By: Nicole Broida, Cameron Barras, Will Rickards, & Jack Bradley

Myths and Rituals about Amitayus:

The main form of the Buddha Amitayus is the emanation of the fire element. This element is symbolized by the Buddha Amithaba and together create the lotus family. The fire-element is associated with the color red and is also associated with the western region of the universe. "The lotus stands for pure intentions of all activities, while the nectar-vase, filled with the subtle life energy (nectar) demonstrates the immense power of this element." Amityaus is not only the most popular Buddha in Tibet but also in Japan and China. The concept of extending energy as well as the possibility of having a rebirth on the lotus flower has aided to the immeasurable popularity of Amitayus. Amithaba/Amitayus have over a hundred of traditions and sects that see this Buddha as the focal point. In mainly Japanese traditions, many special ceremonies take place at sunrise and sunset because they associate Amithaba with the sun.

Found from: http://www.iol.ie/~taeger/panchen/amistang.html

It is difficult to understand the exact relationship between Amitayus and Amitabha. According to Robert E. Fisher in Art of Tibet, "Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life, is often interchangeable with Amitabha, especially in East Asia but also in Tibet. Amitayus gradually acquired a separate identity in Tibetan worship as the Buddha for the attainment of long life." (Fisher, p. 37). There are specific initiations that were given to followers of Amitayus. During the ritual, "long-life" pills are created from roasted barley flour, rock sugar or honey, and milk and yogurt. These pills are assumed to be empowered by the deity and anyone who attends would be distributed one. (Lipton and Ragnubs, pp.127-132) Many Buddhists have found the popular  tradition of commissioning images of Amitayus