Phra Kring: the Thai Medicine Buddha with a bead inside

Thailand follows Theravāda Buddhism, yet it has its own image of the Medicine Buddha, a Mahāyāna figure: the Phra Kring (พระกริ่ง). The word "kring" imitates the small ringing sound the statuette makes when it is shaken. Here is what this object is, where it comes from, and how to look at it calmly.

A small Buddha holding medicine

A Phra Kring is a small cast-metal Buddha, seated on a double lotus base. In the usual form, the right hand touches the ground or the knee, and the left hand rests in the lap holding a medicine pot or a medicinal fruit. Inside, a small metal bead (the "kring") rattles when the statuette is moved. Many are cast from an alloy of nine metals (nawaloha), following old manuals.

Why the Medicine Buddha?

In his book on the history of Buddhist monuments (Tamnan Phutthachedi), Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, a founder of Thai historical studies, wrote that all Phra Kring represent Phra Phaisatchayakhuru Waithurayaprapha, that is, Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha. Thai sources link the form to older models from Tibet, China and the Khmer world, where King Jayavarman VII placed his hospitals under the Medicine Buddha; see Angkor: the 102 hospitals.

From Phra Kring Pawaret to Wat Suthat

• Phra Kring Pawaret: described as the first Phra Kring made in Thailand, ordered by Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Pawaret Wariyalongkorn, of Wat Bowonniwet, in the 19th century. Most pieces were kept in the treasury of Wat Phra Kaew, so they are very rare.
• Wat Suthat: later, Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan (Phae Tissadevo), who became Supreme Patriarch, cast series at Wat Suthat that are still famous among collectors.
• Water for blessings: the Pawaret Kring was used to prepare the lustral water of royal ceremonies under King Chulalongkorn.

Beliefs, and what we can say

In Thai devotion, the Phra Kring is put in water to make blessed water, carried for safe travel, and kept at home. These are religious beliefs, reported here as such. A Phra Kring does not treat any illness: in case of illness, see a doctor.

Before buying one

The amulet market is very active, and famous series fetch very high prices, so copies are common. A name like "Pawaret" or "Wat Suthat" proves nothing on its own: ask for the temple, the year and the series, and buy from a seller you can contact. For a simple image to keep on an altar, a recent, clearly labelled cast is enough. See How to choose a Medicine Buddha statue and the Thailand section of the catalogue.

Sources

1. Wikipedia (Thai), "Phra Kring"
2. Wikipedia (Thai), "Phra Kring Pawaret"
3. Wikipedia, "Bhaisajyaguru" (Thailand section)
4. Wikipedia, "Thai Buddha amulet"

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