In order to guide people on the path of liberation, Medicine Buddha made 12 great vows for the wellbeing of humans. These 12 vows include ensuring that all sentient beings close to him be healthy, in perfect physical form, free from all suffering, and transform from evil to good. He also wishes for all beings to be wealthy, prosperous, auspicious, and happy! With these supreme vows, he guards and protects people; he first fulfills their worldly needs in order to create the conditions for them to learn Buddhism, and the guides them to the right path.
What are the styles of Medicine Buddha statues? And what is the story behind the medicine bowl held in his hand?
About Medicine Buddha
The statues of Medicine Buddha are divided into Han-style and Tibetan-style. What are the differences between these two styles?
Medicine Buddha statues vary depending on the era and region where they are made. The most well-known styles of the Medicine Buddha statues are the Han-style and the Tibetan-style. Both styles depict Medicine Buddha in a seated position with a crown of snail-like curls. The dharma vessels held by Medicine Buddha could be a lapis lazuli stupa, a medicine bowl, a wish-granting gem, or an elixir vase. How can you tell which of these is the authentic depiction of Medicine Buddha?
In fact, a Buddha statue is only a representation of Buddha. People respect Medicine Buddha because of his compassion, healing power, and great aspiration, regardless of what a statue looks like. From the perspective of learning to recognize Buddha statues, what are the differences between the Han-style and Tibetan-style Medicine Buddha statues?
◎ Han-style Medicine Buddha Statue
The Han-style Medicine Buddha statues are characterized by a plump, round face, a sculptural style that is gentle, dignified, and solemn, with smooth, graceful lines. Since many Buddha statues have similar features, to distinguish between different buddhas, we mostly look at the mudras and the dharma tools held in the statue’s hands. The Han-style Medicine Buddha statue is mainly depicted with a crown of curly hair, a lapis lazuli stupa or a medicine bowl in the left hand, while the right hand forms a fearless (aAbhaya) mudra or a charity (Varada) mudra. Some statues also show Medicine Buddha holding a wish-fulfilling jewel (Chintamani) in the left hand and forming the three-realms (Humkara) mudra with the right hand, or forming the medicine bowl mudra with both hands.
◎ Tibetan-style Medicine Buddha Statue
A Tibetan-style Medicine Buddha statue is usually blue in color, with the left hand holding a medicine bowl and the right hand holding a myrobalan fruit (a medicinal plant used in Tibetan medicine). The ears touch the shoulders, the waist is slender, and the chest upright, the overall appearance solemn and dignified. The most distinctive feature of a Tibetan-style Medicine Buddha statue is the myrobalan fruit (or “arura” in Sanskrit). Not many people have seen or heard of it, but the myrobalan fruit is widely used in Tibetan medicine and is known as the “King of Tibetan Medicine”.
Medicine Buddha and Myrobalan Fruit
The myrobalan fruit is also called the Indian gooseberry and can be found in India and Myanmar.
The myrobalan fruit is held in Medicine Buddha’s right hand. It has the power to harmonize hundreds of medicines, cure stubborn diseases, as well as treat various complex illnesses. It can also eliminate phlegm, improve lung function, reduce heat, and nourish the throat. When held in the mouth, the throat instantly feels cool and soothed, relieving a previously hoarse throat; therefore, the myrobalan fruit is highly prized in Buddhism.
In order to preserve the Buddhist teachings, people make offerings of myrobalan fruits to the monks who spread and teach the dharma. It is a way an expression of sincerity in protecting and upholding the dharma, so more and more people can benefit from hearing the dharma and gain great relief. In fact, the myrobalan fruit is not only good for the throat, it also has many health benefits.
Medicine Buddha, Medicine Buddha DZI Beads, and Tang Baling
Many people think that the precious bead held in the hand of Medicine Buddha is the Medicine Buddha DZI bead. In fact, it is a wish-fulfilling jewel (Chintamani). So, what is the relationship between Medicine Buddha and Medicine Buddha DZI bead? They just share the name “Medicine Buddha”.
Why is the wish-fulfilling jewel called a Medicine Buddha DZI bead? And what is the relationship between Tang Baling and Medicine Buddha DZI beads? What health benefits do the beads offer?
◎ About Medicine Buddha DZI Beads
According to Grandmaster JinBodhi, Medicine Buddha DZI beads are a type of DZI bead. A line around the bead symbolizes the Buddha’s all-encompassing wisdom that permeates throughout the Universe. People consider the beads as precious and rare spiritual elixirs that calm the mind, ward off evil, soothe the spirit, aid sleep and help maintain good health.
◎ About Tang Baling
Tang Baling is an ancient bead made of agate. According to legend, Tang Baling first appeared in ancient India and was later introduced to China along with Buddhism. Because of people’s reverence for Medicine Buddha DZI beads, and because the beads are rare and difficult to find, people polish agate beads into the shape of myrobalan, and wear them to receive compassionate blessings and help from Medicine Buddha. Wearing these beads is said to attract blessings of health, longevity, wisdom, and prosperity.
◎ Ancient DZI Beads’ Blessings and Benefits
After being worn for years by accomplished monks while meditating, these agate beads become imbued with auspicious energy, becoming mystical stones known as “Ancient DZI Beads”. In Tibet, DZI beads have been passed down for generations and are known as sacred treasure that connect one with Heaven. People believe that wearing DZI beads, for example, the Medicine Buddha DZI beads, as a talisman helps ward off evil, avoid bad luck, and receive the blessings of Medicine Buddha.
According to Grandmaster JinBodhi, if you often wear old DZI beads, you will be protected from evil spirits and be protected by the powerful and compassionate energy of the buddhas and bodhisattvas, which brings auspicious blessings to the wearer. If your child does not want to wear one, place a bead in the child’s bag or under their pillow for protection and blessings.
In short, the myrobalan fruit, Medicine Buddha DZI beads, and Tang Baling are not only medicinal treasures that heal sentient beings, but also sacred symbols that help to seek good fortune, avoid misfortune, alleviate afflictions, and eliminate disasters. Sincere belief often creates incredible miracles! Wishing everyone a healthy, prosperous, and auspicious life.
