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In the centre is the Medicine Buddha, Bhaishajyaguru (Bhaiṣajyaguru), 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.
Title
Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha, and Padmasambhava (Below Centre)
Medium
distemper on linen mounted on brocade
Measurements
H 60 x W 44 cm
Accession number
47081i
Acquisition method
presumed to be part of the collection formed by Henry S. Wellcome
Work type
Painting