Medicine Buddha Symbols

What are the Medicine Buddha symbols that make this Buddha unique and powerful? The Medicine Buddha is depicted sitting in the lotus position, adorned with rich robes. He has a serene expression with eyes partially or fully closed. The Medicine Buddha is often shown holding a medicinal plant called myrobalan in his hand. Finally, the Medicine Buddha symbols include his blue skin and his association with the gemstone lapis lazuli.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Recognize the central Medicine Buddha symbols
• Understand the significance of the objects the Medicine Buddha holds
• Use the Medicine Buddha symbols to aid in healing visualizations

Texts Outlining the Medicine Buddha Symbols

Early depictions of the Medicine Buddha occurred from the 4th to 6th centuries. This was the Gupta period in India. Many historians view this as a golden age in India. The Medicine Buddha was featured in texts including the Sutra of the Medicine Buddha and the Pure Lapiz Lzuli Light Tathagata Sutra. These texts document the history of the Medicine Buddha and his symbols.

Dispensing the Nectar of Immortality

One of the most important Medicine Buddha symbols is an alms bowl or a medicine jar, held in each of the medicine Buddha’s hands. In addition, the Medicine Buddha is associated with the semi-precious gemstone lapis lazuli. The lapis lazuli jar dispenses amrit or amrita, the nectar of immortality.

Power of Amrita
Amrita is the name for a substance purported to be produced by the body during deep states of meditation. This substance flows from the pituitary gland into the back of the throat. Amrita is believed to grant a very long life.

Lapis Lazuli Healing Stone

Another one of the iconic Medicine Buddha symbols is the gemstone Lapis Lazuli. Lapis Lazuli is affiliated with intellect, wisdom, strength and courage. Lapis is said to provide the wearer with spiritual protection from negative influences. Within Vajrayana Buddhism, the deep blue color is thought to have a purifying and strengthening effect on those who meditate on the stone or visualize the beautiful blue stone. Lapis Lazuli’s association with royalty dates back to 4000 BC and were buried with Egyptian royalty and carved into pendants. 

Lapis Lazuli and the Throat Chakra
Lapis Lazuli is specifically connected to the throat chakra. The throat chakra is the focus for communication and self-expression, including the use of mantras. This dark blue stone also represents intuition and higher awareness. The purpose of this stone is to inspire clear and truthful expression by enhancing intuition and spiritual awareness.

Healing Plants and the Medicine Buddha

The myrobalan plant is held in one hand as another of the central Medicine Buddha symbols. Myrobalan is native to South Asia including India and Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Myrobalan has been shown to increase heart contractions without changing the heart rate. This plant is also known for benefits to the skin and wound healing. Some believe the plant reduces inflammation and internal bleeding. 

Myrobalan is sometimes called haritaki. The fruit of this tree is the part that is used medicinally. Some sources claim that myrobalan can positively impact cognitive functioning, sexual health, digestion and blood sugar levels.