About Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha is revered in Mahāyāna Buddhism as the embodiment of healing and compassion. His canonical form typically depicts him holding a medicine gallipot, often with blue skin symbolizing purity and healing energy. Originating from the Bhaiṣajya-guru-vaiḍūrya-prabhā-rāja Sūtra, he is described as a bodhisattva who fulfilled twelve great vows before attaining Buddhahood. Bhaiṣajyaguru presides over the eastern pure land of Vaiḍūryanirbhāsa, attended by bodhisattvas symbolizing sunlight and moonlight. His teachings are likened to medicine that cures the afflictions of suffering (dukkha/duḥkha), emphasizing the spiritual healing of the mind and soul.