Is Amitabha a made in China Buddha?

Gotama Buddha was from Nepal. Amitabha was made in India. It has nothing to do with Gotama Buddha.

Amitabha is the God of Sun, according to the inventor. It is not a Buddha until the “Mahayana” sect, a separated sect from the original Buddhism, installed Him as a Buddha. Amitabha is a fictitious figure; so is Avalokiteshvara. “Eshvara” means god in India; there are many Eshvara in Hinduism and you can Google it if you are interested.

The existence of various sects is due to disagreements with the pre-existing teaching. It happened to every religion. Similarly, there are Buddhists who disagree with the original teaching of the Buddha but yet call themselves Buddhists as if they are better than the Buddha. They don’t start a new religion but only form a new sect because they need the branding without which they cannot survive. They start badmouthing all other sects as Hinayana, “hina” means inferior. It breaks one of the Five Precepts of Buddhism, and it violates the Right Speech of the Noble Eightfold Path. They denigrate others to uplift themselves. It violates the Right Livelihood for their survival.

I am not a Buddhist. I dare not call myself a Buddhist for fear of being attacked by “Buddhists” whom I disagree with. However, I have great respect for the Buddha and Buddhism. I regularly pay homage to Buddhism monasteries, of any sects, and make Dana to support the sangha, of any sects. Despite the incorrect teaching which contradict the original Buddha’s words in the Nikaya and on Asoka pillars, they have also made valuable contributions to the progress or continuous existence of Buddhism, for the benefit of the people first and foremost.

Buddha and Buddhism don’t need us; we need the Buddha and Buddhism. Everything is empty of substance, including this religion. Attachment to anything, including Buddhism, bring no benefit to us. Our suffering ceases when we let go. The words of Dharma are not the Dharma itself. The real Dharma is not the words in the Sutta. Just as the finger pointing to the moon is not the moon itself.

Find refuge in yourself with no other refuge. Find refuge in Dharma with no other refuge. May you find equanimity and happiness under any circumstances.

Boon Kuan Chung’s answer to What significance does Buddha hold in your daily life?