Medicine Buddha, often referred to as the Lapis Lazuli Master, holds a revered place in Mahayana Buddhism. He is not just seen as a divine healer; he embodies a universal symbol of compassion, wisdom, and liberation. His influence goes beyond merely alleviating physical ailments; it paves a comprehensive path toward spiritual cleansing, karmic change, and personal awakening.
Central to his sacred mission are the Twelve Great Vows, which he made during his journey as a bodhisattva. These vows are heartfelt commitments to alleviate the suffering of all beings and to restore harmony in the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. They aren’t just poetic expressions; they are vibrant spiritual energies that anyone can tap into by calling upon his name, chanting his mantra, or dedicating themselves to a life of compassion and truth.
Each vow addresses a different form of suffering—whether it’s illness, poverty, ignorance, or spiritual stagnation—and offers a compassionate solution that springs from the limitless light of awakening. Together, they create a deep and meaningful doctrine of cosmic healing, bringing hope, dignity, and restoration to all sentient beings.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the deeper significance of these vows and the transformative role of the Medicine Buddha as the Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.
The Medicine Buddha, known in Sanskrit as Bhaiṣajyaguru Vaidūryaprabha Rāja (“Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light”), is the Buddha of healing, longevity, and wisdom. He resides in the Eastern Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli, a realm of radiant light and serenity, where suffering is unknown and all beings are guided toward liberation.
He is portrayed with a deep blue body like shimmering lapis lazuli, holding a bowl of healing nectar or the myrobalan fruit, a symbol of his power to cure illness and dissolve suffering at its karmic roots. His teachings continue to inspire rituals, recitations, and meditative practices devoted to healing the body and awakening the mind.
In thangkas, the Buddha is often accompanied by two luminous bodhisattvas: Sunlight Radiance (Suryaprabha) and Moonlight Radiance (Candraprabha), who represent the Medicine Buddha’s uninterrupted guidance and compassionate influence, both day and night.
As we now delve into the Twelve Great Vows, we reveal the vibrant essence of the Medicine Buddha’s journey—a heartfelt guide for turning suffering into wisdom, transforming illness into strength, and bringing light to the shadows.
The Twelve Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha come from the Medicine Buddha Sutra (Bhaiṣajya-guru Vaidūrya-prabhā-rāja Sūtra). These vows are shared during a significant gathering led by Shakyamuni Buddha. When Manjusri Bodhisattva asks a question, the Buddha tells the story of how the Lapis Lazuli Master, back when he was still a bodhisattva, made these vows to help alleviate all kinds of suffering.
Each vow addresses a specific type of pain—physical, mental, social, or karmic—and offers a path to healing and liberation. These are not mere aspirations but powerful spiritual commitments that form a complete vision of healing, rooted in compassion and wisdom.
"I vow that in the future, when I attain Buddhahood, my body will shine forth brilliant rays, illuminating infinite realms. I will possess the 32 marks of a great being and the 80 minor characteristics. I will make all beings equal to me."
This vow addresses the eradication of spiritual ignorance. The brilliant light rays represent wisdom and the power to chase away the shadows of confusion. By sharing this light without any conditions, the Buddha assures us that he will lead all beings toward achieving Buddhahood.
"I vow that my body shall be like crystal, pure inside and out, radiating bright light that awakens those in darkness."
The metaphor of a lapis lazuli body reflects both beauty and healing. Lapis lazuli was a highly prized gem in ancient cultures, symbolizing purity and truth. This vow assures accessibility to his healing presence even for those in the depths of confusion or pain.
"I vow that sentient beings will not suffer from poverty. I will provide them with inexhaustible necessities, so none are left in deprivation."
This promise addresses the fundamental material needs of individuals, highlighting the understanding that physical health and spiritual growth are interconnected. It portrays the Medicine Buddha as a guardian of both our bodies and our livelihoods.
"I vow to guide those on evil or mistaken paths onto the Bodhi path, and those of lesser vehicles to the Mahayana path."
This declaration is a promise of universal salvation, ensuring that no being is ever abandoned. Even those who may have skewed perspectives or are clinging to limited spiritual paths can look forward to guidance that will eventually lead them to enlightenment.
