Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha) and Padmasambhava
Late 18th century
The Medicine Buddha, Bhaishajyaguru, with his right hand in the
earth-touching position. His left hand, in a meditation gesture,
holds a lapis lazuli bowl containing three pieces of myrobalan
fruit (a species of plum), considered to have medicinal properties.
To his right a miniature form of the deity, Green Tara, is depicted
in a roundel. Below is Padmasambhava, who formally introduced
Buddhism from India to Tibet. His two female consorts, Mandarava
and Yeshe Tsogyal, flank him on either side. The Medicine Buddha
sutras emphasise the value of visualising the Medicine Buddha and
chanting the appropriate text, to promote the healing of body,
speech and mind.