Sutra of the Medicine Buddha – Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Master and King of Lapis Lazuli Light’, is the buddha of healing and medicine in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Often he is referred to as the “Medicine Buddha“, he is described as a doctor who cures suffering using the medicine of his dhamma teachings. The Sutra of the Medicine Buddha is among the most popular texts in East Asia along with texts as Amitabha, the Ksitigarbha and the Lotus Sutras. This translations was done from Chinese original texts in 2001 by Minh Than. Download it here:

Sutra of the Medicine Buddha

What is the Medicine Buddha?

The Medicine Buddha, known in Sanskrit as Bhaisajyaguru, is a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism who represents the healing aspect of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. The figure is often referred to as the “Medicine Master and King of Lapis Lazuli Light.” This title refers to his deep blue color, symbolizing purity and healing.

According to Buddhist texts, the Medicine Buddha made twelve great vows to help sentient beings on their path to enlightenment, focusing particularly on curing diseases, relieving suffering, and extending life so that beings have more opportunities to achieve spiritual progress. The Medicine Buddha is believed to have a deep understanding of the causes of illness, both physical and mental, and how to remedy them through the teachings of the Dharma.

Devotees often recite or chant the Medicine Buddha’s mantra as a form of meditation or prayer for healing. This practice is thought to be beneficial not only for physical health but also for mental clarity and spiritual well-being. The practice of invoking the Medicine Buddha can be seen in various Buddhist communities, where it serves as a spiritual approach to healing and personal transformation. The iconography of the Medicine Buddha typically depicts him holding a bowl containing healing nectar in his left hand and a medicinal plant in his right.