Chinese Rhubarb

Rheum palmatum
Originating from northwest China and Tibet, rhubarb has been used in medicine for more than 2,000 years. Its use gradually spread through India, reaching Europe during the Renaissance overland via Asia Minor – hence the common name, Turkey rhubarb. Rhubarb was a favorite remedy with early Persian and Arabian physicians. The rhubarb grown for cooking and eating is usually R. rhabarbarum, an 18th-century cultivar.

gSan Sgrub

God. Bon and Lamaist [Tibet]. Originally a Bon deity who became syncretized as a variety of the god YAMA in Lamaism. His animal is the bull and he may appear bull-headed. Color: red. Attributes: cup, knife and prayer wheel.

Bhaisajyaguru (supreme physician)

Physician god. Buddhist-Lamaist [Tibet].

Chos-Skyon (protector)

Tutelary guardian deity. Buddhist-Lamaist [Tibet]. One of a group of gods of fearsome appearance who wear royal apparel. Rides a white elephant. Color: blue. Attributes: knife and noose.

Akasagarbha (essence of the sky)

Astral god. Buddhist (Mahayana) and Lamaist [Tibet]. One of the BODHISATTVAS or spiritual meditation buddhas. He lives in the “womb of the sky.” Color: green. Attributes: book, jewel, lotus and sun disc. Also Khagarbha. In Japanese Buddhism this deity becomes the god Kokuzo.

 

Dharmapala

Collective name for a group of eight tutelary deities. Buddhist and particularly Lamaist [Tibet].

Cunda

Goddess. Buddhist [eastern Bengal and Tibet].

Bi-har

Guardian deity. Buddhist-Lamaist [Tibet]. One of the guardian maharajas protecting against demons. Attended by a lion. Color: white. Attributes: arrow, bow, knife, staff, sword and trident.

Beg-Tse (concealed coat of mail)

God of war. Buddhist and Lamaist [Tibet]. One of a group of eight DHARMAPALAA with terrible appearance and royal attire. Stands with one foot on a horse and one on a man. Color: red. Attributes: banner, fire, skin and sword. May appear with three eyes. Also Cam-srin.

 

Bodhisattva (one whose essence is perfect knowledge)

Generic title for a buddha-designate. Buddhist [northern India, Tibet, China and Japan].