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Medicine Buddha Mantra
by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine
All original songs are copyrighted by Living Arts Enterprises, LLC; Vocal Medicine, LLC; and Kathleen Karlsen. This score is provided for your personal use and spiritual practice. If you would like to perform or record any of these selections, please contact kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.
Medicine Buddha Mantra Meaning
The words to the Medicine Buddha mantra are as follows (Sanskrit): “Tayata Om, Bekandze Bekandze, Maha Bekandze, Randze Samu Gate Soha.” Most translations of this mantra are: “May the many sentient beings who are suffering be freed of all pain including disease, death, and karma. May this suffering never arise again.”
Mantra to Alleviate Suffering
The word “bekandze” means “the elimination of suffering” and is repeated three times for the removal of suffering on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The three repetitions can also be viewed as eliminating the three poisons of ignorance, hatred, and attachment. The Medicine Buddha is described as a doctor who cures suffering using the medicine of his teachings.
Pronunciation of the Medicine Buddha Mantra
Ta-yah-tuh Om, Be-KAN-dze Be-KAN-dze Mah-ha Be-KAN-dze, Rah-dza Sa-mung-gah-tay, So-huh
Word for Word Mantra Meaning
Tayatha: like this
Om: signifies the totality of one’s being and the universe
Bekandze: eliminating pain or eliminating suffering
Maha bekandze: eliminating great pain, suffering in the soul
Randza: king or sovereign
Samudgate or Samu Gate: ocean of goodness
Soha: blessing, devotion, gratitude from which the realization comes
Who is the Medicine Buddha?
The Medicine Buddha is one of eight healing Buddhas. Healing has been a significant part of some Buddhist sects. The central Medicine Buddha is also known as the Bhaisajyaguru, Master of Healing, Supreme Physician, Supreme Healer and the Healing Buddha.
Tibetan Form of the Medicine Buddha
In Tibet he is known as Sagye Menla. He is also called the “King of Vaidurya Light.” Vaidurya is a brilliant sapphire blue. These rays are said to emanate from his form, dispelling imbalances in the three humors or doshas.
Medicine Buddha Pure Lands
There are six other emanations of the Medicine Buddha, sometimes called the Six Brothers, each which his own color and pure land. These “pure lands” are created as a form of compassionate action on the part of the buddha. They are havens for spiritual dedication. The seventh healing buddha is Shakyamuni Buddha or Gautama Buddha. Each of these buddhas cure a different variety of illness.
The Blue Medicine Buddha
The main Medicine Buddha is blue. The Medicine Buddha is believed to be based on a being who once lived on earth and purified himself through many embodiments. Some of the others are gold, yellow, pink, and orange. The following is a summary of the characteristics of each healing buddha.
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Eight Healing Buddhas
Medicine Buddha (Bhaisajya): The central Medicine Buddha holds a myrobalan bearing three ripe fruits. His Pure land is called Sudarshana, meaning “Beautiful to behold.” The myrobalan tree grows here as well as other medicinal trees, plants and herbs. In addition, there are precious minerals, healing waters, fragrances and other aids. He is sometimes depicted seated on a lotus throne.
Sunaman Healing Buddha: This healing buddha is also known as Supari Kiritita Nama Sri Raja or the “Glorious King with the Renowned Name.” Sunaman is usually shown making a mudra or gesture of protection with his right hand and a meditative gesture with his left hand.
Svaraghosa Raja: A healing buddha whose name means “King of Melodious Sound.” This buddha is golden yellow. Svarghosa grants blessings with his right hand and holds his left in the dhyana or meditation position.
Suvarna Bhadra Vimala: This healing buddha’s name means the “Golden, Excellent and Stainless One.” This buddha is an orange-red color. His right hand is placed in front of his heart in the gesture of teaching. His left hand is in the meditation mudra.
Asokottama Shri: This healing buddha’s name means “Gloriously Supreme without Sorrow.” He is light crimson. He sits with both hands in the dhayna mudra of meditation.
Dharmakirti Sagara Ghosa: This healing buddha’s name means “The Dharma Proclaiming Sound of the Ocean.” Dharma refers to the eternal and inherent nature of reality as well as an individual’s duty as fulfilled in accordance with one’s nature, social order and right behavior. His color is white. He makes the teaching gesture with his right hand and the meditation mudra (dhyana) with his left.
Abhijna Raja: Abhijna Raja’s name means “King of Supreme Knowledge.” He is coral red. He sends a blessing with one hand and uses the meditation mudra with the other.
Shakyamuni or Gautama Buddha: This buddha is golden-orange in color. He makes the earth-touching mudra with his right hand. This gesture symbolizes the moment when he attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree. Shakyamuni holds his left hand in the meditation mudra. Shakyamuni means the “Sage of the Shakyas,” a clan name. Gautama was born as the prince of the Shakyas.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Medicine Buddha Symbols: Explore the healing power of the Medicine Buddha symbols. Gain an understanding of the meaning of these symbols and their use.
Medicine Buddha Testimonials: Be inspired by the ways that others have used the Medicine Buddha mantra for healing in their lives.
What Are Bodhisattva Vows: Expolore the twelve vows of the Medicine Buddha and the role of bodhisattvas as related to the evolutions of earth.
Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
MEDICINE BUDDHA ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article on the Medicine Buddha mantra includes symbolism and iconography, the history of healing in the Buddhist tradition, the vows of the Medicine Buddha and the author’s own story of finding this mantra. Her extraordinary experience with the mantra took her through a difficult time when her son needed unexpected surgery. Includes two videos and numerous illustrations of the Medicine Buddha.
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