Mahayana Buddhism conceives multiple Buddhas (awakened ones) that choose to postpone their personal release from cyclic existence to assist all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. They are countless in number and reside in many distinct realms. To organize this vast pantheon, five Transcendent Buddhas (Tathagatha) are considered the "fathers" that head each Buddha Family. Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, is the one who presides over the Western realm. The Transcendent Buddhas represent the essential qualities of Buddhahood, and from them proceed other bodhisattvas and teaching manifestations.