Amida; Amitābha; Amitāyus; Śākyamuni; Buddha; Mahāyāna; Pure Land; Gandhara; Kaniṣka I; gilt
摘要
The origin of the Amida Buddha is not clarified as yet. The present author paid attention to the fact that this Buddha has two epithets, that is, Amitābha (infinite light) and Amitāyus (infinite life). These two were derived from the inherent and indivisible characteristics of gold that covered the body of gilt Śākyamuni Buddha images made in Gandhara. This conclusion is supported by the BODDO image on the Kaniṣka I ’s gold coins, that is adorned with a round smaller nimbus and an elliptical mandorla connected with another round bigger nimbus, and also by the two Gandhara relief panels that appear to represent the seated preaching Amida Buddha with a round nimbus and mandorla (aureole). This unprecedented special device of halo signifies infinite light and life of the Amida Buddha.
目次
Introductory remarks 209 Origin of Amitābha and Amitāyus 211 Gilt Śākyamuni Buddha Images of Gandhara 214 Two Earliest Amida Buddha Images 218 Concluding remarks 221
