The development of Amitābha tradition in medieval Tibet is an unsolved problem in the academic world, which definitely involved in complicated transmissions and confluence of different practices; therefore, need to be clarified through various aspects and approaches. In my previous studies of 'pho ba liturgy developed in medieval Tibet, I suggest that Sangs rgyas gling pa’s (1341-1396) revealed work of 'pho ba could be one of the important sources that integrates Amitābha worship into consciousness transferring ('pho ba) practices. Furthermore, I notice that relevant teachings such as longevity (tshe sgrub) might also stimulate the formation of Amitābha tradition. Yet Sangs rgyas gling pa and his discovered works are hardly highlighted. In this short essay, I will firstly focus on his biography in order to unveil his life story, his discoveries and transmissions. Secondly I will study his longevity teaching so as to demonstrate its close association to the worship of Amitābha. It will help our understanding on how Amitābha has gained his central position in the display of Five Buddha Families.
1. Biography of Sangs rgyas gling pa 193 1.1 Life and Discovery of Sangs rgyas gling pa 1.2 The Sangs gling Transmission 2. The Way of Attaining Longevity 211 2.1 Longevity Practice for Oneself and Others 2.2 The Unification of the Sun and the Moon
