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Dear Dharma Friends, It is no coincidence that the words “medication” and “meditation” are only one letter different. They both come from the same latin root word, medeor, meaning "to heal or to make whole.” In the West, our medical focus is on the external- on the curing of the physical symptoms- while Eastern traditions focus on the internal, that is addressing the mental causes of illness. Bhaishajya Guru, Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha meditation dates from the seven century. It is known to be powerful for purification and healing sickness, a practice treasured in the Mahayana tradition. Why is Medicine Buddha meditation and his mantras so incredibly powerful? As a Sutra teaching, they arise from the words of the Buddha. We are told the story of Bhaishajya Guru, Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha made twelve vows. The most important was the vow on healing the sick. “I vow that all beings who are physically sick in all aspects be blessed with good health, both physically and mentally. All who pay homage to Buddha faithfully be blessed.” Because of this vow, in Mahayana Buddhism, simply calling his name, praising him, or chanting his mantra are considered powerful healing practices. Medicine Buddha is as much about the mind as it is the body. Evidence shows that when we meditate, it triggers a self-repair mechanism in our bodies. The body stops producing cortisol and adrenaline, and instead enhance the production of immune -boosting endorphins and seratonin, arming the body against bacteria, viruses, and other illnesses. These changes promote profound positive mental states. We invoke Medicine Buddha through its mantra, reaching out to the consciousness of those numberless beings who have already attained enlightenment and who have chosen to manifest Medicine Buddha’s qualities. The minds of Buddhas are understood to be all-seeing and all-knowing. Buddhas react to their mantras in the same way we react when we hear our name. There are variants of the Mantra depending on the lineage. Here is the short version of the Mantra in Sanskrit, in the sacred vowels of the Mother Language: Om Bhaisajye Bhaisajye Mahabhaisajya Samudgate Svaha Ideally chant 27 times or 108 times for healing and pain relief- consult your caregiver for any health issues. Here is the longer 54-syllable Dharani of the Lapis Lazuli Healing Buddha in Sanskrit language: Namo Bhagavate Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabharajaya Tathagataya Arahate Samyaksambuddhaya Tadyatha Om Bhaisajye Bhaisajye Mahabahaisajya Samudgate Svaha In the next coming weeks, let us practice together Bhaishjya Guru, Lapis Lazuli Medicine Buddha Mantra and Dharani. With infinite joy for the opportunity, ~Ven. Bao Co
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