Amitāyus, with White Tārā and Uṣṇīṣavijayā, forms the "Three Long-Life Deities," the yidam specifically countering short life and adverse conditions. Many Gelug liturgies confer Amitāyus initiation and practice—using the nectar vase and longevity cord as dependent-arising, increasing the practitioner’s life, merit, and wisdom.

Short life and illness often stem from past miserliness, killing, or obstacles. The Amitāyus ceremony, through the deity’s vow, genuinely removes obstacles and increases good for the sick and the aged.

• **Removing obstacles to life.** Purifies hindrances to lifespan, wishing the sick and aged steadiness and favorable conditions.
• **Increasing merit and wisdom.** Longevity is not only years, but growth in merit and wisdom and leisure for practice.
• **Purifying short-life karma.** For the dead, purifies the cause of short life, aiding a good rebirth or liberation.

Online Amitāyus ceremony follows the Gelug lineage:

• **Long-life maṇḍala.** The lama consecrates Amitāyus before the maṇḍala, visualizing the nectar-vase blessing.
• **Long-life mantra.** Reciting the Amitāyus mantra and the praise of the three long-life deities, purifying life-obstacles.
• **Dedication of increase.** Dedication is turned to your wish (health, steadiness, good conditions), and universally to all beings.
• **Record.** A practice record is provided after the ceremony as witness.

You need not be present—the long-life deity’s vow does not choose by distance.