Amida is a term commonly associated with Buddhism and refers to a figure of devotion in the Pure Land tradition. The spelling of Amida is based on its pronunciation, which is transcribed as /əˈmiːdə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced with an unstressed schwa sound, followed by a long "ee" sound in the second syllable, and concluding with a short "uh" sound in the final syllable. This phonetic transcription helps to clarify the correct spelling of the word and aids in its proper pronunciation.
Amida refers to the "Pure Land" or "Land of Ultimate Bliss" in Buddhism, specifically in the Pure Land Buddhism tradition. It is a concept and a deity that holds significant importance in the Mahayana school of Buddhism. The term "amida" is of Sanskrit origin and translates to "Infinite Light," denoting the radiant brightness and boundless enlightenment associated with this concept.
Amida is often portrayed as a celestial Buddha, Amitabha, who resides in his Pure Land. The Pure Land is envisioned as a utopian realm, free from suffering and filled with serene beauty. Devotees of Pure Land Buddhism aspire to be reborn in this land after death, where they can continue their spiritual journey towards enlightenment under Amida's guidance. The belief is that by reciting Amida's name or chanting specific mantras, one can establish a connection with him and gain a higher chance of reaching his Pure Land.
This concept of Amida and the Pure Land provides solace and hope to practitioners who find it difficult to attain enlightenment through other means. It emphasizes faith, devotion, and the power of Amida's grace in facilitating rebirth in his Pure Land. Amida is viewed as a compassionate and benevolent figure, extending his aid to all beings who sincerely seek his assistance.
In summary, Amida is an essential deity in Pure Land Buddhism, representing the celestial Buddha Amitabha and his Pure Land. It is believed that through devotion and the recitation of his name, individuals can elevate their spiritual path and aspire to be reborn in his Pure Land, reaching the ultimate state of bliss and enlightenment.
The word "Amida" has its origins in Buddhism, specifically in Pure Land Buddhism. "Amida" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Amitābha", which means "infinite light" or "immeasurable splendor". Amitābha is the principal deity of the Pure Land sect, known as Amida in Japanese. The term "Amida" is used to refer to both the Buddhist deity and the Pure Land sect itself.