Medicine Buddha Teachings [Paperback]

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2004

In this rare gem we learn more that just details of this particular Medicine Buddha practice. Rinpoche, has king included many basic principles of tantric theory and practice in general.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

One of the key deities in the intricate pantheon of Vajrayana Buddhism is the Medicine Buddha. A person who appropriately venerates this figure is promised to experience an "increase in healing powers... and a decrease in physical and mental illness and suffering." In 1999, Thrangu (Everyday Consciousness and Buddha-Awakening) led a retreat in Washington State where he explicated the Medicine Buddha Sadhana (traditional liturgy) and the Sutra of the Medicine Buddha. Chapters in the book are edited transcripts of his teaching sessions at this retreat. The first portion of the book is largely a detailed, verse-by-verse commentary on and guide to practicing the sadhana, highlighting such topics as the importance of visualization, making offerings to the deity and why certain symbolic objects are auspicious. The next section is the text of the sadhana itself, in Sanskrit and in translation. Thrangu then exegetes the sutra (scripture) underlying the liturgy, explaining the Medicine Buddha's 12 "aspirations"-the vows he made to illuminate, benefit, heal and prosper all beings-and describing the benefits of "recollecting" and supplicating him. Thrangu rounds out the book with a discussion of the Vajrayana view of gods and spirits. This is no introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism: a working knowledge of basic concepts is assumed, and the text is dense and often extraordinarily detailed. Yet the book is informative and conversational in tone, and may benefit advanced students specifically seeking to understand the Medicine Buddha practice.
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Review

...pleasant to read, quite educational and extremely enlightening...Very highly recommended! -- Diamond Fire

...rare gem...As soon as we begin to practice, we can taste the benefits. -- Buddhism Now

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is among the wisest and most compassionate Buddhist masters alive today. -- Pema Chödron in Endorsement

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (April 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559392169
• ISBN-13: 978-1559392167
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical practices plus, January 17, 2005

By 

Neal J. Pollock (VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Medicine Buddha Teachings (Paperback)

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 healing

pp. 43-4: explains the meaning of the 8 major signs of a Buddha, 7 types of royalty

p. 47: Medicine Buddha mantra -Om Sarva Tathagata Abikekate Samaya Shriye Hung.

p. 49: Reasons for offerings and the parts of the sadhana

p. 63: the purpose of yidam (meditation entities) practices

pp. 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 Chenrezig

pp. 105-117 [also see the Appendix on pages 179-82]: Medicine Buddha's 12 aspirations

pp. 122-3: types of Bodhichitta: king, ferryman, shepherd and on practitioners being realistic

pp. 127-133: 5 Buddha families & Mudras & offerings

p. 137: balancing practice with serving others

p. 152: Medicine Buddha practice can be freely taught

p. 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 accomplishments

pp. 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=poverty

Since 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!

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially for Vajrayana Buddhism reading lists, May 18, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Medicine Buddha Teachings (Paperback)

Written by the tutor to H. H. the Seventeenth Karmapa, Medicine Buddha Teachings is an introduction to basic principles of tantric theory and way of life. A solid resource of wisdom and understanding, patiently and thoughtfully narrated, Medicine Buddha Teachings includes the Medicine Buddha Sadhana in Tibetan and in English translation, an extensive discussion concerning the Medicine Buddha Sadhana teachings and their value in reducing suffering, an examination of the Medicine Buddha Sutra, and the Twelve Great Aspirations of the Medicine Buddha. Introduced and annotated for additional clarity by Lama Tashi Namgyal, Medicine Buddha Teachings is a welcome resource especially for Vajrayana Buddhism reading lists and reference shelves.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lapiz jewel, May 7, 2009

By 

S. B. Budge "Dharma Student" (San Bruno, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Medicine Buddha Teachings (Paperback)

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.