This Bodhisattva resides in the pure realm of the Buddha Amitabha in the western direction, known as the Land of Bliss (Dewachen). Even though this Bodhisattvas does not leave the pure land, he is able to guide numberless sentient beings through his manifestations and activity.

As the Buddha Amitabha vowed, the Bodhisattvas who reside in Dewachen can manifest outside of the pure realm to benefit sentient beings even though they never actually leave Dewachen.

So, even though the Tai Situpa never leaves the pure state of the great Dharmakaya (the Buddha mind), he is able to manifest on earth for the benefit of all beings.

As the Bodhisattva Source of Spiritual Instructions, the Situ Rinpoche is among the close retinue of the Buddha Amitabha. The picture above depicts this Buddha with his retinue in Dewachen.