The Blue Buddha of Spiritual Healing
In Tibetan Buddhism, this Buddha is the Core of Healing Meditation
Oct 28, 2009
In the footsteps of the historical Buddha, several manifestations of his most enduring qualities took firm root in Tibetan Buddhist iconography. Chief among these was Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha, the Healing Master of Lapis Lazuli Radiance.
Popularly known as the Medicine Buddha, the meditation techniques associated with this Buddha goes to the very core of Buddhist philosophy, that of controlling or healing of the material microcosm through mental energies.
The Unique Characteristics of the Medicine Buddha
Although this mind healing Buddha is often mistaken for the historical Sakyamuni Buddha because of the presence of flowing robes and the lotus sitting position, he is distinguished by the Mudra of his hands. Usually the right hand is depicted in the “Varada” Mudra of generosity which is normally associated with the celestial Buddha, Ratnasambhava. This hand is resting on the right knee, fingers almost touching the ground with palm facing outwards and the left hand rests on the lap, palm facing upwards. The right hand holds the stem of a Myrobalan plant (Terminalia chebula) and the left has a bowl holding medicinal herbs and fruits.
The Buddha of Lapis Lazuli Radiance
Although he wears the robes of a wandering ascetic, the Medicine Buddha meditation practice calls upon his devotees to visualize him emanating the radiance of the rare gemstone, the Lapis Lazuli. According to Dr.Peter Bancroft, the well known gemmologist, Lapis Lazuli was “Known as 'sapphires' by the ancients” and “the stone occurs in only a few major deposits around the world, notably Lake Baikal in Siberia, Ocalle in Chile, and the rugged Kokcha Valley of northern Afghanistan,” according to Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan by Peter Bancroft.
This gemstone, among many ancient Asian cultures, held the distinction of not only being able to cure physical ailments but also of moderating the emotional swings of those that wear it. The association of this rare and mysterious gemstone with the Medicine Buddha is, therefore, not a surprising one.
Healing the Body by Healing the Mind
According to the Four Medical Tantras followed by Tibetan Buddhist healers, every disease of the body originates from the three principal delusional diseases of the mind that poison the body gradually. These diseases are the delusions of ignorance, hatred and attachment. For any patient to be effectively cured, the healers have to be able to correctly diagnose the “roots” of the disease which is in the mind. The healing process is immeasurably enhanced with the help of meditation upon the Medicine Buddha.
As it is not an easy task to grasp the connection between the physical disease and the mental or emotional health of the patient, the meditation traditions associated with the Medicine Buddha requires that an “initiate” should receive instructions from a highly qualified lama or guru. Patients who are recovering from an ailment are also encouraged to meditate upon the Medicine Buddha and recite his mantra several times a day, with the correct motivation.
The Sun and Moon as Bodhisattvas of the Medicine Buddha
Although Bhaisajyaguru is usually depicted seated in the lotus meditation posture, with his hands in the “Varada” Mudra, sometimes, he is also depicted with two Bodhisattvas, namely “Suryaprabha” (meaning splendour of the sun) and “Chandraprabha” (meaning splendour of the moon) on either side of him. Alternatively, in many Thangkas (Tibetan textile paintings) and illustrations, his image is accompanied by the sun and moon graphically depicted above him on either side as in this beautiful illustration. These “trio” iconographic depictions are to signify that Bhaisajyaguru extends his protection towards his devotees at all times of the day and night.
Readers may also wish to learn about Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Artifacts and The Adi Buddha and His Five Celestial Buddhas.
Sources:
Frédéric, Louis. Buddhism: Flammarion Iconographic Guides. Paris: Flammarion, 1995.
Too, Lillian. The Buddha Book: Buddhas, Blessings, Prayers and Rituals to Grant You Love, Wisdom and Healing. London: Element, 2003.
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