Wooden Thangka Or Wall Hanging of Medicine Buddha, Natural Colour Finishing, Hand Painted

Iconography

Medicine Buddha is the popular term for Bhaisajyaguru and refers to healing blue light transmitted by his representation and conception. Bhaisajyaguru means "Master of Blue Light". His healing energy is transmitted through blue light wave length called Vaydurya light. Medicine Buddha radiates this healing energy. Think of the light as internal chakra energy. The colour blue has been known for its purifying properties since ancient times and the deep blue colour of the Medicine Buddha is directly associated with this blue Vaydurya light energy. The energy source originates in the transparent beryl crystal bowl the Medicine Buddha supports and manifests itself in the deep blue of Lapis Lazuli [Lapis] of his corporeal body. The goldenergy lines [Skt. Chritrini] of his psychic body link all the yogic "vital airs" or energy winds [Skt. Vayus] and form the Beryl healing light energy beryl blue band of the inner aureole representing all the vital airs [Skt. Vyana] of the subtle body [Skt. Pranamayakosha]. As we journey through life we can find ourselves suffering through illness or through the illness of someone else. During illness previous priorities seem almost irrelevant as we seek to restore our balance or to find a new balance in our lives. Suddenly the medicine Buddha who is often overlooked becomes the most important of all while we realise our oversight. The image of the medicine Buddha can be used as a meditation deity [Skt. Ishta-devata] texts often call a meditation deity a Tutelary Deity or a Yidam Deity. A Yidam is the Tibetan word for an Ishtar-devata, a fully enlightened being who is the focus of personal meditation, during a retreat or for life. Deity Yoga practices can be undertaken. In essence, the mindstream of the guru and the yidam are indivisible. The yidam is considered to be the root of success in the practice. Visualise his serenity & healing light.





His extended left hand with an open front palm is shown in gift bestowing [Skt. Varada] hand gesture [Skt. Mudra] and holds the stem of a triple fruited myrobalan plant between his thumb & forefinger. In Tibetan medicine the myrobalan plant is known as the 'King of Medicines' on account of its medicinal properties. The gift bestowing hand gesture represents his dispensing of healing and holds a myrobalan plant bearing three myrobalan fruits. The number three refers to Principle of Three Gunas, which are Energy [Skt. Rajas] Inertia/Movement [Skt. Tamas] & wholeness or bodily order [Skt. Sattwa] When balanced we enjoy good health, when unbalanced illness can arise. Our bodies have a remarkable ability to rebalance if we allow them in a process known as homeostasis, directly linked to the principle of the Gunas. Unbalancing can occur when the moon residing at the naval root absorbs too much form the sun at the palette root which relates to too much sensual indulgence with the and the nectar of the moon is.

The right hand of Medicine Buddhas rests upon his lap in the position associated with an advanced connection with the inner self arrived at through meditation, commonly called the meditative state. The same hand supports a blue beryl crystal alms bowl containing medicinal nectar and a myrobalan fruit. He is portrayed wearing maroon monastic robes painted seated on a white moon disc in a lotus body position [Skt. Padmasana] and upon an actual lotus flower. Magical Buddhism [Tantric Buddhism] is very connected with Although more commonly linked to Vedic Yoga.

Commentary

This is why the ideas in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra are so closely connected with the Buddhist Principle of The Four Noble Truths and on gaining the liberated path. There are many other connections with Yoga such as the tantric gold energy lines [Skt. Chitrini] the lotus and chakras and in the choice of colours of aureoles. Perhaps most obvious is the classic yoga lotus asana with one leg crossed over the other that the Medicine Buddha is sitting in. The wisdom of Devata Yoga will help.

Matra of Medicine Buddha

This adherence to color accuracy is akin to the meticulous artistry seen in thangka paintings. To achieve this finishing, organic colors and genuine gold are used, while the expertise of a skilled thangka artist is sought, as painting on a metal surface requires a distinct set of skills to bring out the elegance and beauty of the statue.

By employing this traditional coloring method, the Wall Hanging is not only aesthetically pleasing but also maintains its cultural authenticity, paying homage to the rich traditions and practices associated with Buddhist art.