The coloration of this work is very faint and graceful, and except for heavier ink and lines around the halo area to emphasis the appearance of Amitabha, the rest of the lines and colors are thin and moving. This is a representative work of Xia Jing Shan when he resided in Los Angeles, U.S.A. in 1988. Xia spent 10 month in solitude to study the holy figures of Buddha and Bodhisattva, and deeply felt the wondrous realm of the images. The infinitely merciful and compassionate Amitabha want all sentient beings to make vows with all their heart, from the depth of their hearts, to achieve the heart of vow, and to recite the name of Buddha with the ten nianfo, and in doing so, all beings will be received by Buddha, Bodhisattva and the other holy congregation at the lotus platform. With the nine levels of birth to Sukhāvatī, the opening of the lotus to see the Buddha within and reach state of thoughtlessness, to surpass the three asaṃkhyeya-kalpa (infinite kalpa) and achieve Buddhahood. In the painting, Amitabha stands on two lotuses (symbolizing Buddha’s fortune and wisdom), hands forming the Shangpin xiasheng mudra, while iridescent cloud are appearing from the center of the lotus platform to carry him. The various colored flower of fortune is flying in motion with the heavenly music, welcome those who have achieved the third highest level of birth, and who can go to Sukhāvatī at a flick of the finger. The lotus is open for one day and one night, and one is able to see Buddha in seven days, achieve a-nutpattika-dharma-kṣānti, and realize Buddhahood.
简中｜阿弥陀佛来迎图
Paintings
Xia Jing Shan
color on paper
109×73cm
1988
bj5611
