Hand Made Copper Alloy in Oxidation Finish 13" Medicine Buddha Statue

Medicine Buddha Statue

 Medicine Buddha – The Supreme Healer

Noble One, you should think of yourself as someone who is sick,

Of the Dharma as the remedy,

Of the Buddha as a skillful doctor,

And of your diligent practice as the way to recovery.

The Medicine Buddha, or Bhaisajyaguru, is the Buddha of Healing. Meditating on the Medicine Buddha is considered to be a powerful method for increasing healing powers, allowing practitioners to alleviate their own sufferings as well as those of others. Through his boundless compassion and generosity, Bhaisajyaguru helps sincere seekers overcome physical illness and infirmity. But even more importantly, the Buddha is the skillful doctor who heals the great disease afflicting all sentient beings. By providing the Dharma as a profound antidote to the poisons of attachment, hatred, and ignorance, he lifts the veil of delusion and points the way to freedom.

Gestures and Attributes

The Buddha is depicted with his right hand extended downward, palm open, with thumb and index finger touching. This posture is known as Varada Mudra, or the gesture of granting wishes. This mudra symbolizes Bhaisajyaguru's kindness, charity, and compassion toward all beings. In the same hand, he lightly grasps a sprig of the Myrobalan plant, an important healing herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed that this plant has the power not only to heal the body, but also to free one from the inner sicknesses of attachment, hatred and ignorance. His left hand lies in his lap with palm upward in the gesture of meditation (Dhyana Mudra), representing the eradication of all sickness and suffering through the realization of absolute truth. In the same hand, he holds the traditional begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl contains a sacred medicinal nectar that cures all ills, hindrances, and obstacles.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite Medicine Buddha statue is a captivating work of art that embodies the serene majesty of Bhaisajyaguru. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by master artisans in Patan, Nepal, this sculpture is a testament to the centuries-old tradition of sacred metalwork passed down through generations of the Shakya clan.

Finely sculpted from copper alloy using the lost wax method, the statue has undergone an oxidation process that yields a rich, sensuous finish. The Buddha sits gracefully upon a lotus throne, his expression one of calm meditation and inner joy. His slightly inclined head and gentle smile convey a sense of encouragement and happiness that radiates outward, inviting the observer to linger and leave thoughts of the world behind.

The intricate hand-carving of the Buddha's robes showcases the exceptional skill and artistry of the Shakya craftsmen. Each fold and detail is meticulously rendered, reflecting the fine detailing and techniques that have been refined over centuries of practice. The lovely oxidation finish lends a warm, inviting glow to the sculpture, further enhancing its calming presence.

As a product of the Shakya clan's mastery, this Medicine Buddha statue represents the enduring legacy of sacred art in Nepal. These modern artisans, heirs to an ancient tradition, continue to create breathtaking works that inspire reverence and contemplation. This sculpture, a testament to their skill and dedication, serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend time and space, connecting the present to the timeless wisdom of the past.