Amitabha
This old Protection Plaque from the 18th/19th century [maybe even older] shows Buddha Amitabha [Tib: Od.dpag.med]. He can clearly be identified by the two peacocks shown at the bottom.
Most particular however is the small figurine in his lap. Usually Amitabha holds a begging-bowl in hands which is filled with nectar. This Thogchak differs from the classical iconography. The begging bowl is missing; the small figurine probably might show a little child or baby. Possibly the talisman especially served as a protection for a pregnant woman. This interpretation however is not proven by alternative sources.
The strongly worn surface shows that this Plaque has closely been worn to the body for ages. Presumably it is that old that it has multiply been passed on from father to son or from mother to daughter.
Amithâbha is the principal Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism, a branch of East Asian Buddhism. Amitabha is known for his longevity attribute, magnetising red fire element, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception and the deep awareness of emptiness of phenomena. According to the to the scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism Amitabha possesses infinite merits resulting from good deeds over countless past lives as a bodhisattva named Dharmakara. Amitâbha means "Infinite Light" so Amitabha is also called "The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light".
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 2.1 x 1.2 x 0.1" | 5.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 cm |
| Price: | 76 $ | 70 € |
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