Amitabha
|A-mi-ta-bha|
🇺🇸
/əˌmiːˈtɑːbə/
🇬🇧
/əˌmɪˈtɑːbə/
infinite light (Buddha)
Etymology
'Amitabha' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'Amitābha', where 'amita' meant 'limitless' and 'abha' meant 'light' (or 'splendor').
'Amitabha' changed from the Sanskrit 'Amitābha' and was transmitted into Chinese as 'Amituofo' (阿弥陀仏), later appearing in Japanese as 'Amida' (阿弥陀).
Initially, it meant 'limitless light' as a compound of 'amita' + 'abha', but over time it evolved into the proper name for the Buddha embodying infinite light and life; today it refers specifically to that Buddha and related devotional practices.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life; the central figure of Pure Land traditions.
Many Pure Land practitioners chant the name Amitabha as a devotion.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a devotional formula or the invocation of that Buddha's name used in liturgy and practice (e.g., chanting 'Amitabha').
The chant 'Amitabha' is recited repeatedly in nembutsu practice.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/29 00:13