药师经 1.1

"The Medicine Buddha Sutra," formally known as "The Sutra of the Medicine Buddha, Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata's Original Vows and Meritorious Deeds," is a significant Buddhist scripture that honors the vows and practices of the Medicine Buddha, similar to the "Ksitigarbha Sutra." This text is revered across various sects of Chinese Buddhism, both exoteric and esoteric, and holds substantial historical influence within Mahayana Buddhism.

The sutra articulates the twelve great vows made by the Medicine Buddha during his pursuit of the Bodhisattva path, pledging to provide all beings with essential needs such as clothing, food, health, entertainment, education, and future happiness. The teachings of the Medicine Buddha represent an invaluable spiritual practice that aims to benefit sentient beings in this world. From alleviating poverty by providing sustenance to restoring completeness to those who are incomplete, this profound spiritual discipline can activate the inherent healing powers within individuals. It promotes not only recovery from physical ailments but also addresses psychological conditions arising from greed. Thus, it is encouraged to invoke the name of the Medicine Buddha in times of difficulty for comfort and relief.