Medicine Buddha
Newari Paubha Painting 
Handmade natural mineral pigments on canvas
 
Artist: Sudharshan Suwal 
 
The Medicine Buddha is the Healing Buddha. As the Medicine Buddha's vow is to help heal all the sick and the injured, he is often called upon to help eliminate sickness. Usually portrayed seated with a jar of medicine in his left hand, blue-coloured, the Medicine Buddha's right hand is resting on his knee in the mudra of blessings, with a stem of a healing plant in between his thumb and forefinger. According to legend, the Buddha transformed himself into a radiant blue light Buddha at a large gathering of people and taught/transmitted the knowledge of healing and medicine. Thus, he is often depicted with blue skin or holding a blue medicine jar. 
 
Medicine Buddha meditation is a healing practice treasured by many in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. It can be practised for oneself, or for someone who is ill. The oldest Medicine Buddha known sutra dates from the seventh century.The sutra tells the story of a bodhisattva, Medicine Buddha, who made twelve vows about how he would help living beings after attaining enlightenment. The holistic healing of mind and body was an important focus of his vows: he promised to help eradicate pain, disease, and disabilities of all kinds, as well as promote good health and optimal flourishing.
 
Medicine Buddha mantra in Sanskrit:
Teyata, Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Bekanze Radza Samugate Soha