Hall of Bhaisajyaguru

Hall of Bhaisajyaguru
Traditional Chinese殿
Simplified Chinese殿
Literal meaningHall of Bhaisajyaguru
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinYàoshī Diàn

The Hall of Bhaisajyaguru is the hall to enshrine Bhaisajyaguru, who is also named "Yaoshifo" (药师佛; 藥師佛) for short in Chinese Buddhism.[1][2][3]

He is said to be the hierarch of the Eastern vaiḍūryanirbhāsā.[3] Sitting in the center of the lotus pedestal, the statue of Bhaisajyaguru are usually with kind and solemn deportment, blue body and dark hair.[3] With big ears to his shoulders, he wears the clothes of the Buddha and exposes breast and right arm.[3] On the left of Bhaisajyaguru is Suryaprabha with a sun wheel in his hand, representing light; on the right is Candraprabha, with a moon wheel in his hand, representing coolness.[4] They are called "Bhaisajyaguru Three Honored Gods" (药师三尊; 藥師三尊) or "Eastern Three Saints" (东方三圣; 東方三聖).[4] Many Chinese people believe that enshrining Bhaisajyaguru can cure all diseases, relieve a variety of illness and pain, ward off unluckiness and extend longevity, so since ancient times, people from all walks life worship the Bhaisajyaguru.[4]

  1. ^ Wei Ran (2012-06-01). Buddhist Buildings. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press. ISBN 9787112142880.
  2. ^ Han Xin (2006-04-01). Well-Known Temples of China. Shanghai: The Eastern Publishing Co. Ltd. ISBN 7506024772.
  3. ^ a b c d Zi Yan 2012, p. 43.
  4. ^ a b c Zi Yan 2012, p. 44.