Bronze Gilding Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddha/Yaoshi Fo), Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534)

[Photo/ifeng.com]

Bhaisajyaguru is a Buddha of healing and medicine. He made 12 vows to relieve all living creatures from ailments before attaining enlightenment (or becoming a Buddha). After that he acquired enough merits to be a Buddha. The pure land where his wishes came true is called “Pure Lapis Lazuli”. The practice of veneration of the Medicine Buddha is popular among Han Chinese.

Now this Buddha figure is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, America.