Buddha, feminine and masculine, there are therefore not only five Buddhas, but ten in total. Only, we associate them to present only five. In the cult, the “feminine” Buddhas are considered as spiritual consorts of the “male” Buddhas, it is for this reason that the focus is more on the “feminine”.

Akasadhatishvari and Vairocana

In this connection, the Akasadhatishvari is the “feminine” Buddha and the Vairocana the “masculine”. The Vairocana is the white Buddha, the Buddha of the center. It evokes the Sun of all spiritual cosmos. It diffuses the light of Wisdom and the warmth of Love in all directions. “Akasadhatishvari” is defined as “the sovereign lady of the sphere of infinite space”. It represents the infinite space through which passes the light diffused by Vairocana.

It is the color white which is associated with these two Buddhas. Akasadhatishvari is symbolized in dakini form, otherwise with flowing, flowing clothes and long loose hair.

The Locana and the Akshobhya

For this combination, The Locana is the “feminine” Buddha who is the consort of Akshobhya. The latter is the Buddha dark blue which is the Buddha of the east. Symbolized by theelephant, the animal considered the wisest of animals, it evokes transcendent wisdom. He is the only Buddha to be found in the Perfection of Wisdom sutras, notably in the 8000-line one. The term “Locana” can be literally translated as “she who has a clear vision” or “she who has the eye”.

In Tibetan culture, it has a broader meaning: “the lady who has the eye of Buddha”. This female buddha refers to the embodiment of pure, simple and direct awareness of things. The association “Locana Akshobhya” thus indicates that there is no wisdom without awareness and that there is no awareness without wisdom.

The Mamaki and the Ratnasambhava

“Mamaki” means “doing mine”. This “feminine” Buddha should not be associated with selfishness, but we are more at the level of enlightenment. It is the spiritual attitude taking into consideration everything and everyone as its own. This says that it is necessary to bring to the person or to the thing a great value. She makes no difference between herself and the others. THE male buddha associated with her is the Ratnasambhava who is the yellow Buddha occupying the southern quarter of the mandala. Its name evokes “the product of jewels”. The horse is his defining animal and evokes speed and energy.

The Pandaravasini and the Amitabha

“Pandaravasini” means “she who is dressed in white”. You have understood that this is the female Buddha. He is a person invested with purity and even protected by purity. Energies of external influences that can be harmful do not affect it. This female buddha is the consort of Amitabha, the Buddha of red color, the Buddha of the west. The latter evokes infinite light, rebirth and spiritual development.

Tara and Amoghasiddhi

The name of the female Buddha “Tara” can be translated as “the one who helps to cross”. We are talking here about crossing the river of birth and death. It also evokes “saving” which is the attitude to adopt to show one’s help towards others and mutual aid. The Tara is associated with the male Buddha Amoghasiddhi who is the dark green Buddha, the northern buddha. Its name evokes “infallible success” or “unfettered accomplishment”.