Hand Made Copper Alloy in Oxidation Finish 8.5" Medicine Buddha / Menlha Statue

Medicine Buddha / Menla Statue

 Medicine Buddha – The Supreme Healer

Noble One, you should think of yourself as someone who is sick,

Of the Dharma as the remedy,

Of the Buddha as a skillful doctor,

And of your diligent practice as the way to recovery.

The Medicine Buddha, or Bhaisajyaguru, is the Buddha of Healing. Meditating on the Medicine Buddha is considered to be a powerful method for increasing healing powers, allowing practitioners to alleviate their own sufferings as well as those of others. Through his boundless compassion and generosity, Bhaisajyaguru helps sincere seekers overcome physical illness and infirmity. But even more importantly, the Buddha is the skillful doctor who heals the great disease afflicting all sentient beings. By providing the Dharma as a profound antidote to the poisons of attachment, hatred, and ignorance, he lifts the veil of delusion and points the way to freedom.

Gestures and Attributes

The Buddha is depicted with his right hand extended downward, palm open, with thumb and index finger touching. This posture is known as Varada Mudra, or the gesture of granting wishes. This mudra symbolizes Bhaisajyaguru's kindness, charity, and compassion toward all beings. In the same hand, he lightly grasps a sprig of the Myrobalan plant, an important healing herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed that this plant has the power not only to heal the body, but also to free one from the inner sicknesses of attachment, hatred, and ignorance. His left-hand lies in his lap with his palm upward in the gesture of meditation (Dhyana Mudra), representing the eradication of all sickness and suffering through the realization of absolute truth. In the same hand, he holds the traditional begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl contains a sacred medicinal nectar that cures all ills, hindrances, and obstacles.

About this Sculpture

This statue of the Medicine Buddha, also known as Menlha, is a masterpiece of charm and spiritual elegance. Crafted from copper alloy and treated with an oxidation process, it exudes a warm and inviting aura.

The Medicine Buddha is depicted in serene meditation, seated gracefully on a delicately carved lotus base. His tranquil presence radiates calm majesty and profound inner joy.

The robes of the Buddha are adorned with intricate carvings of flowers, leaves, and vines, showcasing the artisans' remarkable craftsmanship. The lotus base is equally detailed, with its back featuring a pair of deer guarding the dharma wheel. This sacred symbol represents the universal reach of the Buddha's teachings and their profound wisdom.

The oxidation finish enhances the statue’s sensuous appeal, giving it a timeless and peaceful quality. It invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and embrace the healing energy it embodies.

This exquisite sculpture is the work of master artisans from the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. Their dedication ensures each piece is a unique expression of devotion and artistry.

This Medicine Buddha statue is a harmonious blend of spiritual significance and artistic beauty. It serves as an inspiring reminder of healing, peace, and inner transformation.