Detailed Introduction
The Medicine Buddha Mantra is the root mantra of the Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata (Medicine Buddha), drawn from the Sutra on the Merits and Original Vows of the Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata. The Medicine Buddha presides over the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World and made twelve great vows whose heart is to relieve all sentient beings of the suffering of body and mind. In Taiwan both this devotion and the recitation of the mantra are widespread -- above all when you yourself, or someone in your family, has fallen ill.
Full Text of the Mantra
The complete mantra is: "Namo bhagavate bhaishajya-guru vaidurya-prabha-rajaya tathagataya arhate samyak-sambuddhaya. Tadyatha: Om bhaishajye bhaishajye bhaishajya-samudgate svaha."
The essential short form is: "Om bhaishajye bhaishajye bhaishajya-samudgate svaha."
The Twelve Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha
While still on the path of causal cultivation, the Medicine Buddha made twelve great vows; the ones that touch healing most directly are these:
- The Sixth Great Vow (Completeness of Faculties): that all sentient beings have healthy, complete bodies, with all six sense faculties intact, free from disability and suffering.
- The Seventh Great Vow (Peace of Body and Mind): that all impoverished and ill sentient beings receive medical treatment and come to physical and mental well-being.
- The Eleventh Great Vow (Satisfaction and Happiness): that all sentient beings tormented by hunger and thirst be satiated.
These great vows are what hold up the healing heart of Medicine Buddha devotion.
Methods and Timing of Recitation
- Daily health maintenance: recite the Medicine Buddha Mantra 49 or 108 times a day, dedicating the merit to your own and your family's health.
- During illness: recite for yourself or a sick loved one, the more the better; before the Medicine Buddha statue you may also light "Medicine Buddha Lamps" (typically seven or forty-nine) as you recite and pray.
- Special practice: recitation is said to carry special force on the Medicine Buddha's birthday (the 30th day of the ninth lunar month), and some practice centers hold "Medicine Buddha Dharma Assemblies" to recite the Medicine Buddha Sutra and mantra together.
- Medicine Buddha blessed water: bless clean water by reciting the Medicine Buddha Mantra 49 times, then drink it or apply it to the affected area -- a folk healing method widely practiced in Taiwan.
Medicine Buddha Lamps and Longevity Assemblies
At major Buddhist temples across Taiwan, "lighting Medicine Buddha Lamps" is a very popular way to pray. A worshipper lights a lamp for themselves or a family member (usually for an entire year), asking the Medicine Buddha's protection to avert calamity, extend life, and keep the body well. The ever-burning flame symbolizes the Medicine Buddha's radiance dispelling darkness and disease. Each year temples also hold "Medicine Buddha Longevity Dharma Assemblies," reciting the Medicine Buddha Sutra and mantra together to bless all who come.
Current State of Devotion in Taiwan
Medicine Buddha devotion has long thrived in Taiwan; notable centers include Medicine Buddha Temple in Taipei, Ciming Temple in Taichung, and Guangde Temple in Kaohsiung. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Buddhist organizations called on the faithful to recite the Medicine Buddha Mantra together and dedicate the merit toward a swift end of the outbreak -- proof that this ancient devotion still holds its force in modern society.