Medicine Buddha Statues

The Medicine Buddha is regarded as the Master of Healing in Tibetan medicine. It is believed that simply thinking of him or invoking his name is therapeutic.

Buddha statues have always been admired both as objects of veneration and as decorative pieces. Medicine Buddha statues are no exception. They possess both aesthetic value as well as the power of healing.

Appearance of the Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha statues and sculptures depict him as dressed in monastic robes, and sitting in the padmasana (full lotus) posture. He is seated on a lotus with a thousand petals, which in turn rests on a jeweled throne. The Medicine Buddha's right hand is extended over the right knee, palm outward, and in it, he holds the Myrobalan plant. This is the gesture of supreme generosity. His left hand rests in his lap, palm upward. This is the gesture of meditative stability. The Myrobalan plant is believed to possess powers to cure both physical and spiritual illnesses. The posture of the Healing Buddha represents the eradication of suffering and illness. The fundamental cause of illness, it is believed, is the lack of contentment. The need for contentment is indicated by the begging bowl in the Medicine Buddha's left hand.