Item: Medicine Buddha - Main Form
| Origin Location | Tibet |
|---|---|
| Date Range | 1500 - 1599 |
| Lineages | Buddhist |
| Material | Metal, Mercuric Gild |
| Collection | Private |
Classification: Deity
Appearance: Buddha
Gender: Male
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 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 double lotus seat.
Jeff Watt [updated 4-2022]
Buddhist Deity: Medicine Buddha Main Page
Collection of the National Museum of Asian Art (Shrine Sculpture)
Collection of the National Museum of Asian Art (Sculpture Masterworks)