Medicine Buddha: Healer of Body, Mind & Spirit
Known as Bhaiṣajyaguru in Sanskrit and Sangye Menla in Tibetan. The Buddha of healing dwells in the Eastern Pure Land. His compassion extends to all forms of suffering.
Names Across Traditions
Sanskrit Origins
Bhaiṣajyaguru-vaiḍūrya-prabhā-rāja translates to "Medicine Master, King of Lapis-Lazuli Light." This ancient name reveals his essence.
Tibetan Tradition
Sangye Menla (སངས་རྒྱས་སྨན་བླ་) means "Medicine Buddha." The name emphasizes healing power. Widely chanted in Himalayan regions.
East Asian Forms
Called Yàoshī Fó in Chinese, Yakushi Nyorai in Japanese. Revered alongside Shakyamuni and Amitabha. Central to temple worship.
Sacred Iconography
Lapis-Lazuli Body
His deep blue form radiates healing light. The color symbolizes spiritual medicine. Like precious stone, he is rare and valuable.
Bowl of Nectar
Left hand holds a bowl of healing medicines. The nectar cures all afflictions. Represents boundless compassion and care.
Arura Plant
Right hand offers the myrobalan herb. This "king of medicines" heals countless diseases. Extended in the gesture of giving.
The Twelve Great Vows
Before attaining Buddhahood, Bhaiṣajyaguru made twelve vast commitments. These vows address every form of suffering. They form the foundation of his healing power.
01
Radiant Light
Dispelling ignorance with clarity. Guiding beings toward enlightenment.
02
Crystal Body
Providing strength and vitality. Pure as precious crystal.
03
Material Needs
Ensuring food, clothing, shelter. Supporting dharma practice.
04
Ethical Guidance
Restoring broken vows. Leading beings to right conduct.
05
Physical Healing
Curing illness and deformity. Relieving mental torment.
06
Freedom from Poverty
Ending lack and deprivation. Enabling dignified living.
Vows (7-12)
7. Right Understanding
Freeing beings from wrong views. Opening paths to liberation and truth.
8. Release from Bondage
Saving those imprisoned or oppressed. Bringing safety and freedom to the suffering.
9. Protection from Harm
Guarding against harmful spirits. Granting fearlessness to practitioners.
10. Women's Liberation
Supporting transformation of limiting conditions. Enabling full practice and spiritual freedom.
11. Relief from Hardship
Fulfilling wishes of the desperate. Bringing peace to extreme suffering.
12. Universal Peace
Promoting harmony and compassion. Ending all forms of conflict and suffering.
Mahāyāna Approach: Devotion & Scripture
Sūtra Recitation
The Medicine Buddha Sūtra contains his story and vows. Taught by Shakyamuni Buddha himself.
East Asian temples recite it for the sick and dying. Communities gather for healing ceremonies.
- Chanting his sacred name
- Reciting the dhāraṇī
- Reading the complete sūtra
- Making offerings and prayers
The Twelve Heavenly Generals protect all who uphold Medicine Buddha's name. These warrior deities serve his healing mission.
Vajrayāna Practice: Deity Yoga & Empowerment
Tibetan Buddhism treats Sangye Menla as a complete yidam. The practice transforms practitioner into healer.
Empowerment
Receiving wang (authorization) from qualified lama. Opens door to practice.
Transmission
Lung (oral reading) plants seeds. Connects lineage holder to student.
Instructions
Tri (detailed guidance) on visualization. Mantra and meditation methods revealed.
Sādhana
Daily practice transforms subtle body. Healing wisdom awakens within.
The Sacred Mantra
OM BEKANDZE BEKANDZE
MAHA BEKANDZE
RADZA SAMUDGATE SOHA
Bekandze
Healing, removing suffering. Immediate relief from pain.
Mahā Bekandze
Supreme healing. Purifying deep karma and ignorance.
Radza Samudgate
King who transcends. Gone beyond all suffering.
Soha
So be it. May healing be established.
Chant while visualizing blue light flowing into all beings. The mantra carries healing power across dimensions.
Three Levels of Healing
Secret: Wisdom
Purifying karmic seeds. Healing ignorance itself.
Inner: Mental & Emotional
Relieving fear, anxiety, trauma. Restoring hope and peace.
Outer: Physical & Circumstantial
Supporting recovery from illness. Protection from accidents and harm.
Medicine Buddha heals the root cause: our misunderstanding of reality. Physical healing follows naturally from wisdom.
A Complete Practice Method
Refuge & Bodhicitta
Take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. Generate compassion for all beings.
Visualization
See Medicine Buddha above your crown. Lapis blue, holding bowl and arura plant.
Mantra Recitation
Chant while blue light purifies illness. Extend healing to all beings.
Dissolution & Rest
Medicine Buddha merges with your heart. Rest as clear awareness.
Dedication
Dedicate merit for healing and enlightenment. For all beings everywhere.
Through devotion and practice, Medicine Buddha's vows become active. His healing wisdom flows through those who call upon him.