Buddhist·Sanskrit·Beginner-friendly

Amitabha Mantra

A bow to the Buddha of infinite light and boundless compassion.

Quick answer

The Amitabha Mantra invokes the Buddha of infinite light — one of the most widely chanted Buddhist mantras, especially in Pure Land traditions.

Tradition
Buddhist
Language
Sanskrit
Best time
Any time. Especially loved as an evening practice.
Best for
Devotion, At the time of death, Pure Land practice

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Transliteration

Oṃ amidewa hrīḥ

Translation

Om — a bow to Amitabha, the Buddha of infinite light.

Meaning

Literal

An invocation of Amitabha Buddha, embodiment of boundless compassion and light.

Spiritual interpretation

Amitabha is the Buddha of the Pure Land tradition. His mantra — and his name itself, chanted as 'Namo Amituofo' or 'Namu Amida Butsu' — is one of the most widely chanted practices in East Asian Buddhism.

What this mantra is used for

DevotionAt the time of deathPure Land practice

How to chant

108 times, or continuously as recollection of the Buddha's name.

When to chant

Any time. Especially loved as an evening practice.

Origin & context

Mahayana Buddhism; central to Pure Land and Vajrayana traditions.

Related mantras

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