Medicine Buddha

approx. 20"x30" plus brocade frame

approx. 50x75 cm plus brocade frame

The Medicine Buddha is revered as the source of the healing arts in Tibet. Tibetan Medicine holds that the fundamental cause of every disease is found in physical imbalances resulting from the three poisonous mental delusions of ignorant confusion, desirous attachment, and hateful aversion. True healing must be grounded in spiritual transformation and buddhas (including the Medicine Buddha and the Buddha Shakyamuni) are referred to as great physicians not primarily because of their great medical skills but because they possess the compassion, wisdom, and skillful means to diagnose and treat the root delusions underlying all mental and physical sufferings. Medicine Buddha appears in the deep blue color of lapis lazuli, a stone and a color with remarkable healing effects. His right hand is in the gesture of granting blessings and holds the stem of a medicinal plant. His left hand, in the meditation mudra, holds a begging bowl filled with healing nectar and fruit.