Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q5: Why is "Amitofuo" considered a phrase for blessing?

A: Buddha Amitabha (Amitofuo, in Chinese), also known as Amitāyus or Amitābha in Sanskrit, means infinite life or infinite light. Hence, Buddhists often use "Amitofuo" as a greeting, wishing each other "longevity and luminosity". In addition to wishing others a long and healthy life, Amitofuo also signifies infinite hope.

In addition to the literal translation of the meaning of the words Buddha Amitabha, there is also an allusion to its usage as a blessing. The Sixth Patriarch of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism, Chan Master Yongming Yanshou (904-975), recited the Amitabha Buddha's name 100,000 times daily in order to accord with the Buddha. Therefore, with every minute and every second, he continuously recited the Buddha's name. So, when he greeted people and casually responded to others, he always said "Amitofuo". The method of "recollecting the Buddha's name in every thought" has been passed down from that moment to this day, and Buddhists use "Amitofuo" to greet people. Ordinary people, whether Buddhists or not, will naturally say "Amitofuo" when they meet a monk or nun. This is considered both a cordial greeting and a sincere blessing.


Extended Reading:

The Amitabha Sutra (the Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra)

Practice Method of Amitabha Buddha

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q1: Why did the Buddha expound the Amitabha Sutra without being asked?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q2: Why is Amitabha Buddha's land called "World of Ultimate Bliss"?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q3: Why are the teachings expounded by the Lord Buddha in the Amitabha Sutra difficult to believe?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q4: Why is it possible to be reborn in the Pure Land by reciting a single Buddha's name?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q5: Why is "Amitofuo" considered a phrase for blessing?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q6: Is the "Amitabha Sutra" a sutra chanted exclusively for the deceased?


Resource: Issue 344 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photos: Issue 344 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: Glen Sha    
Editing: YKL, Keith Brown