Let go of stress with progressive muscle relaxation meditation

The Medicine Buddha was the first Buddha statue I ever owned. It was a gift to me. I had become extremely ill and had just spent three months in the hospital.

One of my dearest friends gifted me the Medicine Buddha statue. A gift that I treasure to this day.

In this article we’ll look at:

The Meaning Behind the Medicine Buddha

Every depiction of the Buddha has significance and meaning. Each hand gesture, posture and in the Medicine Buddha’s case even color has deep psychological inferences.

Why is the Medicine Buddha blue?

The deep blue that the Medicine Buddha is normally portrayed in wasn’t done so at random. It ties back a master healing stone – Lapis Lazuli.

For more than six thousand years this stone has been honored and cherished as the most precious of stones. Valued even more than the diamond or gold.

It may be because of how hard it is to obtain. Primarily mined in the Badakshan region of northeast Afghanistan, which is pretty much an inaccessible area located behind the Hindu Kush.

“Commit not a single unwholesome act.

Develop a wealth of virtue.

Tame, transform, conquer this mind of ours.

Peace. Compassion. Wisdom.”

We Are What We Think

“We are what we think.

All that we are arises with our thoughts.

With our thoughts we make the world.

Speak or act with an impure mind

And trouble will follow you

As the wheel follows the ox that draws the cart.

We are what we think.

All that we are arises with our thoughts.

With our thoughts we make the world.

Speak of act with a pure mind

The Buddha tells the story in the Medicine Buddha Sutra that the Healing Buddha made twelve great vows. Below you’ll find a slight adaptation of the Medicine Buddha’s vows for the modern age.

The Twelve Vows of the Medicine Buddha upon attaining Enlightenment, slightly adapted from to the Medicine Buddha Sutra are:

We recognize our precious opportunity in this life, that we can benefit countless beings through the method of a Buddha.

We remember the impermanence of everything composite. Only the unlimited clear space of mind is lasting.

We understand causality. That it’s up to us what will happen. Former thoughts words and actions became our present state and right now we are sowing the seeds for our future.

Finally, we see the reasons for working with mind. Enlightenment is timeless highest bliss, and we cannot benefit others while confused or disturbed ourselves.

Therefore we now open up to those who can teach us.

Refuge

For the good of all beings we take refuge:

In the Buddha, mind’s full development

In the Teachings, which bring us there

In the Sangha, the Bodhisattva’s along the way

Building-up Phase

Now, out of space in front of us condenses the blue transparent form of the Healing Medicine Buddha, a radiant field of energy and light.

His deep blue translucent form awakens minds deepest awareness. His face is radiant and mild. He see us, knows us, and wishes us everything good. His left hand, palm upward in his lap, holds a bowl full of miraculous healing nectar. His right hand rests palm outward on his knee in a blessing gesture, and holds a magic plant which cures all diseases. He is seated in meditation posture and is surrounded by light.

The Healing Buddha unites space and bliss and is the activity of all Buddhas. His deep blue radiant and holy body of lapis lazuli expresses omniscient wisdom and compassion inseparable.

Healing Buddha we strongly wish to accomplish your enlightened and healing qualities for the benefit of all beings.

The Healing Buddha knows our wish. He smiles and comes ever closer through space. He now remains at a pleasant distance in front of us.

From the heart level in the centre of the Healing Buddha’s transparent body, an intense blue light shines out. It fills the middle of our chest. Everything harmful now leaves our mind. Disturbing feelings and stiff ideas dissolve and our mind becomes spontaneous joy. It is space and bliss inseparable. Together with the deep blue light vibrates the syllable HUNG.

Great Seal Transmission Now, all three lights enter us at the same time. Clear light fills our head, red light our throat and blue light our heart center. Thus we obtain the essential state of the Great Seal.

While receiving the lights, we may use the mantra TATAYA, OM, BEKANZE, BEKANZE, MAHA BEKANZE, RADZA SAMUNGATEH, SOHA … (repeat mantra as long as you wish)

Completion Phase

In front, the Medicine Buddha’s form dissolves into rainbow light. It falls on us, is everywhere and we feel peaceful and joyous (Pause)

Now, all form disappears. There is now only awareness, with no center or limit. (Pause)

Thoughts and phenomena are the free play of space. (Pause)

Activity Phase Now our surroundings, this world and all worlds appear, perfect and pure. Every atom vibrates with joy and is kept together by love. Everything is fresh and meaningful, radiant with unlimited potential. Beings manifest, near and far. They are female or male Buddhas, whether they know it or not. Sounds are mantras and all thoughts wisdom, for the sole reason that they can happen.