The name Amitabha means 'Infinite Light.' One of the Dhyani Buddhas, Amitabha's Discriminating Wisdom defeats the corroding passions of covetousness, greed and lust. In the mandala of the Dhyani Buddhas, Amitabha is positioned to the west. His color is rose (red), the color of the setting sun. He rules over the element of fire and personifies the skandha of perception. The peacock, symbolising grace, is his throne-bearer.
Amitabha's symbol is the lotus, which denotes purity, the absolute nature of beings realized through enlightenment, and compassion. His mudra is the dhyana (meditation) mudra. His bija is Hrih and his mantra is 'Om Amitabha Hrih.'
Amitabha is at times identified with Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life. Amitayus is usually picturised holding a vessel of the elixir of immortal life.
