Between December 2017 and where we are in 2019, Jinyin Temple has been under several construction and renovation projects. All the hard work is done by the disciples of this Buddhist lineage, Sino Esoteric Buddhism, and contributes to reviving and transforming the formerly abandoned Fernwood property. Towards the end of this summer, we decided to come together to reflect on what we have accomplished and to inaugurate the outdoor meditation park, shrines, as well as the puja (ceremony) and meditation spaces. 

 

        As the auspicious day arrived, on August 19th, 2019, His Holiness the Vajra Master Jinke Xuanlei of this lineage personally performed the consecration ceremony for the shrine of the Medicine Buddha in the Temple’s outdoor garden. Many disciples from other states and abroad attended this auspicious event to assist the ceremony, receive divine energy from the Master and the Medicine Buddha, and to generate healing and purification power within themselves. 

 

        The Sanskrit name of the Medicine Buddha is Bhaiṣajyaguru. Bhaiṣajya (भैषज्य) refers to “therapeutic knowledge”; guru means “master”; Bhaiṣajyaguru is the master who has therapeutic knowledge and the Buddha associated with healing. Besides the Buddha’s healing abilities, he is also known for his abilities to neutralize negative karma from the past, bring good fortunes to those in need, and to help people on the path of enlightenment. 

 

        While he was still a bodhisattva, Bhaiṣajyaguru made twelve vows. He promised to help eradicate pain, disease, and disabilities of all kinds, as well as promoting good health and optimal flourishing. Upon fulfilling these vows he became a Buddha presiding over the realm known as "Pure Lapis Lazuli" in the eastern realm. This story is recorded in the oldest Medicine Buddha sutra that we know of, dating from the 7th century. 

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The Twelve Vows of the Medicine Buddha upon attaining Enlightenment are:

 

1. I vow that my body shall shine as beams of brilliant light on this infinite and boundless world, showering all beings, dispelling 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 attain enlightenment like the Buddha.

 

2. I vow that my body shall 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 I shall relieve them from all pains and guilt resulting from materialistic desires. Although clothing, food, accommodation, and transportation are essentials, they should be utilized wisely as well. After self-consumption, the remainder should be generously shared with the community so that all can live harmoniously together.

 

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 path to 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 by repentance. Provided they sincerely regret their wrong-doings, and vow to change with constant prayers and strong faith in the Buddha, they can receive the rays of forgiveness, as well as recover their lost moral 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 pay homage to Buddha faithfully will be blessed.

 

7. I vow to relieve all pain and poverty of the very sick and poor. The sick shall be cured, the helpless shall be helped, the poor shall be assisted.

 

8. I vow to help people who are undergoing suffering and torture and seek spiritual transformation. By hearing my name, paying homage and praying, their wishes shall 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.

 

10. I vow to save prisoners who have genuinely repented, as well as victims of natural disasters. My supreme powers will bless those who are sincere. They will be freed from suffering.

 

11. I vow to save those who suffer from starvation and those who committed a crime 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. They will eventually lead 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. The practice of worshipping Medicine Buddha is not only a very powerful method for healing and increasing healing powers both for oneself and others, but also a powerful method for overcoming the inner sickness of attachment, hatred, and ignorance, thus to meditate on the Medicine Buddha can help decrease physical and mental illness and suffering.
 

May all beings be peaceful!

May all beings be happy!

May all beings be free!