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 is the presiding Buddha of the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World and made twelve great vows, with the core vow being to relieve all sentient beings of physical and mental suffering. In Taiwan, devotion to the Medicine Buddha and recitation of the Medicine Buddha Mantra are extremely widespread, particularly when oneself or a loved one is 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
During his period of causal cultivation, the Medicine Buddha made twelve great vows, of which the most directly related to healing include:
- The Sixth Great Vow (Completeness of Faculties): May 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): May all impoverished and ill sentient beings receive medical treatment and enjoy physical and mental well-being.
- The Eleventh Great Vow (Satisfaction and Happiness): May all sentient beings suffering from hunger and thirst be satiated.
These great vows form the core "healing" spirit of Medicine Buddha devotion.
Methods and Timing of Recitation
- Daily health maintenance: Recite the Medicine Buddha Mantra 49 or 108 times daily, dedicating the merit to your own and your family's physical health.
- During illness: Recite for yourself or a sick loved one, with more recitations being better. You may light "Medicine Buddha Lamps" (typically seven or forty-nine lamps) before the Medicine Buddha statue while reciting and making your prayer.
- Special practice: Recitation is said to be especially powerful on the Medicine Buddha's birthday (the 30th day of the ninth lunar month). Some practice centers hold "Medicine Buddha Dharma Assemblies" for collective recitation of the Medicine Buddha Sutra and mantra.
- 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. This is a widely practiced folk healing method in Taiwan.
Medicine Buddha Lamps and Longevity Assemblies
At major Buddhist temples throughout Taiwan, "lighting Medicine Buddha Lamps" is a very popular form of devotional prayer. Worshippers light a lamp (usually for an entire year) for themselves or family members, praying for the Medicine Buddha's protection to avert calamity, extend life, and maintain good health. The ever-burning lamp symbolizes the Medicine Buddha's radiance dispelling darkness and disease. Temples also hold annual "Medicine Buddha Longevity Dharma Assemblies" for collective recitation of the Medicine Buddha Sutra and mantra to bless worshippers.
Current State of Devotion in Taiwan
Medicine Buddha devotion is thriving in Taiwan. Notable Medicine Buddha practice centers include Medicine Buddha Temple in Taipei, Ciming Temple in Taichung, and Guangde Temple in Kaohsiung, among others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Buddhist organizations called on practitioners to collectively recite the Medicine Buddha Mantra and dedicate the merit toward the swift end of the pandemic, demonstrating the continued relevance of Medicine Buddha devotion in modern society.