Lapis
Articles
Guides to the Medicine Buddha: history, symbols, names, objects and places.
The Medicine Buddha: history and iconographyWhere the Medicine Buddha comes from, how to recognise him and how each tradition depicts him.
Bhaiṣajyaguru, Menla, Yaoshi, Yakushi: the names by countryThe same Buddha has a different name in each language. A short glossary to find your way and search better.
Lapis lazuli, the colour of the Medicine BuddhaWhy the Medicine Buddha is blue, where the stone comes from and how it is used in art.
The Medicine Buddha mantra and its meaningThe text of the mantra, its Tibetan pronunciation and a word-by-word translation.
The twelve vows and the seven Medicine BuddhasWhat the twelve vows of the sūtra say, and who the Medicine Buddha’s “seven brothers” are.
Yakushi temples in JapanYakushi-ji, Shin-Yakushi-ji, Jingo-ji, Enryaku-ji… The main Medicine Buddha sites in Japan and the 49-temple pilgrimage.
How to choose a Medicine Buddha statueMaterials, size, finish, iconography: what to check before buying a statue.
How to choose a thangkaHand-painted or printed, pigments, gold, brocade mounting: understanding what you buy.
Setting up a simple, respectful altarPlace, objects, offerings: common customs for welcoming an image of the Medicine Buddha at home.
Buying guide by budgetWhat you can find under €20, between €20 and €80, and above: pointers for every budget.