This exquisite 8.25-inch Sangye Menla statue portrays the Tibetan Medicine Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru, in a refined traditional form handcrafted in Patan, Nepal. Cast from copper alloy using the lost wax method, the sculpture is fire gilded in 24K gold and polished to an exceptionally luminous high-luster finish. The brilliant golden surface is contrasted by dark curled hair and carefully painted facial details, creating a serene representation of the Healing Buddha suitable for an altar, meditation room, or Buddhist art collection.
Sangye Menla Statue – Iconography of the Healing Buddha
Sangye Menla is the Tibetan name for Medicine Buddha, known in Sanskrit as Bhaisajyaguru. He embodies the healing dimension of enlightened compassion and is associated with the relief of physical, mental, and spiritual suffering. His distinctive iconography makes him immediately recognizable. Learn more about the symbolism of the Medicine Buddha and the meaning of his iconography.
His right arm extends gracefully over the knee with the open palm displaying Varada mudra, the gesture of generosity and boon granting. Between his fingers he holds the myrobalan, or arura, plant traditionally associated with healing in Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine. His left hand rests in his lap in Dhyana mudra, supporting the Medicine Buddha’s characteristic bowl of healing nectar. Together these attributes express his compassionate commitment to relieving suffering and overcoming the deeper causes of affliction.
24K Gold Gilding and Traditional Nepali Craftsmanship
The statue is seated in full lotus posture upon a beautifully modeled single lotus throne. Individual petals form a rhythmic border around the pedestal, complemented by beaded detailing and delicate ornamental engraving. Around the rear of the throne, scrolling decorative patterns surround a clearly engraved vajra, or dorje, adding an important Vajrayana symbol that is not immediately visible from the frontal view.
The monastic robes are comparatively restrained yet beautifully finished, with hand-engraved scrolling borders tracing the neckline, shoulder wrap, sleeve and lower garments. This measured ornamentation allows the polished gold surfaces of the body and robes to remain visually dominant. Sangye Menla’s elongated earlobes, tightly curled dark hair, prominent ushnisha and gilded upper finial complete the traditional marks of Buddhahood.
Medicine Buddha is traditionally associated with the eastern Pure Land of Vaiduryanirbhasa, the radiant Lapis Lazuli World. Practitioners invoke his compassionate presence through visualization, prayer and mantra recitation. Our detailed guide explores the Pure Land of Medicine Buddha as well as the traditional practice of 108 Medicine Buddha mantra recitations.
Sangye Menla and Amitabha – A Complementary Pair
This Sangye Menla statue also forms an especially harmonious pairing with our 8.5-inch gold-gilded Amitabha Buddha statue. At 8.25 and 8.5 inches respectively, the two sculptures are closely matched in scale and share luminous 24K gold finishes, while their different mudras and attributes preserve their individual identities.
The pairing also carries deeper doctrinal significance. Sangye Menla presides over the eastern Lapis Lazuli Pure Land and embodies compassionate healing and the alleviation of suffering. Amitabha, known as Amida in Japanese Buddhism, presides over the western Pure Land of Sukhavati and embodies infinite light, compassion and the aspiration toward favorable rebirth and liberation. Displayed together, the two Buddhas can therefore represent complementary dimensions of Buddhist refuge: healing and support during embodied life alongside the aspiration toward awakening and liberation.
Custom Made Sangye Menla Statues
For collectors, Dharma centers and practitioners seeking a different size or finish, we can commission a custom Tibetan Buddhist statue directly from skilled Nepali artisans. A custom Sangye Menla statue may be commissioned in alternative dimensions and selected traditional finishes, allowing the sculpture to be coordinated with an existing altar or companion deity. A matched Medicine Buddha and Amitabha pair can likewise be commissioned with complementary proportions, gilding and craftsmanship while preserving the traditional iconographic attributes unique to each Buddha.
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.
jbatkhuy –
I bought before Medicine Buddha statue from this supplier for my son. He is veru happy with this purchase. It was more than we expected. Good quality. Quick service. Excellent communication.
This time my son ordered water offering bowl set. .
In future we will have more altar items ordered.