Bhaiṣajyaguru is the channel of healing and medicine, hence deriving the
name of Medicine
Buddha - widely popularized in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism. Upon his
contemplation, one is liberated from attachment, ignorance and suffering. Made
in Copper of golden gild, this Nepalese sculpture
depicts the Medicine Buddha seated in a Padmasana on a Lotus pedestal holding
the jar of medicinal nectar and a branch of Myrobalan! Him, who’s the teacher
of Karuna, is the vanquisher of mental, physical and spiritual adversities.
The Healer of All Ailments
Invite the benevolent presence of the Medicine Buddha into your sacred space with this exquisite copper statue, meticulously crafted in the heart of Nepal. This venerated figure, known as Bhaisajyaguru in Sanskrit, is a powerful symbol of healing, compassion, and the eradication of suffering. In Buddhist traditions, he is revered as the Buddha of Medicine, who vowed to heal all beings from the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion. Legend tells of his celestial realm, the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli, where he dispenses his healing wisdom to all who call upon him.
A Masterpiece of Nepalese Artistry
This magnificent statue captures the serene and compassionate essence of the Medicine Buddha. Cast from pure copper and adorned with radiant gold gilding, it embodies a timeless aesthetic. The intricate details, from the gentle curl of his dark hair to the tranquil expression on his face, speak to the skill of Nepalese artisans who have passed down these sacred traditions through generations. He is depicted in the traditional lotus posture, symbolizing purity and enlightenment, seated upon a richly decorated base. His right hand rests on his knee, palm facing outwards in the gesture of generosity and dispensing blessings, while his left hand cradles a medicinal bowl, often containing the Arura fruit, a potent symbol of healing. The flowing monastic robes are rendered with delicate folds, further enhancing the lifelike quality of the sculpture.
Embodying Wholeness and Well-being
The presence of the Medicine Buddha is believed to bring about physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Placing this statue in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the potential for wholeness and well-being that resides within all beings. It is a source of comfort and inspiration, particularly for those seeking relief from illness, anxiety, or any form of suffering. The act of venerating the Medicine Buddha is thought to purify negative karma and cultivate a mind of compassion and wisdom, leading one towards inner peace and spiritual liberation. This piece is not merely an object of beauty, but a conduit for profound blessings and a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist teachings.
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A Sacred Treasure from the Himalayas
Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage, this statue is a tangible connection to the rich artistic and religious traditions of the region. The process of creating such an artifact often involves intricate rituals and mindful intention, imbues it with a spiritual potency that resonates deeply. The use of copper, a metal associated with healing and conductivity, further enhances its sacred qualities. The generous gold gilding signifies purity, enlightenment, and the radiant nature of the Buddha himself. This representation of the Medicine Buddha is a powerful tool for spiritual practice, meditation, and the cultivation of a healing environment.How are Nepalese copper statues made?
Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique
small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two
thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws
influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and
therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the
icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures
evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some
characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other
pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual
features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and
ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have
tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual
purposes in their temples and monasteries.
Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and
therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they
age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues
is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and
sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment
protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax
method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most
practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process
involves many steps and requires skilled artists.
The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of
the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is
created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills
otherwise fine features will be lacking.
Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special
mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when
left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so
that the wax flows away when it is heated.
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is
obtained.
This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which
is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold
water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed
and the statue within is revealed.
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools.
It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.
Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold
gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A
mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the
statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that
mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold
finish.
The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique
for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details.
Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for
giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes
several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded
copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and
appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong
aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
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