Medicine Buddha
(item no. 57001), detail 2

Tibet

1800 - 1899

Buddhist Lineage

Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton

Collection of Rubin Museum of Art


 
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Medicine Buddha (Sanskrit: Bhaishajyaguru. Tibetan: sang gye men la. English: the Buddha, Guru of Medicine).

Tibetan: Sang gye men la

Also known as Vaidurya Prabha Raja, the King of Lapis Lazuli (or sapphire) Light, he is dark blue in colour with one face and two hands, held in the right, in a gesture like that of supreme generosity, is held a myrobalan plant (Latin: terminalia chebula. Skt.: haritaki). The left hand is placed in the lap in the gesture of meditation supporting the black begging bowl of a monk - filled with nectar. Adorned with the patchwork robes of a fully ordained monk and the left arm covered, appearing in the nirmanakaya aspect of a buddha he is seated in vajra posture above a lotus and lion supported tiered throne.

At the top center is Amitayus the Buddha of Long Life. At the bottom center is the Secret Accomplishment Hayagriva, red, with three faces and six hands. At the lower right is Padmasambhava.

Jeff Watt 4-2008

Front of Painting
English Translation of Inscription: [name inscriptions for each figure]

Reverse of Painting
English Translation of Inscription: [no inscriptions]


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Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Painting Gallery I
Buddhist Deity: Medicine Buddha Main Page
Collection: Private XI



Copyright © 2012 Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.
Photographed Image Copyright © 2004 Rubin Museum of Art