MEDICINE BUDDHA, BHAISAJYAGURU

Bhaisajyaguru is the 'Medicine Master and King of Lapis Lazuli Light' or more commonly, the 'Medicine Buddha.' He is associated with healing and the curing of illness, both physical and mental (of which delusion is the root cause) through the medicine of Buddhist teachings. For this, he is also known as the Buddha of Wisdom.

The Sutra of the Medicine Buddha depicts Bhaisajyaguru as a Bodhisattva who made 12 great vows:

1. To illuminate countless realms with his radiance, enabling anyone to become a Buddha just like him.
2. To awaken the minds of sentient beings through his light of lapis lazuli.
3. To provide sentient beings with whatever material needs they require.
4. To correct heretical views and inspire beings toward the path of the Bodhisattva.
5. To help beings follow the Moral Precepts, even if they failed before.
6. To heal beings born with deformities, illness or other physical sufferings.
7. To help relieve the destitute and the sick.
8. To help women who wish to be reborn as men achieve their desired rebirth.
9. To help heal mental afflictions and delusions.
10. To help the oppressed be free from suffering.
11. To relieve those who suffer from terrible hunger and thirst.
12. To help clothe those who are destitute and suffering from cold and insect bites.

The Medicine Buddha is said to have entered a state of Samadhi called 'Eliminating All the Suffering and Afflictions of Sentient Beings.' Upon attaining enlightenment, he became the Buddha of the eastern realm, or 'Pure Lapis Lazuli'.

The Medicine Buddha is typically depicted seated as part of a trinity with Sakyamuni Buddha in the center and Amitabha Buddha on Sakyamuni's right. His left hand usually rests on his lap, holding a jar of medicine nectar, and his right hand is typically raised in the Varada mudra gesture, symbolizing compassion. The medicine jar, painted dark blue (the color of the gemstone lapis lazuli), is the distinguishing feature in depictions of the Medicine Buddha.

The Sutra of the Medicine Buddha is chanted to overcome sickness. It is a common feature of ceremonies at Buddha Gate Monastery, particularly during the summer retreat period, the merits dedication of daily recitation are offered to the Three Jewels, the Grand Master, our teachers, parents and all sentient beings.

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