Aparmita (also known as Amitayus) represents the longevity attribute of Amitabha Buddha. In Sanskrit, the Amitayus meaning translates as “infinite life”. Additionally, Amitayus practice is commonly performed in Tibet in the hopes that he will prolong the lives of devotees.

Buddhist deities statues of Aparmita statues feature his immortality vessel filled with “amrita”, the sacred elixir of immortality and awakening. A replica of his immortality vessel is filled with consecrated wine and it is the centerpiece of the longevity ritual. After the Amitayus practice is performed devotees each drink some of the consecrated wine and also consume some small pills made of dough.

It is believed that the effectiveness of the ritual depends on the faith of devotees in the longevity powers of Amitabha. Therefore, if the ritual is not effective it is blamed on a lack of devotion.

Amitayus is usually depicted seated in a meditation posture with a vase (kalasha) in his hands, which contains the elixir of immortality (amrita) and leaves of the Ashoka tree. It symbolizes “a long life without the misery (shoka) of disease. On top of the vase can be an alms bowl.

When we speak on Amitayus, “Limitless Life” refers to his blessings and virtue, while “Limitless Light” refers to his wisdom as Amitabha. Blessings, virtues and wisdom of Amitayus are limitless and so are his spiritual powers, his attributes and his teachings.

The smaller Sukhavativyuha Sutra defines why he is named Amitayus:

“Moreover, Shariputra, the life of that Buddha and that of his people extends for measureless, limitless asamkhyeya(“uncountable”) kalpas (aeons); for this reason he is called Amitayus. And Shariputra, since Amitabha realized Buddhahood ten kalpas have passed.”

“Om A Ma Ra Ni Dzi Wan Ti Ye Soha”

Amitayus Long Life Mantra