We often speak of THE Buddha, as if there were only one. But in fact, Buddhist scriptures and art portray many Buddhas. You will encounter "celestial" or transcendent buddhas and earthly buddhas. There are buddhas who teach and those who do not. There are buddhas of past, present, and future.
As you consult this list, keep in mind that these buddhas may be regarded as archetypes or metaphors rather than literal beings. Also keep in mind that "buddha" can refer to something other than a person -- the fabric of existence itself.
The list is not complete; there are many Buddhas, named and unnamed, in the scriptures.
Akshobhya is a transcendent or "celestial" Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism. He reigns over the Eastern Paradise, Abhirati. Abhirati is a "Pure Land" or "buddha-field" in which enlightenment is easily realized. The Pure Lands are believed in as literal places by some Buddhists, but they may also be understood as mental states.
According to tradition, before enlightenment Akshobhya was a monk who vowed never to feel anger or disgust at another being. He was immovable in keeping this vow, and after long striving he became a Buddha.
In iconography, Akshobhya is usually blue or gold, and his hands often are in the earth witness mudra.
Amitabha is a transcendent Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism, called the Buddha of Boundless Light. He is an object of veneration in Pure Land Buddhism and can also be found in Vajrayana Buddhism. Veneration of Amitabha is thought to enable one to enter a buddha-field, or Pure Land, in which enlightenment and Nirvana are accessible to anyone.
According to tradition, many ages ago Amitabha was a great kind who renounced his throne and became a monk named Dharmakara. After his enlightenment, Amitabha came to reign over the Western Paradise, Sukhavati. Sukhavati is believed in by some as a literal place, but it can also be understood as a state of mind.
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