Taiwanese Cold Porcelain Three Treasures Buddha (4")

The Three Jewels refer to the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine of the Buddha), and the Sangha (monks). It is through these three that Buddhism can flourish. The Great Three Jewels of Buddha refer to Shakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha, symbolizing the past, present, and future.

The Three Jewels Buddha can be distinguished by their seating position and the ritual implements they hold:

1. Seating arrangement: From left to right, Amitabha Buddha is on the left, Shakyamuni Buddha is in the middle, and Medicine Buddha is on the right.

2. The ritual implements held in their hands: Amitabha Buddha holds a lotus flower, Shakyamuni Buddha holds a bowl/jewel, and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha holds a medicine pot/medicine bowl/pagoda.

Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism and the son of King Suddhodana of Kapilavastu in northern India. At the age of 29, he became enlightened about birth, old age, sickness, and death. After six years of practice, he finally attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha.

Medicine Buddha is the master of the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli in the East. He can save sentient beings who are suffering and lead them to the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli.

Amitabha Buddha is the master of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Because of his immeasurable light and countless lifespan, he is known as the Buddha of Infinite Life. It is said that reciting Amitabha Buddha's name can guide one's ancestors to be reborn in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.