Medicine Buddha Teachings

This is a keeper. Not only does it include a full Medicine Buddha practice but the author incorporates a great many fine explanations for symbols, practices, ideas, etc. as well as enlightening Question and Answer sections with the chapters. The practices include the shortest of the three main practices. The other two are Sutra practices, but this one is a combination of Sutra and Tantra, so it is shorter. Also included (pages 100-101) are two even shorter (extremely short in truth) practices for when one cannot perform the full practice. In addition (pages 61-2), the author includes a specific, on-the-spot practice of Karma Chakme (author of the fabulous "Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen" - see my list of that name) which reminds me of Pema Chödrön's on-the-spot Tonglen practice. Indeed, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche addresses the relationship between Medicine Buddha practice and Tonglen on pages 123-4.His pithy and clarifying explanations include:p. 11: the 8 Medicine Buddhas including the main one (Menla)p. 11: supremely effective in the removal of illness; combination of tantra & sutra therefore "since it is connected with the sutras, it is acceptable to do the practice without the empowerment"pp. 24-5: impartiality 1st; & the 4 Immeasurables; apply to specific context of physical healingpp. 43-4: explains the meaning of the 8 major signs of a Buddha, 7 types of royaltyp. 47: Medicine Buddha mantra -Om Sarva Tathagata Abikekate Samaya Shriye Hung.p. 49: Reasons for offerings and the parts of the sadhanap. 63: the purpose of yidam (meditation entities) practicespp. 65-7: Name of the primary Medicine Buddha = Bhaishajyai Guru = teacher of medicine or Mengyi Lama or Menla for short; also, benefits for animals of this practice; can also use the Mani of Chenrezigpp. 105-117 [also see the Appendix on pages 179-82]: Medicine Buddha's 12 aspirationspp. 122-3: types of Bodhichitta: king, ferryman, shepherd and on practitioners being realisticpp. 127-133: 5 Buddha families & Mudras & offeringsp. 137: balancing practice with serving othersp. 152: Medicine Buddha practice can be freely taughtp. 159: "this practice is not really the worship of an external deity., It is primarily a way of gaining access to your won inherent or innate wisdom."p. 160: the siddhis (psychic accomplishmentspp. 160-2: maras (obstacles)These are listed here because, unfortunately, there is no subject index in the book.The author is quite practical and realistic in a way intelligible to the Western practitioner:p. 49: "buddhas and bodhisattvas are not pleased by praise nor displeased by its absence. One performs the praises to remind oneself, the practitioner, of the qualities of the deities."pp. 105-117 & 179-82 (Appendix): the 12 aspirations are more than healing; 3=prosperity; 7th=povertySince Thrangu Rinpoche asserts several times that these practices can be openly shared, here is the very practical Karma Chakme (or Chagme) practice from pages 61-2:"In his book "Mountain Dharma: Instructions for Retreat," Karma Chakme Rinpoche recommends the following visualization for the actual alleviation of sickness. You can visualize yourself as the Medicine Buddha if you wish, but the main focus is to actually visualize a small form of the Medicine Buddha, no larger than four finger-widths in height, in the actual part of your body that is afflicted. So if it is an illness or pain in the head, visualize a small Medicine Buddha in the head; if it is in the hand, visualize a small Medicine Buddha in the hand...Visualize the Medicine Buddha in that place, and think that from this small but vivid form of the Medicine Buddha rays of light are emitted. These rays of light are not simply light, which is dry, but liquid light having a quality of ambrosia. This luminous ambrosia or liquid light actually cleanses and removes the sickness and pain-whatever it is. You can do this not only for yourself, by visualizing the Medicine Buddha in the appropriate part of your own body, but you can do it for others as well by visualizing the Medicine Buddha in the appropriate part of their body or bodies. The radiation of rays of light of ambrosia and so on is the same. This can be applied not only to physical sickness but to mental problems as well. If you want to get rid of a particular type of anxiety or stress or depression or fear or any other kind of unpleasant mental experience, you can visualize the Medicine Buddha seated above the top of your head and think in the same way as before that luminous ambrosia or liquid light emerges from his body, filling your body and cleansing you of any problem, whatever it is. You might think that all of this sounds a bit childish, but in fact, it actually works, and you will find that out if you try it." In the spirit of scientific enquiry, I suggest you try it out empirically!

A wonderful book for both the beginner to Medicine Buddha practice and the experienced practitioner. The introduction by Lama Tashi Namgyal is an elegant and accessible overview to the sutra. The book contains both long and short versions of the sutra, plus advice on when and how to use it. I cannot recommend this volume enough. Would give it 10 stars if I could!

Nice commentary on the practice of the Sangye Menla sadhana, A Stream of Lapis Lazuli. Khenchen Trangu Rinpoche always has good stuff and this is no different. If you look on youtube you can find practice videos from KTD and Lama Karma, I believe.

If you are doing Medicine Buddha practice, this book is a must have. Thrangu Rinpoche's commentary is excellent and helps to provide a context in which the practice of the Medicine Buddha makes more sense. A must read for any practitioner who is serious about Medicine Buddha practice.

Everything from the great Thrangu Rinpoche is outstanding of course. When I was ill and wanted to study Medicine Buddha teachings this wonderful book helped me very much. Thrangu Rinpoche is so thorough,so kind, so clear, so penetrating. The book fulfills the knowledge you need to learn, and the love, compassion,and devotion that brings Medicine Buddha near and personal. A must.

good, ​useful.

Profound detail into the practice itself and an equally profound explanation of its purpose. One of a kind.

So wonderful to have this guide.

The book begins with an explanation about the four classes of illness, which was very interesting for me. Then, the Sadhana is explained step by step with questions and answers, which makes it easy to follow.

Clear, comprehensive & concise teachings from a wise & compassionate teacher.

Remarkable book that describes the depth of the subject and also makes it clear for the novice to follow the instructions. Unique text to be handled with devotion!

An excellent explanation of the Medicine Buddha practice. As usual with Thrangu Rinpoche, it is informative but readable.

Wonderful book great teachings - speedy delivery