Bhaisajyaguru | Healing Buddha
The Medicine Buddha, or Bhaisajyaguru, is the Lord of the Pure Lapis Lazuli World in the East. He made Twelve Great Vows to cure beings of illness, ensure their physical and mental well-being, and provide material abundance. Depicted with a blue lapis lazuli body, holding a medicine jar or pagoda, he heals the 'three poisons' (greed, hatred, ignorance) and physical ailments. Devotees recite the Medicine Buddha Sutra for health and longevity.
While practicing as a bodhisattva, the Medicine Buddha saw the suffering of beings from various diseases and made the Twelve Great Vows. The 7th Vow specifically states his promise to heal anyone who is tormented by illness, helpless, medicine-less, or poor, just by hearing his name.
Devotees pray to the Medicine Buddha for physical healing, mental peace, and longevity. The primary practice is reciting the "Medicine Buddha Sutra" (Yao Shi Jing) or chanting his name: "Namo Yaoshi Liuli Guang Rulai." Temples often hold "Medicine Buddha Dharma Assemblies" (Yao Shi Fa Hui) where monks lead group chanting sessions. Offerings include medicine, lamps (particularly "Medicine Buddha Lamps" believed to extend life), and clean water (symbolizing healing). Some temples distribute blessed water or medicine as part of the worship practice. The Medicine Buddha's lapis lazuli blue color symbolizes purity and healing light.
The Medicine Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the 30th day of the 9th lunar month. Major Buddhist monasteries hold multi-day "Medicine Buddha Dharma Assemblies" featuring group sutra chanting, lamp lighting, and vegetarian feasts. Devotees light "longevity lamps" (Chang Ming Deng) at the altar, praying for health for themselves and their families. Fo Guang Shan and Dharma Drum Mountain host the largest celebrations, often extending over several days with lectures on Buddhist medicine and wellness practices that bridge traditional faith with modern health awareness.
Medicine Buddha
Healing, Longevity, Removing Calamities, Physical and Mental Health