Ratnasambhava Buddha

CHINA; Qing dynasty

Ratnasambhava is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. He is depicted seated in a full lotus position and wearing simple monastic robes. The right hand is held in varada (wish-granting) mudra while the left hand may have originally held a wish-fulfilling jewel. A Tibetan inscription is engraved on the back of the double lotus throne. It reads, “Treat all sentient beings with compassion and endlessly provide the sweet dew that cures sicknesses. With the power of unsurpassable giving of Dharma, let us enter the uncontaminated Buddha land. As we have selected the correct material to cast the higher vehicle, the age of the heavenly beings and the abundance of the Wealth Deitry, will turn into timely resources for donors. Although purity and brightness were brought to the earth, the bright moon is incomparable with the accomplishments of the Buddha. The conch in clockwise turnings produces melodious sounds of Dharma that spread to all parts of the universe.”