藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha), unknown maker from China

Artwork Overview

藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha)
藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha)
藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha)
late 1500s–early 1600s, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha) , late 1500s–early 1600s, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Where object was made: China
Material/technique: gilding; bronze; pigment
Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 104 x 90 x 61 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 40 15/16 x 35 7/16 x 24 1/2 in
Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial
Accession number: 1928.1791
On display: Stewart Gallery
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Label texts

This cast-bronze, gilded Buddha is known as Bhaisajyaguru or Medicine Buddha, who is associated with healing and medicine. In the 7th century, the Chinese monk Yijing (635-713), traveled to India and translated into Chinese the Sanskrit scripture Bhaisajyaguru Sutra-a major textual source for understanding the Medicine Buddha. Since that time, worship of Medicine Buddha has expanded enormously in China. Here, the Medicine Buddha seated in the meditation pose holds a myrobalan fruit or healing aruna fruit in his right hand. This fruit is native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and southwestern China, and is referred to as a “medicine pill” in oral tradition. Other representations of the Medicine Buddha sometimes show the deity with a medicine pot or bowl in his left hand. When Sallie Casey Thayer purchased this Medicine Buddha from the dealer Yamanaka in 1920, it may have been a part of a sculptural triad. The other two, identified as Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) and Amitabha (the Buddha of the Western Paradise) are now located in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in Maine. In the Mahayana (Great Vehicle) tradition of Buddhism, Sakyamuni, Amitabha, and the Medicine Buddha stand supreme, respectively representing the founder, consoler, and healer. This sculptural assemblage of three Buddhas is commonly found on the principal altar of the main assembly hall in Chinese Buddhist temples; however, the original location of this triad remains unknown. Exhibition Label: "Nature/Natural," Feb-2011, Kris Ercums As Buddhism developed during the Ming dynasty, especially under the so-called Wanli revival (1563-1620), it coalesced into a pervasive religious force that formed a pivotal role in the everyday life of the Chinese. Holding a jewel in his right hand, this cast-bronze, gilded Buddha is known as Ratnasambhava, who is associated with wealth and giving. As one of the “Five Meditation Buddhas,” Ratnasambhava is an important part of Vajrayana or Tantric practice, an esoteric form of Buddhism that gained popularity during the Ming period.

Resources

Audio

Audio Tour – Bulldog Podcast
Audio Tour – Bulldog Podcast
My art piece the “Medicine Buddha” was a Ming dynasty sculpture depicting Bhaisgyaguru the Medicine Buddha. The Ming dynasty lasted from 1368 to 1644. It resulted from a revolt against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty that led to a golden age in Chinese history with many great inventions and cultural advances. In the Buddhist religion, the Medicine Buddha was a sentient being who achieved Buddhahood and became the Buddha of healing and Western Paradise. He made twelve great vows to protect all sentient beings and bring peace. The vows were: 1) Illuminate countless realms with his radiances; 2) Awaken all minds with the light of Lapis Lazuli; 3) Provide Sentient beings with the supplies they need; 4) correct heretical views; 5) Help beings follow morals; 6) Heal children with deformities; 7) Heal and help the sick; 8) Help women be reborn as men; 9) Help mental afflictions and delusion; 10) To help the oppressed become free from suffering; 11) Relieve those who hunger and thirst; and 12) To help clothe those who suffer who are destitute. Mahayana Buddhism has spread so much from its birth in India. For example, this statue was found in China when the Medicine Buddha achieved enlightenment in India. This statue has a very calming nature to it; it is very peaceful and represents healing and calmness. It is a good representation of Buddhism with the medicine Buddha sitting down in prayer and meditation. I deeply enjoy history and philosophy and this sculpture really spoke to me because of its age, religious background, and historical presence. After seeing this sculpture I spent many hours studying about Buddhism and the importance of the medicine Buddha. I enjoyed this statue because of its historical origins and philosophical presence.

Links

View the Buddhas in Rockefeller’s Maine garden.
View a painted representation of The Eight Medicine Buddhas
View a representation of Buddha Bhaisajyaguru from sixth-century China.
Read the Sutra of the Medicine Buddha.