On October 30, 2021 (October 31 in Asia), in anticipation of the upcoming Medicine Buddha’s Birthday, an online dharma event was held by Grandmaster JinBodhi for all followers of Bodhi Meditation and all like-minded individuals around the world to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
In order to celebrate Medicine Buddha’s birthday, Bodhi Meditation Centers worldwide prepared fresh flowers, fruits, and birthday peaches to offer to Medicine Buddha. During the live webcast, Grandmaster JinBodhi offered incense and prostrated before Medicine Buddha, as well as chanted the Medicine Buddha Heart Mantra, praying to Medicine Buddha to eliminate disasters and diseases, fulfill wishes, and elevate the spiritual realm.
Aspiration Leads to Enlightenment
According to the “Sutra of the Merit and Virtue of the Past Vows of Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata”, Medicine Buddha once made 12 great vows while he was on his journey to achieve Buddhahood. He vowed that upon his enlightenment, all beings would be blessed with peace, joy, an abundance of food and clothing, as well as protection from all disasters and diseases. The vows included almost all the good things in human life, so that all sentient beings could approach Buddhism without lack for anything in their lives.
How did Medicine Buddha attain enlightenment? Why do people call him “The Lord of Healing”? With his easy-to-understand explanation, Grandmaster JinBodhi revealed the era of Buddha which took place 2,500 years ago and how Medicine Buddha became enlightened after making his 12 great vows. In addition, Grandmaster JinBodhi also talked about the significance of making great vows for people in different age groups and working in different sectors. He also reminded everyone that success is possible with great vows.
Medicine Buddha’s 12 Great Vows
Medicine Buddha’s 12 Great Vows are as follow：
1. I vow that my body shall shine as beams of brilliant light on this infinite and boundless world, showering on all beings, getting rid of their ignorance and worries with my teachings. May all beings be like me, with a perfect status and character, upright mind and soul, and finally attaining enlightenment like the Buddha.
2. I vow that my body be like crystal, pure and flawless, radiating rays of splendid light to every corner, brightening up and enlightening all beings with wisdom. With the blessings of compassion, may all beings strengthen their spiritual power and physical energy, so that they can fulfill their dreams on the right track.
3. I vow that I shall grant by means of boundless wisdom, all beings with the inexhaustible things that they require, and relieving them from all pains and guilt resulting from materialistic desires. Although clothing, food, accommodation and transport are essentials, they should be utilized wisely as well. Besides self-consumption, the remaining should be generously shared with the community so that all can live harmoniously.
4. I vow to lead those who have gone astray back to the path of righteousness. Let them be corrected and returned to the Buddha way for enlightenment.
5. I vow that I shall enable all sentient beings to observe precepts for spiritual purity and moral conduct. Should there be any relapse or violation, they shall be guided for repentance. Provided they truly regret their wrong-doings, and vow for a change with constant prayers and strong faith in the Buddha, they could receive the rays of forgiveness, recover their lost morals and purity.
6. I vow that all beings who are physically disabled or sick in all aspects be blessed with good health, both physically and mentally. All who pays homage to Buddha faithfully will be blessed.
7. I vow to relieve all pain and poverty of the very sick and poor. The sick be cured, the helpless be helped, the poor be assisted.
8. I vow to help women who are undergoing sufferings and tortures and seeking for transformation into men. By hearing my name, paying homage and praying, their wishes will be granted and they will ultimately attain Buddhahood.
9. I vow to free all beings from evil thoughts and their control. I shall lead them onto the path of light through inculcating them with righteousness and honor so that they will walk the Buddha way and attain enlightenment.
10. I vow to save prisoners who have genuinely repented and victims of natural disasters. Those who are sincere will be blessed by my supreme powers and be freed from sufferings.
11. I vow to save those who suffer from starvation and those who commit crimes to obtain food. If they hear my name and faithfully cherish it, I shall lead them to the advantages of dharma and favor them with the best food and eventually lead them to a tranquil and happy life.
12. I vow to save those who suffer from poverty, tormented by mosquitoes and wasps day and night. If they come across my name, cherish it with sincerity and practice dharma to strengthen their merits, they will be able to achieve their wishes.
Making Offerings and Practicing Generosity
In the “Sutra of the Merit and Virtue of the Past Vows of Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata”, Sakyamuni Buddha reminded future generations of the karmic punishments befalling ignorant and stingy people. Also, those who have been banished to hell may be liberated by calling out to Medicine Buddha in their minds. In addition, Grandmaster JinBodhi also mentioned various meditation methods, such as light offering, chanting the Medicine Buddha Heart Mantra, making offerings, and practicing generosity; these methods, with the help of Medicine Buddha’s compassionate vows, shall free people from all sufferings. He also provided an online registration form so that everyone has the opportunity to approach Medicine Buddha and fulfill their aspirations.
Registration Form: https://www.bit.ly/guangming123
Along with Buddha Chanting Class
During the live broadcast, Grandmaster JinBodhi invited online viewers to participate in the 12-day “Along with Buddha” chanting class. This chanting class contains abundant content and is suitable for those who have never practiced meditation or chanted before. All like-minded individuals are welcome to participate in the class to receive Medicine Buddha’s healing energy to purify body and mind, eradicate illness and have their wishes fulfilled. Everyone is advised to add their wishes to the registration form, or place their bottled water, tissue papers, rice or blessed items in front of the Buddha or their computers, and chant along with Grandmaster to pray for Medicine Buddha’s compassionate blessings.
Taipei (Asia Region)
November 1, 2021 – November 7, 2021 – 9:00 am
November 8, 2021 – November 12, 2021 – 10:00 am
Vancouver (North America)
October 31, 2021 – November 11, 2021 – 6:00 pm
Photos from Bodhi Meditation Centers around the World at Medicine Buddha Birthday Celebration Event
