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Tibetan Buddhism was first introduced to Mongolia in the thirteenth century by Buddhist teachers who were patronized by Qubilai Khan (1215–1294), the grandson of Chingghis Khan and an emperor of China. Mongolians traditionally held shamanistic beliefs, but between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries many incorporated Buddhism into their belief systems. Similarly, Tibetan medicine was integrated with the Mongolian indigenous healing practices and is widely practiced today.
Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyia guru, Menla)
OriginMongolia
Date18th century
Dimensions7 1/8 × 5 1/4 × 3 15/16 in.
MediumCopper alloy
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2006.60.2
Himalayan Art Resources Number65726
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/exhibition/living-practices/secular-aims/medicine-buddha/
DescriptionThis smoothly modelled sculpture shows the Medicine Buddha on a high lotus seat with both upward and downward facing petals and a beaded edge. He holds a medicinal Myrobalan fruit in his right hand and a bowl with nectar in his left.Tibetan Buddhism was first introduced to Mongolia in the thirteenth century by Buddhist teachers who were patronized by Qubilai Khan (1215–1294), the grandson of Chingghis Khan and an emperor of China. Mongolians traditionally held shamanistic beliefs, but between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries many incorporated Buddhism into their belief systems. Similarly, Tibetan medicine was integrated with the Mongolian indigenous healing practices and is widely practiced today.
Not on view
19th century
19th century
18th century
14th century
18th century
18th or 19th century
18th century