Amitayus Thangka

Amitayus Thangka — Tsewang, the Buddha of Boundless Life

Amitayus (Tibetan: Tsewang, “Boundless Life”) is the sambhogakaya form of Amitabha — the Buddha of Infinite Light manifested specifically as the deity of longevity, merit, and vitality. Brilliant red, seated in vajra posture, holding a longevity vase (bumpa) filled with the nectar of immortality in his lap, he is one of the Three Longevity Deities alongside White Tara and Ushnishavijaya. Amitayus practice is the most widely performed long-life puja in Tibetan Buddhism — commissioned for teachers, elders, the seriously ill, and anyone who has received a life-obstacle reading. His thangka is the central icon of the longevity altar.

Who Should Choose an Amitayus Thangka

  • For long-life practice and longevity puja → Amitayus is the principal deity of Tibetan long-life ceremonies — his thangka is the standard altar icon for Tsewang puja.
  • As a birthday or recovery gift for an elder or teacher → commissioning or gifting an Amitayus thangka is the traditional Tibetan method of offering long life to someone you respect.
  • For a Three Longevity Deities altar → pair with White Tara and Ushnishavijaya thangkas for a complete longevity shrine.
  • For practitioners of the Amitabha Pure Land tradition → Amitayus is the longevity aspect of Amitabha — ideal for those with a Pure Land practice orientation.