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What's the difference between The Laughing Buddha, Gautama Buddha and Amitabha Buddha ?

by My Store Admin 16 Jul 2024

Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and the Laughing Buddha: What Sets Them Apart?

1. Shakyamuni Buddha, the originator of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), hailed from the Shakya clan in the ancient realm of Kapilavastu in central India. Renouncing his royal life, he pursued enlightenment, achieving it at 35. Legend has it that he had numerous disciples and passed away at 80. Shakyamuni Buddha presides over the Saha world, a realm characterized by suffering. Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva were his principal disciples.

2. Amitabha Buddha, also known as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, resides in the Western Pure Land, symbolizing a future world filled with brightness and joy. In the Western Pure Land, free from suffering, Amitabha Buddha takes center stage, accompanied by Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.

3. The familiar image of the jovial monk stems from the Laughing Buddha, Budai. In Chinese Buddhist tradition, Budai is venerated as an embodiment of Maitreya Bodhisattva, the future reviver of Buddhism once Shakyamuni Buddha fades from memory.

4. Here are the distinctions between Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha:

A. In standalone Buddha sculptures, Amitabha Buddha often holds a lotus flower in a welcoming gesture, while Shakyamuni Buddha is portrayed with a begging bowl or a teaching pose.

B. In group settings, Amitabha Buddha is commonly accompanied by Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, while Shakyamuni Buddha is typically flanked by Shariputra and Ananda.

C. Within larger temples, the central altar in the main hall typically showcases the "Three Jewels" group statue: Shakyamuni Buddha in the center, Bhaisajyaguru Buddha on the right, and Amitabha Buddha on the left.

D. Amitabha Buddha is revered as the Buddha of the Reward Body, whereas Shakyamuni Buddha is honored as the Buddha of the Emanation Body.

E. Their roles differ: Shakyamuni Buddha is the historical founder of Buddhism, whereas Amitabha Buddha is esteemed as the Buddha of the Western Pure Land.

F. They attained Buddhahood at different times: Shakyamuni Buddha approximately 2500 years ago and Amitabha Buddha before 10 kalpas.

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