Who is Medicine Buddha?

Medicine Buddha emphasises the internal, particularly the mental causes of illnesses. Buddhism views the body and mind as interconnected, recognising that mental well-being significantly influences physical health. Focusing on the Medicine Buddha, therefore, provides a more holistic approach to caring for both the mental and physical aspects, enhancing overall wellness.

Medicine Buddha practice involves a combination of mantra recitation and visualisation. Chanting the Medicine Buddha mantra is central to the practice. The repetitive nature helps focus the mind, reducing stress and anxiety. Beyond calming the mind, the mantra is believed to help us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, the divine, offering solace and peace.

Visualisation complements the mantra. Visualise the Medicine Buddha’s radiating healing light enhancing our recitation experience. This will have a positive effect on our body and mind, working in harmony with the mantra to promote overall well-being.

What are the vows of Medicine Buddha?

Medicine Buddha, while practicing on the path of being a Bodhisattva, made these 12 remarkable vows to alleviate suffering and bring happiness to all sentient beings:

1. Using his radiant light, he aids anyone in achieving enlightenment.

2. Awakening the minds of all beings with his lapis lazuli light.

3. Providing whatever is needed for everyone’s physical needs.

4. Correcting misguided beliefs and inspiring the path of the Bodhisattva.

5. Helping beings follow moral guidelines, regardless of past failures.

6. Healing those with physical ailments, illnesses, or deformities.

7. Providing support to the impoverished and the ill.

8. Assisting women wanting to change their gender in their reincarnation process.

9. Healing those suffering from mental afflictions and delusions.

10. Aiding the oppressed in overcoming their suffering.

11. Easing the suffering of those with extreme hunger and thirst.

12. Providing clothing and protection for those in need and exposed to harsh conditions including insects and mosquitoes.

Benefits of Medicine Buddha Practice

• Physical Healing
  The Medicine Buddha practice can support one to heal chronic illnesses, relieve acute conditions, and reduce pain. By forming a deep connection with the Medicine Buddha, individuals may access an inner source of healing energy.
  
  By creating a balanced state within the body, we may strengthen our natural defences against illness. We may also notice an increased energy and vitality, feeling a renewed sense of health and well-being.
  
  

• Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance
  The practice of the Medicine Buddha is not only for physical healing but also for mental and emotional well-being, given its holistic approach. In our busy lives, most of us face different degrees of stress. But we can find comfort in the Medicine Buddha’s compassionate presence to reduce stress and anxiety. Chanting and visualising the Medicine Buddha can calm the mind, reduce stress and create a sense of peace.
  
  

• Spiritual Growth
  Our journey with the Medicine Buddha is also about spiritual growth. By connecting with the Buddha's compassion, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, giving our lives more purpose and meaning.
  
  Buddhism teaches that our negative actions or thoughts from the past can influence our present experiences. The Medicine Buddha is believed to have the power to purify this negative karma, helping us let go of past burdens and create a brighter future. By practising Medicine Buddha, we cultivate a deep connection with the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion and move towards inner peace and contentment.
  
  

How to benefit from Medicine Buddha’s practice

If one is suffering from a physical or mental condition, it is beneficial to generate compassion for those suffering from the same conditions and pray for them. This is a way to grow our compassion and create the cause for ourselves to be healed.

Recite the Sutra: You can recite the Sutra of Medicine Buddha. The Medicine Buddha Sutra narrates Buddha’s teaching on the meritorious virtues of the Medicine Buddha and details the twelve great vows that the Medicine Buddha made when he was a Bodhisattva.

This sutra emphasizes the liberation of sentient beings from illnesses, suffering, disasters, and misery, as well as the acquisition of prosperity and happiness in this lifetime. Reciting this Sutra makes us reflect on the qualities of Medicine Buddha.

Chant the Mantra: While visualising, recite Medicine Buddha’s mantra. Chant this mantra repeatedly, focusing on the sound and your intention, especially if you are new to it. Here is a version in Sanskrit: 

Tadyatha Om Bhekandze Bhekandze Maha Bhekandze Bhekandze Radza Samudgate Svaha

There is also an extensive longer version of the mantra that embodies the blessings of all eight Medicine Buddhas. Click here to recite the long Medicine Buddha Mantra.

Make Light Offerings: Proclaimed by Buddha in the Medicine Buddha Sutra, you can offer lights to Medicine Buddha. The benefits are that one can clear away life obstacles, attract happiness and vitality, receive protection from spirit harm, be liberated from the suffering of illnesses, magnetise peaceful, prosperous and smooth conditions, as well as pray for peace, harmony and favourable weather conditions for the world.

Make a Dedication: At the end of your practice, dedicate the positive energy you’ve generated to the well-being of all beings. You can say, “May all beings be free from suffering, illness and ignorance. May they swiftly attain awakening and enlightenment.”

Look out for our annual Vaidurya Healing Festival happening soon and join in our global accumulation of Medicine Buddha mantra recitation. Follow our social media on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram to keep updated!