Medicine Buddha and Land of the Medicine Buddha

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Who is Medicine Buddha?

Medicine Buddha, also known as Bhaisajyaguru, Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, Medicine King Buddha, Great Physician King Buddha, Healer of All Suffering, King of Twelve Vows, etc., is the Buddha of the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World. The name "Lapis Lazuli" is used because the bright clarity of lapis lazuli symbolizes the purity and undisturbed nature of the land. Medicine Buddha is usually depicted with two arms, wearing three robes, holding a medicine bowl in his left hand, and a medicine herb (representing a healing power) in his right. His body has the 32 major marks and 80 minor marks, seated in the posture of vajra padmasana on a lotus throne with a moon disk.

Land of the Medicine Buddha: Eastern Lapis Lazuli Pure Land

In the "Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata's Fundamental Vows and Merits Sutra," it says: "Beyond the Saha world and the ten Ganges’ sands of Buddha lands, there exists a world named Pure Lapis Lazuli, where the Buddha’s name is Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata."

In our Saha world, to the east, lies the Pure Lapis Lazuli World. In this world, there are no three evil paths, and the land is made of lapis lazuli. The boundary roads are marked by golden ropes, and all buildings are made of the Seven Treasures, making it as magnificent as the Western Pure Land of Amitabha. Medicine Buddha is the chief architect here, and he is the healer who can cure the afflictions of sentient beings' greed, anger, and ignorance. He helps sentient beings transcend the three poisons and attain great freedom.

In the "Pure Lapis Lazuli Pure Land Sutra," it is described in detail: The ground of Medicine Buddha's Pure Land is blue lapis lazuli, with countless flowers and trees that have different forms: some are like Buddhas, emitting infinite light, called the Buddha's Perfection; some are like Bodhisattvas, playing infinite music, named the Samadhi Holder; others are golden, emitting clouds of hundreds of treasures, called Bodhi's Wonderful Adornment. There are also pagodas, producing infinite celestial beings, named the Wisdom Tree, with endless rain, rotating trees, and islands. The land is purer and more pristine than any other, with seven treasures forming cities and palaces. There are no distractions or sufferings, and it is comparable to the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha.

Medicine Buddha is accompanied by the Sunlight Bodhisattva and Moonlight Bodhisattva, who are his two great attendants, guiding and helping sentient beings to attain ultimate happiness. The Pure Light of Medicine Buddha’s Lapis Lazuli light signifies both worldly and transcendent purity, making his world a Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli Light.

Where is Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata?

People believe that Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata resides in his name. Therefore, we can often chant the mantra "Namo Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata," or read the "Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata's Fundamental Vows and Merits Sutra," and practice the Medicine Buddha path. Even if we temporarily cannot relinquish the pleasures of the world, we can still rely on the inconceivable vow power of Medicine Buddha to reach enlightenment.

The sutra says: "Quickly attain the supreme, complete, and perfect Buddhahood and achieve fullness." The primary reason for becoming a Buddha is the combined aspiration of "compassion and wisdom." Compassion and wisdom are the causes, while Buddhahood is the result. This is the common path of Buddhism. One can achieve worldly goals through compassion and wisdom, using an otherworldly spirit to engage in worldly work.

How did the Eastern Lapis Lazuli Pure Land come to be?

It is said that in a far past life, during the time of the Lightning Buddha, there was a Brahmin who, touched by the suffering in the world, made a vow to save all beings from their ailments. The Lightning Buddha praised him and advised him to change his name to "Medicine King," promising that after attaining Buddhahood, he would be called Medicine Buddha. His two sons also attained the Bodhisattva fruit and became his attendants: the Sunlight Bodhisattva and the Moonlight Bodhisattva.

When Medicine Buddha was still practicing the Bodhisattva path, he surveyed the Saha world, where people could not let go of fame, wealth, food, and sensual pleasures. Even though they wished to go to Amitabha's Western Pure Land, they lacked the confidence. What should be done?

Following the principle of "precise rescue, leaving no one behind," Medicine Buddha made twelve great vows and led numerous Bodhisattvas, using every means possible to save sentient beings. He established the Pure Lapis Lazuli World in the eastern part of the Saha world. After becoming a Buddha, Medicine Buddha continued to fulfill his vows, and his twelve great vows addressed the pain points of sentient beings, helping them escape poverty, illness, disasters, and all fears.

The "Gandavyuha Sutra" says: "There are two Bodhisattvas, one named Sunlight and the other named Moonlight, who are the second to serve the Buddha." In the "Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata's Fundamental Vows and Merits Sutra," it is said: "In that land, there are two great Bodhisattvas: one is called Sunlight, and the other Moonlight. They are the foremost among countless Bodhisattvas, all of whom can uphold the true Dharma treasure of Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata." Medicine Buddha, along with the Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas, are collectively called the "Three Saints of the East."

The twelve generals of Medicine Buddha come from the "Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata's Fundamental Vows and Merits Sutra." These twelve generals were created as protectors of the Medicine Buddha Dharma. According to the Buddhist texts, these twelve deities take turns protecting sentient beings during the twelve hours of the day and night and the twelve months of the year.

Kong Ping Luo: The meaning is "Golden Head," a brilliant light shining with power. This general's original land is Maitreya Bodhisattva, and he is the protector of the time of the pig (亥) hour.

Vazheluo: The meaning is "Vajra," and this general's original land is Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, the protector of the dog (戌) hour.

Miqila: The meaning is "Severe," and this general's original land is Amitabha Buddha, the protector of the rooster (酉) hour.

Antiluo: The meaning is "Breaking the Mountain" or "Holding," and this general's original land is Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the protector of the monkey (申) hour.

Anni Luo: The meaning is "Sandalwood," "Secret Fragrance," or "Wishful Jewel," and this general's original land is Marichi, the protector of the horse (午) hour.

Shandila: The meaning is "Spiral Woman," "Stone Woman," or "Flower Garland." This general is a female figure, and her original land is Akashagarbha Bodhisattva, the protector of the sheep (未) hour.

Indra: The meaning is "Heavenly Lord," "Mountain Holder," or "Earth Holder." This general's original land is Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, the protector of the serpent (巳) hour.

Boyi Luo: The meaning is "Whale," and this general's original land is Manjushri Bodhisattva, the protector of the dragon (辰) hour.

Mohu Luo: The meaning is "Python Dragon Movement," and this general's original land is Medicine Buddha, the protector of the rabbit (卯) hour.

Zhendala: The meaning is "One Horn," and this general's original land is Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, the protector of the tiger (寅) hour.

Zhaodu Luo: The meaning is "Strict Flag," and this general's original land is Vajrapani Bodhisattva, the protector of the ox (丑) hour.

Bijiela Luo: The meaning is "Good Art," and this general's original land is Shakyamuni Buddha, the protector of the rat (子) hour.

Medicine Buddha’s Twelve Great Vows

Medicine Buddha made twelve great vows, as described in the "Bhaisajyaguru Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata's Fundamental Vows and Merits Sutra," where the Buddha tells Manjushri: "Far from here, beyond ten Ganges’ sands of Buddha lands, there is a world named Pure Lapis Lazuli. The Buddha of that land is called Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, who is the Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Action, Fully Enlightened, and the Teacher of Heaven and Earth. If any sentient being, desiring to be free from pain, prays with pure sincerity, they will achieve the wish of no longer suffering in their body."