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Amitabha (Amida) Triad Descending from Heaven 阿弥陀来迎図
1745-1755
Japanese
2001.342A-C
Not currently on view
Artwork Details
81-1/2 x 29-3/4 in.
PeriodJane Weldon Myers Art Fund
CopyrightThis painting depicts the Buddha Amida flanked by his attendant bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara (J: Kannon) and Mahāsthāmaprāpta (J: Seishi). They are descending to welcome believers at the time of their death and to guide them to Amida's Pure Land, also known as the Western Paradise. Kannon holds a lotus dais, upon which the souls of the faithful will be reborn.
One practice was to have the dying person lie with his or her head to the north and the face turned to the west, where an image like this would be placed. While reciting Amida's name, the person would hold a five-colored cord attached to the painting, establishing physical contact and insuring that he or she would be whisked to Amida's side at the instant of death.
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