The Practice of the Medicine Buddha

introduction

The dissemination of the Medicine Buddha Sutra originated from Manjushri Bodhisattva's supplication. At that time, the Buddha was expounding the names and virtues of Buddhas throughout the ten directions to Manjushri Bodhisattva beneath the Music-Tree in the city of Shravasti. He particularly introduced the Sovereign of the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World—the Medicine Buddha, Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.

Among all Buddhas, the Medicine Buddha possesses the most exceptional qualities. His fundamental vow is to rescue beings from physical and mental afflictions, symbolizing the “Great Physician King” and embodying the supreme virtue of the “Unsurpassed Physician King.” As described in the Sutra of the Medicine Buddha, the Pure Lapis Lazuli World in the East is radiantly pure and free from all defilements. The Medicine Buddha's lapis lazuli light represents the radiance of wisdom and compassion, capable of illuminating the inherent enlightened nature and purity within our hearts.

The Vows and Symbolism of the Medicine Buddha

Before attaining Buddhahood, Medicine Buddha vowed twelve great aspirations: that all beings may be free from suffering and attain peace, enjoy physical and mental well-being, eliminate karmic obstacles, and fulfill their aspirations and practices. These twelve great vows address not only physical healing but also serve as a profound path to spiritual purification.

• May all beings attain pure and upright bodies and minds, free from all sickness and suffering;
• May the poor receive provisions, and the lonely and distressed find friends and kin.
• May those who walk the path of evil return to the right way, and those who have fallen into the evil realms be delivered.
• May all sentient beings be liberated from the darkness of ignorance and attain the light of wisdom.

The world of the Medicine Buddha is one free from aging, illness, and suffering—a realm of bliss and compassion. His vows embody “healing” and “awakening”—healing the pain and fear, awakening wisdom and compassion.

The Medicine Buddha Dharani and Its Significance in Practice

The Medicine Buddha Mantra, fully titled “The True Mantra of the Medicine Buddha's Empowerment,” is also known as “The Mantra for Eliminating All Suffering of Sentient Beings.” This mantra embodies the energy and blessings of the Medicine Buddha's Twelve Great Vows. When reciting the mantra, we resonate with the Medicine Buddha's compassionate vows, allowing that “pure crystal light” to permeate our body, mind, and daily life.

Reciting the Medicine Buddha Mantra is not merely a prayer for health and longevity, but a practice for cultivating the mind and nurturing the spirit. Through focus, relaxation, and mindful observation, we can achieve the following during recitation:

• Transform anxiety and fear into inner peace;
• Dissolve habitual tendencies and attachments, Awaken the heart of compassion;
• Enhance mindfulness and concentration;
• Shine light and send blessings to yourself and the world.

May the epidemic be eradicated, and the sick be restored to health;
May those who wish to be reborn attain rebirth in the Pure Land;
May healthcare providers find peace of mind and body;
May all who aspire to enlightenment and their loved ones enjoy health and happiness;
May peace prevail on earth, and may our planet become a pure land.

Practicing the Medicine Buddha: From Sutra to Practice

In the preface to How to Practice the Medicine Buddha Sutra, Master Hung Chi-Sung states: “The Medicine Buddha Sutra is not merely a scripture; it is a classic for life.”
The Practice of the Medicine Buddha should not be confined to mere recitation; rather, we must integrate the aspiration to “become the Medicine Buddha” into our daily lives. Through sutra recitation, mantra recitation, and visualization, we strive to become “Medicine Buddhas” ourselves—using compassion to alleviate suffering in the world and wisdom to guide all beings toward awakening.

The Medicine Buddha's “Vow of Buddhahood” is the “Vow of Peace and Happiness.” The peace and happiness He aspires to is not the seclusion of a hermit, but rather enabling life to remain serene, clear-minded, and free within the world.
Therefore, the ultimate purpose of the Practice of the Medicine Buddha is not merely to pray for external peace, but to awaken the inner “Lapis Lazuli Light”—so that our body and mind become transparent, gentle, and steadfast, and we can see directly that our own heart is the Buddha’s heart.

Modern Pharmacy

In modern society, the Practice of the Medicine Buddha is particularly well-suited as a daily spiritual discipline. Each morning or evening, calmly visualize the Medicine Buddha emitting light that illuminates both yourself and all sentient beings, chanting the name “Namo Medicine Buddha, the One with Lapis Lazuli Light.”，Recite either the long or short mantra of the Medicine Buddha.

When mindfulness and aspiration unite, the light of the Medicine Buddha not only safeguards our health but also subtly transforms the course of our lives—empowering us to become a light for others through gentle wisdom and compassion.

Conclusion

The Practice of the Medicine Buddha is a path that transforms vow power into action. It teaches us to face darkness with light and to heal suffering with a pure heart.
When we choose to embody the spirit of the Medicine Buddha in our daily lives, we are not merely invoking a single Buddha—we are cultivating our own Medicine Buddha.

May the light of the Medicine Buddha illuminate all directions, Granting all sentient beings peace of mind and body, Removing karmic obstacles, Increasing wisdom, And bringing tranquility to the world.

—Master Hung Chi-Sung