Bhaisajyaguru or Medicine Buddha

The True Nature of Healing

Long ago in a small Himalayan village, there lived a widower and his young daughter. After his wife died, the widower spent his days bitter and drunk; sure that life had shortchanged him. His daughter, a thin, sweet child was forced to do odd jobs to scrape together enough money to keep them both going. One day she was struck with a debilitating illness. The village doctor said it was likely she would not recover. The father fell to his knees, screaming and sobbing. In an instant he realized just how much his daughter meant to him. A monk passing by heard the father’s screams and intervened. He brought the father a statue of the Medicine Buddha – Bhaisajyaguru – along with specific instructions. Pray to the Buddha by chanting his name 108 times over every cup of food and drink made for his daughter. Miraculously, the daughter recovered; and when she did the father realized he too had been healed. All darkness had disappeared.

Bhaisajyaguru holds a vessel containing the elixir of life in one hand and a medicinal plant called Myrobalan in the other

This week's New Arrival features a seated figure of Bhaisajyaguru, also known as the Buddha of healing. Devotees believe meditating on this Buddha and chanting his name can cure all sorts of maladies. Look closely at this Buddha’s hands. The left holds a vessel containing the elixir of life. Drink it and all negative effects will perish. The right holds a traditional medicinal plant called a Myrobalan in a gesture called Varada Mudra. This is an offering of compassion, blessings and gifts. Look at his face and composure. He is emanating serenity; suggesting such a state of mind may be a prerequisite to healing and health. All this is captured in perfect detail in pure copper. Pull back and see the entire picture. This Buddha reminds us that true healing takes place in the body, mind and heart.

View Product ››