Amtayus - the Buddha of Eternal Life

The main figure of the tanka is Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life. He sits in a meditative pose, holds the amrta vase, symbol of eternal like, and is surrounded by thirty-five smaller images of the same figure. The Bodhisattvas who stand in attendance are Avalokisevra on the left and Mahastamaprapta on the right.

Eight lotuses are depicted in the scrollwork on the decorated robe flowing accross the knees. These contain the eight glorious emblems of Buddhism. On the left we find: the white parasol which keeps away the heat of evil desires; the lotus, pledge of salvation and a symbol of devine origin; the amrta vase; and the two fish, symbols of happiness and utility. On the right we find: the cakra, or wheel, whose eight spokes symbolize the eight fold path; the victorious banner, or standard, erected on the summit of Mount Meru; The endless knot, symbol of the endless cycle of rebirths; and the conch shell, symbol of the blessedness of turning to the right.
Likir Manastery in Ladakh