Medicine Buddha commissioned by Melissa Nyendak, Portland, OR ©1998 Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo
With a wish to relieve suffering, I’ve begun work on a new Medicine Buddha thangka. I invite you to follow along and to share in the healing potential of this project.
Medicine Buddha, the Supreme Healer, is depicted in a form similar to that of Buddha Shakyamuni. But, whereas the body of Buddha Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha) is golden in color, the Great Healer’s body is the deep blue color of lapis lazuli.
Medicine Buddha drawing in process
His left hand is in the meditation mudra and holds a begging bowl full of long life nectar. His right hand is outstretched in the gesture of giving and holds the stem of a medicinal plant.
All buddhas are referred to as sublime physicians because they possess the compassion, wisdom, and skillful means to diagnose and treat the root delusions underlying all mental and physical sufferings. Medicine Buddha practice, in particular, is a powerful method not only for healing physical illness, but also for overcoming the inner sickness of attachment, hatred, and ignorance.
Medicine Buddha to be! Selecting fabrics.
As I embark on this project with a wish to relieve the suffering of those who are ill, equally important is my wish to devote my time to joyful activities that support me in living my best life and giving my best to the world. It’s a joy to work with my fabrics, to mindfully place each stitch, to share time with my assistants (Crusca and Sushi, the cats), to be quiet, and to create beauty.
Whole Person cat assists in thangka making
It might be considered inauspicious for the cats to sit atop the Buddha’s image…
but I think the benefits of being supportive of its creation outweigh any positional improprieties!
Fabrics given kitty seal of approval
May this work be of benefit — to you, to me, to the cats, and to all beings!
