The 8 Medicine Buddha, known as Menlha Deshek Gye in Tibetan, each embodying different aspects of healing and wisdom. They are believed to provide specific benefits to practitioners who invoke their blessings: depicted Bhaisaijyaguru or Medicine Buddha, in the center, surrounded by his ‘six brothers’ and Shakyamuni Buddha.

1.Medicine Buddha sitting cross-legged and wearing a monastic robe, the blue or lapis lazuli color of his body.

Typically, he holds a branch of the myrobalan plant in his right hand, in the Varada Mudra posture or giving gesture. Myrobalan is a key ingredient in traditional Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine, known for its therapeutic properties

In his left hand, he typically holds a bowl filled with healing nectar or medicine. The gesture of holding the bowl is known as the “Alms Bowl Mudra” or “Punya Varada Mudra,”.

2.Shakyamuni Buddha, depicted in a golden hue, sitting in cross-legged. makes the earth-touching motion with his right hand and varada mudra with left hand alms, located behind the Bhaisajyaguru, facing forward.

3.Suparakirtita Nama Shri, embodies the excellent fame and reputation attained through the practice of the Dharma. Typically depicted in a golden hue, seated in meditation posture, makes abhaya mudra with his right hand and dhyna mudra with his left hand, both hand gestures in front of his heart.

4. Ashokattam shri, represents the auspicious banner of the Ashoka tree, symbolizing the eradication of suffering. He is a red or crimson-colored body, seated in meditative posture with dhyana mudra (Meditation Gesture)

5. Vimala Ratna Prabhasha, embodies the radiance of the flowless jewel, symbolizing the attainment of enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness and ignorance. Depicted in a golden color, seated in meditation posture on a lotus throne, his left hand in varada mudra, posture or giving gesture, right hand in dhyana mudra.

6. Dharma Kirti Sagara embodies the ocean of Dharma, typically depicted seated in meditation posture, his body is white in color. both hands held at the chest with dharmachakra mudra.

7. Nirgosa Raja, Represents the king who brings the end of suffering through the realization of emptiness. Depicted in a golden-yellow, seated in meditation posture with his left hand in abhaya mudra and dhyana mudra with right hand.

8. Buddha Abhijna Raja, is the medicine king who has perfected the miraculous powers of healing. He is a coral red-colored seated in cross-legged in meditation posture, with his right hand in Varada Mudra, left hand in dhyana mudra.

At the bottom left of the Eight Medicine Buddha Thangka, Yuthog Yonten Gonpo is revered as the father of Tibetan medicine, known for his contributions to the Four Tantras (Gyüzhi). He is seated in meditative posture, embodying wisdom, healing, and compassion.

In this depiction:

• He holds a medicinal plant in his left hand, symbolizing the natural remedies and deep medical knowledge of Tibetan healing traditions.
• His right hand is in Varada Mudra, the gesture of generosity and healing.

His presence reflects the integration of Buddhist philosophy with medical science, aimed at relieving suffering and promoting well-being.

(Bottom Right Figure in the Thangka)

Kalon Sangye Gyatso (1653–1705) was a renowned Tibetan scholar, regent, and patron of Tibetan medicine, best known for authoring the "Blue Beryl" (Vaiḍūrya sngon po), an extensive commentary on Yuthog Yonten Gonpo’s medical teachings.

He is seated in a meditative posture, symbolizing wisdom and deep knowledge.

Wearing monastic robes, he represents his role as a Buddhist scholar and the regent of Tibet.

He holds a scripture in his left hand, representing his scholarly contributions and deep engagement in Buddhist and medical teachings, particularly his authorship of the "Blue Beryl.

His right hand is in varada mudra, symbolizing his generosity, compassion, and dedication to the spread of medical knowledge and Buddhist philosophy.