Mahasthamaprapta

Western Pure Land, left side
Baodingshan, Dazu

Amitayus' other helper, Mahasthamaprapta (Ch. Dashizhi, Jp. Seishi) appears here on Amitayus' right side (viewer's left). The usual emblem in his crown is a vase, although none appears in the crown of this figure. His typical gesture is to hold a lotus bud, but here he appears to be making the dhyana/vitarka gesture (see previous page) with his right hand, while his extended left holds an unidentified object. Unlike Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta never developed an independent cult following; he represents the power and wisdom of Amitayus, as Avalokiteshvara represents the compassion of Amitayus.