Medicine Buddha: The Healing Buddha

Medicine Buddha: The Healing Buddha

Medicine Buddha - སངས་རྒྱས་སྨན་བླ - 藥師佛

Mantra:

Namo bhagavate Bhaishajyaguru-vaidurya Prabha-rajaya Tathagataya Arthate Samyak-sambuddhaya Tadyatha Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye Bhaishajya-samudgate Svaha.

Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye Bhaishajya-samudgate Svaha.

Known as Bhaishajya-guru, the Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata or just Medicine Buddha in short, symbolizes the quintessential archetype of the healer, embodying a compassionate spirit dedicated to the well-being of all living beings. In the East Asian temples, he is often depicted in a majestic, seated position, part of a divine trinity alongside Sakyamuni at the center and Amitabha on the right.

The Medicine Buddha uniquely specializes in healing not just physical ailments but also addressing the hidden struggles of the mind. He tackles the deep-seated delusions that can cloud our joy and understanding. Revered not just as a healer, but as a wellspring of wisdom, his miraculous acts of healing are just the beginning of a transformative journey towards Supreme Enlightenment for those who have the privilege to hear his teachings or even whisper his name.

His presence is truly inspiring and serves a crucial purpose: to free us from the chains of ignorance, which is one of humanity’s greatest challenges. By focusing on healing even the most difficult diseases, the Medicine Buddha shines brightly as a beacon of hope, inviting us all to embark on an uplifting journey toward clarity and enlightenment.

Iconography of Medicine Buddha

The Twelve Vows of Healing

Long before attaining enlightenment, the Medicine Buddha, on his Bodhisattva path, made Twelve Vows to grant sentient beings whatever they desired.These vows are a heartfelt commitment to help all beings break free from suffering and ignorance, lighting their way to enlightenment. They reflect a true dedication to promote vibrant health and revive the spirits that may have been dampened by life’s challenges. With compassion, he seeks to inspire everyone to reach their highest potential through virtuous actions. Additionally, he is determined to provide vital support to those facing hardships, ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone. His dreams encompass every aspect of life, connecting the everyday with the extraordinary, and showcasing his role as a generous universal supporter, an inspiring beacon of hope and positive change for everyone.

The Pure Land of Lapiz Lazuli

His inspiring origin story is filled with deep compassion that has blossomed over countless ages. In a past life, while dwelling in a realm of pure light, he discovered a powerful motivation to become a healing Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings. With incredible wisdom and merit, he achieved the beautiful goal of perfect enlightenment and created his pure land known as Vaiḍūryanirbhāsa, or “Lapis Lazuli.” In this radiant place, beings are liberated from disease, aging, and suffering, enabling them to progress swiftly toward freedom.

The Medicine Buddha is not only a transcendent figure but also a vibrant source of support for those on their spiritual paths. His sacred name, mantras, and practices are embraced widely for healing, protection, and overcoming challenges, embodying the heartfelt vows he made for everyone’s well-being. Through his light and compassion, he brings hope and relief to those in need, reminding us of the power of dedication to the welfare of all.