This magnificent 19″ Large Medicine Buddha Statue portrays Bhaisajyaguru, known in Tibetan Buddhism as Sangye Menla, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing. Handcrafted from copper alloy in Patan, Nepal, the sculpture was created through the traditional lost wax method and fire gilded in 24K gold. Its substantial proportions, luminous gilded finish, richly engraved robes, and monumental double lotus throne give the statue an impressive presence appropriate for a large home shrine, Dharma center, meditation room, or monastery.
Medicine Buddha is associated with healing suffering at both physical and spiritual levels. His enlightened activity extends beyond relief from illness to the deeper causes of suffering and the cultivation of the conditions necessary for progress along the Buddhist path. His realm is traditionally described as the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli Light. Read more about Medicine Buddha’s Lapis Lazuli Pure Land and its significance within the Mahayana tradition.
Large Medicine Buddha Statue Iconography
Bhaisajyaguru sits in the full lotus posture with his right arm extended downward in Varada Mudra, the gesture of generosity and boon granting. Between his fingers he holds the stem of the myrobalan medicinal plant, one of the defining attributes of Medicine Buddha. Myrobalan has an important place within traditional Himalayan medicine and symbolically represents the healing knowledge through which suffering and its underlying causes may be addressed. Our guide to Medicine Buddha’s meaning and healing symbolism explores these attributes in greater detail.
His left hand rests palm upward in his lap in Dhyana Mudra, supporting the sacred medicine vessel traditionally understood to contain healing nectar. Together, these attributes immediately identify the figure as Bhaisajyaguru: the medicinal plant represents his healing activity, while the vessel represents the inexhaustible medicine of the Dharma.
Exceptional Hand-Engraved Robes and Lotus Throne
The extraordinary engraving distinguishes this Large Medicine Buddha Statue from more simply finished representations. Intricate floral and foliate scrollwork spreads across the monastic robe, continuing over the shoulder, sleeves, crossed legs, and extensively across the reverse. Circular ornamental compositions are interwoven throughout the scrolling foliage, creating a remarkably dense decorative surface that changes character as light passes over the 24K gold.
The craftsmanship continues onto the monumental double lotus throne. Its two architectural registers are composed of deeply modeled lotus petals bordered by finely worked ornamental bands. Around the reverse, all Eight Tibetan Auspicious Symbols have been individually engraved into decorative medallions. Above them appears a broad band of Tibetan script, flanked by two prominent endless knot motifs. The extensive decoration of areas normally hidden from frontal view demonstrates that this sculpture was conceived to be appreciated from every direction.
Dark blue hair provides a striking contrast with the brilliant gold surface, while the face is carefully hand painted with outlined eyes, delicately arched brows and warm red lips. These details soften the grandeur of the sculpture and preserve the contemplative expression appropriate to the Healing Buddha.
Medicine Buddha and Amitayus – A Complementary Statue Pair
This sculpture makes an especially harmonious altar pairing with our 19″ gold-gilded Amitayus sculpture. The two pieces share closely compatible proportions, warm 24K gold finishes, elaborate hand engraving, and substantial double lotus thrones, giving them strong visual continuity when displayed together.
Their relationship is equally meaningful doctrinally. Medicine Buddha embodies healing and the alleviation of physical, mental, and spiritual suffering, while Amitayus represents infinite life, longevity, merit, and the preservation of favorable conditions for Dharma practice. Together they unite healing with longevity: Bhaisajyaguru addresses suffering and obstacles to well-being, while Amitayus represents the continuation of precious human life so that wisdom, compassion, and spiritual realization may be cultivated.
Custom Made Medicine Buddha Statues
Collectors, practitioners, monasteries, and Dharma centers may also commission a custom made Tibetan Buddhist statue inspired by this Medicine Buddha design. Our Shakya master artisans in Patan can create Medicine Buddha in different dimensions and finishes while preserving traditional iconographic proportions. Custom commissions can incorporate specific engraving, pedestal ornamentation, gilding treatments, and other appropriate details, with photographs supplied during important stages of production.
A coordinated Medicine Buddha and Amitayus pair may also be commissioned together, allowing both sculptures to share the same height, lotus-throne proportions, gilding tone, engraving style, and overall visual presence. Such a commissioned pair combines two complementary Buddhist aspirations within a unified shrine: healing and freedom from suffering through Bhaisajyaguru, together with the longevity, vitality, and merit represented by Amitayus.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal’s Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
