Amitabha Buddha Hall

        The first line of the couplet is “chu bao shen xiang lian kai jiu pin yan jing tu.” The general meaning of this line is as follows. The magnificent Amitabha Buddha has the thirty-two major auspicious marks of a Buddha and the eighty minor auspicious marks of a Buddha. He manifests his dignified and solemn reward body (sambhogakaya). He established the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss and made forty-eight vows. His dharma powers manifested lotus pedestals, which represent nine levels of accomplishments, in order to receive living beings to the Western Paradise. That is the Pure Land dharma method that he founded.

        The second line of the couplet is “xian wei meng zhuang fa zhan yi sheng zang mi yi.” The basic meaning is as follows. Based on the highest state of realization, the magnificent Amitabha Buddha transforms himself into the wrathful Vajra deity called Yamantaka, who manifests the most astounding and holy powers. Based upon his realization as a Buddha, he integrates all dharmas into one supreme vehichle (yana). In the earthly realm, he carries on the lineage of the esoteric dharma (Vajrayana), which leads to great liberation. That is why the revered Amitabha Buddha became the leader of the esoteric school.