1. Mig Chenrezig

Mig Chenrezig

Mig Chenrezig is a form of Chenrezig found only in Vajrayana Buddhism.  His Rupas are mostly found in Mongolia and Tibet, with a well-known grand Rupa that is 26.5m tall in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in Gandantegchinlen Monastery.  

Little about Mig Chenrezig is documented in texts as information related to him and his practice is passed down only in the oral tradition. However, Mig Chenrezig is known for alleviating eye diseases through his practice. In his left hand he holds a mirror, and on his right a ritual vase with peacock feathers (Tib: Bumpa). The vase is filled with cleansing nectar for the eyes. 

Thekchen Choling’s Mig Chenrezig is the only one in Singapore. It was specially commissioned in line with the temple’s aim to be a sanctuary of healing, as Mig Chenrezig’s main activity is healing, especially eye ailments. The practice of Mig Chenrezig focuses on both the great compassion and wisdom of all the Buddhas. 

Over the years, there were many miracles about how Mig Chenrezig has benefitted people. In particular, there was a devotee who went through cataract surgery, and came to Thekchen Choling Singapore to pray to Mig Chenrezig for a swift recovery. The devotee was also advised to recite Mig Chenrezig’s mantra, and his wound healed within three days after continuously reciting the Mig Chenrezig mantra. These are the miraculous stories that we hear from great Bodhisattvas benefitting sentient beings.  

2. Medicine Buddha 

Medicine Buddha Shrine

The Medicine Buddha - Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Master and King of Lapis Lazuli Light) - is the Buddha of healing and medicine, a doctor who cures suffering through the medicine of his teachings.   

As stated within his sutra, a completed Medicine Buddha shrine brings boundless merits to many. Hence, this wondrous treasure stands in the temple's main hall.   

Centered within the shrine space is the main Medicine Buddha Rupa with the other seven Medicine Buddhas in front of him. To his left and right respectively stand the Sun Bodhisattva and the Moon Bodhisattva, the two main disciples of the Medicine Buddha in his pure land. In front of the Medicine Buddha are twelve Yakshas. The combination of these holy beings blesses people to have swift healing day and night for all seasons.  

This sacred mandala gives us the precious chance to practise as according to the sutra - to cultivate, purify, heal and bring forth immense merit. Devotees come to this shrine to pray for their own or their loved ones' healing, when they are ill. Light offerings are made to pray for their swift recovery.  

At Thekchen Choling Singapore, besides the Eight Medicine Buddhas, we have a very special Rupa— the Walking Medicine Buddha Rupa.   

Walking Medicine Buddha

This very rare form of the Medicine Buddha is effective in relieving naga harm. It has been said that praying to this secret form of the Medicine Buddha can help alleviate cancer.   

Medicine Buddha has made strong vows to benefit all sentient beings as detailed in the Medicine Buddha Sutra. Through dependent arising, he has manifested this form to better benefit sentient beings who specially pray for help to purify and heal themselves from naga harm.   

3. Thang Tong Gyalpo

 Thang Tong Gyalpo 

Thang Tong Gyalpo (1385–1464), a renowned and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist master, was lovingly remembered as the Iron Bridge Builder. He was a great yogi, visionary, and compassionate emanation of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion. Out of love for all beings, he dedicated his life to making the Dharma accessible by building iron suspension bridges across treacherous rivers, erecting monasteries, and creating spaces where countless people could safely travel and practice the Buddha’s teachings. 

But Thang Tong Gyalpo’s legacy goes beyond his physical works. During a time when the Sakya community was struck by a severe epidemic, fear and suffering spread widely. Out of boundless compassion, he composed a heartfelt prayer, invoking the blessings of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas to pacify disease, obstacles, and untimely death. Through the power of his pure intention and realization, the epidemic was swiftly subdued, saving countless lives. 

This precious supplication became known as the “Prayer that Saved Sakya from the Epidemic” (Sakya Töndrupma). From that time until today, it has been cherished as a powerful protection prayer, a source of solace in times of fear, and a reminder of the great compassion of the Buddhas. 

Whenever we recite this prayer with faith, we connect to the blessings of Thang Tong Gyalpo and the enlightened ones, inviting healing, harmony, and protection not just for ourselves, but for all beings. In times of uncertainty, this prayer continues to shine as a beacon of hope and a reminder that compassion and aspiration can truly transform the world. 

This particular Rupa in the above picture was handmade using traditional methods, and was brought to Singapore from Tibet during a pilgrimage trip with Singha Rinpoche.  

Conclusion

From Mig Chenrezig to the Medicine Buddha and Thang Tong Gyalpo, the healing Rupas of Thekchen Choling Singapore continue to bless countless beings with their compassionate presence and transformative power. May all who turn to these sacred Rupas find swift relief from illness, renewed vitality, and the joy of well-being. And may their prayers also extend to all who suffer, bringing comfort, healing, and hope to many. 

Every year, we have an annual 49-day Vaidurya Healing Festival dedicated for healing and rejuvenation for ourselves and the world. Key programmes include collective mantra accumulation, fire puja, recitations in English and Chinese, and also an activity to bless the ocean. Extensive light offering and healing tablets will be placed in the temple throughout the festival to request for blessings. To find out more, click here.  

If you would like to experience the blessings of these holy Rupas yourself, we warmly welcome you to visit Thekchen Choling Singapore at 2 Beatty Lane, Singapore 209945. Our temple is open daily from 11am to 7pm. Stay connected with us through our Telegram channel for updates on upcoming events and practices! We look forward to sharing the Dharma and blessings with you.