Medicine Buddha's 12 Vows

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 could fulfill their dreams in 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, it should
be utilized wisely as well. Besides self-consumption,
the remaining should be generously shared with the
community so that all could 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 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
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 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 would be
granted and ultimately attain Buddha-hood.
9. I vow to free
all beings from evil thoughts and its 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 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
committed 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 best food and
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.
Extracted from
The Sutra of the Master of Healing.
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