"I vow that those who violate moral conduct but hear my name will regain purity and avoid lower rebirths."
This vow is particularly crucial for monastics and lay practitioners who fear karmic consequences from ethical lapses. The Medicine Buddha provides a path to redemption and restoration.
"I vow to heal beings who are deformed, disabled, diseased, or suffering mental disorders. Upon hearing my name, they will be restored."
This is the most directly medical of all the vows, covering a broad range of afflictions. It is invoked frequently in healing rituals, especially in East Asian Buddhist traditions.
"I vow that those who suffer illness without aid—who lack family, medicine, or help—will be cured and provided for when my name is heard."
A powerful social vow, it assures even the most marginalized populations of care and transformation. It recognizes the intersection of karmic burden and social injustice.
"I vow that women who wish to abandon their female form due to its burdens will be reborn as men and ultimately attain Buddhahood."
This vow needs to be understood in its historical context. In the patriarchal society of ancient times, being reborn as a female was often viewed as less favorable for pursuing a monastic life. This vow is more about addressing a cultural limitation than suggesting any kind of inferiority.
"I vow to rescue those caught in false beliefs or demon worship and establish them in right view."
This is a vow of spiritual protection. It pledges freedom from delusions propagated by negative influences and guides practitioners to the Dharma.
"I vow to liberate those wrongly imprisoned, tortured, or condemned to death. Hearing my name shall bring them peace and release."
A vow of social justice and karmic rebalancing, this addresses institutional suffering and promises spiritual solace and correction.
"I vow to feed the hungry and thirsty with superior sustenance and lead them to Dharma bliss."
In Buddhism, feeding the hungry is both an act of compassion and a metaphor for offering the Dharma. This vow bridges physical and spiritual nourishment.
"I vow to clothe the poor and cold with fine garments and remove their suffering upon hearing my name."
A continuation of vows three and seven, this completes the Medicine Buddha’s holistic approach to well-being by ensuring warmth and dignity.
The sutra elaborates on rituals for invoking the Medicine Buddha’s blessings. These include:
Recitation of his name and mantra
Copying and distributing the sutra
Offering lamps and colored banners
Freeing living beings (life liberation)
Observing the Eight Precepts for seven days
The Medicine Buddha mantra is a powerful sonic formula that encapsulates the energy of his vows:
Namo Bhaiṣajyaguru Vaidūryaprabha Rājāya Tathāgatāya
The mantra is often chanted 108 times during ceremonies aimed at healing or protection.
Toward the end of the Medicine Buddha Sutra, twelve Yaksha generals vow to protect those who recite the name of the Medicine Buddha. Each general leads a retinue of 7,000 Yakshas, symbolizing the vast protective energy surrounding the practitioner's life.
Their presence emphasizes that the Medicine Buddha’s power is not isolated but supported by a vast spiritual infrastructure. These generals function like guardians or bodhisattvas themselves, ensuring the efficacy of the healing path.
The Twelve Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha act as a heartfelt promise—a compassionate commitment to all beings, no matter where or when they exist. They go beyond the idea of simply worshipping a deity and provide a living guide for awakening, where healing, generosity, and wisdom aren’t just lofty ideals to admire but essential principles to live by.
For those practicing today, saying the Medicine Buddha’s name, chanting his mantra, studying his vows, and taking part in acts of kindness and ethical behavior are straightforward ways to tap into and realize this healing journey. Simple yet impactful actions—like caring for the sick, giving to those in need, steering clear of harmful words and deeds, or even nurturing a genuine wish for others’ happiness—transform into sacred rituals that resonate with his vow-body.
In a world often clouded by anxiety, disconnection, and deep suffering—whether from physical ailments, mental struggles, social injustices, or environmental crises—the radiant vows of the Medicine Buddha remind us: healing isn’t just a dream, and freedom isn’t out of reach. His teachings show us that suffering is temporary, that we can change the causes of our karma, and that compassion, combined with understanding, is the most powerful remedy for ourselves and the world around us.
Living in harmony with these vows means becoming a source of healing—a beacon of hope in challenging times.
