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Medicine Buddha, Master of Healing, Great King of Healers, cures ailments

Yakushi Nyorai 薬師如来, Yakushirurikō
薬師瑠璃光,
Dai-i-ō 大医王

Yàoshī Rúlái,
薬師如来
藥師璢璃光如來,
大醫王佛, 醫王善逝

Bhaisajya, Bhaiṣajya, Bhaisajyaguru, Bhaiṣajyaguru, Bhaiṣajya-rāja, Bhaisajyaguru-vaiduryaprabha

Yaksa
Yeorae
약사

Menla
Men la
Sangye Menla
Mongol = Otochic

 

 

 

Yakushi Nyorai - Japanese Spelling

YAKUSHI NYORAI, YAKUSHI TATHAGATA
Buddha of Medicine & Healing
Yakushi literally means Medicine Teacher

Lord of the Eastern Realm of Pure Lapis Lazuli
(Jp. = Jōruri 浄瑠璃, Skt. = Vaiduryanirbhasa)

Made 12 Vows as a Bodhisattva
Two Attendants: Nikkō & Gakkō
Commands 12 Warrior Generals (Twelve Yaksa)
Manifests in Seven Forms (Shichibutsu Yakushi)
Surrounded by Eight Bodhisattva in mandala
One of 13 Deities (Jūsanbutsu) of the Shingon sect
invoked in memorial services for the departed.

Origin: India (possibly Northern Asia)

Yakushi, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine, is often shown holding a small jar of medicine in his left hand, while his right hand is in the mudra position meaning “No Fear.” When Buddhism arrived in Japan in the 6th century from Korea and China, Yakushi was among the first to arrive, and he quickly became revered throughout Japan as a powerful deity who could cure earthly suffering and sickness. Even today, Yakushi is one of the most cherished Buddhist figures in Japan -- among the 88 temples on the well-trodden Shikoku Pilgrimage, 23 are dedicated to Yakushi, second only to the 29 sites dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu (Goddess of Mercy). Yakushi’s full name is Yakushirurikō 薬師瑠璃光, which means Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Radiance.

 

Yakushi Nyorai, handbook, Nara era, Shinyakushi-ji
Yakushi Nyorai, 191.5 cm, Wood
Nara Era (8th Century)
Shinyakushi-ji Temple 新薬師寺
Photo: Handbook on Viewing Buddhist Statues

Sanskrit Seed Syllable for Yakushi Nyorai -- BEI
 Yakushi’s Sanskrit Seed Syllable
Pronounced BEI 佩 in Japanese, Skt. = bhai

 

 

 

Japanese Mantra of Yakushi Nyorai (On Korokoro Sendari Matogi Sowaka)
On Korokoro Sendari Matōgi Sowaka
Mantra for Yakushi Nyorai (in Japanese)
Simplified Trans.= Om. Heal Heal Hail to You


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Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) -- head Kamakura Era but body Edo Period; Treasure of GokurakujispacerYakushi Nyorai is often protected and surrounded by the Jūni Shinshō (Twelve Generals), ferocious warriors said to represent the Twelve Vows of the Yakushi Nyorai. Yakushi is also commonly flanked on the left by Nikkō (Sunlight Bosatsu) and on the right by Gakkō (Moonlight Bosatsu). He is also one of the Thirteen Deities (Jūsanbutsu 十三仏), who preside over the memorial services after one’s death. In this role, Yakushi presides over the crucial service on the 49th day following death.

Yakushi is said to radiate blue light to help sentient beings achieve enlightenment, and thus this divinity is commonly associated with other light beings, including Nikkō (Sunlight Bodhisattva), Gakkō (Moonlight Bodhisattva, and Dainichi Nyorai (Cosmic Buddha, Great Sun Buddha, the Solar Buddha).

Yakushi’s name is mentioned in numerous texts translated into Chinese from the 3rd to 5th centuries AD. The main sutra for Yakushi is the Yakushi-kyō 薬師経 (Skt. = Bhaisajyaguru-sutra) or Scripture of the Master of Healing, in which, while still a bodhisattva, Yakushi made 12 Vows. This deity was apparently very popular in Central Asia.

Mudra, Right Hand, Yakushi Buddha Statues
Right Hand
Common gesture of
Yakushi statues

Statues of Yakushi Nyorai often look similar to those of Shaka Nyorai (the Historical Buddha), for both are typically unadorned (simple clothing and posture), and with the right hand held outward. Nonetheless, some rules of thumb can help to overcome most confusion when trying to identify the image. First, the fingers of Yakushi’s right hand are often slightly curled (a gesture that represents the granting of wishes). Second, in some Japanese sculpture, Yakushi's right hand forms the so-called Yakushi Triple World Mudra, known as the Yakushi Sangai-in in Japanese, in which the thumb touches either the index finger or middle finger. Third, unlike images of Shaka, Yakushi usually (but not always) holds a sacred jewel or a jar of medicine in the left hand. In some traditions, the jar is said to contain a miraculous emerald that is capable of curing all sickness. Indeed, many Yakushi statues found throughout Japan were commissioned by sick people who were healed. Some of the most famous sculptures of Yakushi Nyorai are at Hōryūji Temple 法隆寺, Yakushi-ji 薬師寺, Ganko-ji 元興寺, Kōfuku-ji 興福寺, and Tōshōdai-ji 唐招堤寺 (all in Nara). Saichō 最澄 (767 - 822 AD), the founder of Japan’s Tendai Sect, who traveled to China and brought numerous texts and artwork back to Japan, himself carved numerous statues of Yakushi.

 

Yakushi Nyorai, 7th Century AD, Horyu-ji Temple
Yakushi Nyorai, 7th Century AD
Gilt Bronze, Height = 63 cm
Hōryūji (Horyu-ji) Temple 法隆寺 in Nara.
PHOTO: Exploring the Beauty of Japan #11, July 9th, 2002
Japanese Language Only, Publisher: 小学館、東京都千代田区一ツ橋 2-3-1
Above photo were scanned from this magazine.

Yakushi Nyorai, Late 7th Century AD, Horyu-ji Temple
Yakushi Nyorai, Late 7th Century AD
Wood, 110.6 cm in Height
Hōrin-ji Temple 法輪寺, 法琳寺 in Nara.
Also spelled Hourinjin, Horinji.
Scanned from temple brochure.

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Yakushi Keka Ceremony 薬師悔過
Says JAANUS: “Keka 悔過 is a term used in Buddhism meaning repentance of one's sins, and refers to the chanting of prayers to various Buddhist deities to express repentance. When the ceremony is addressed to Yakushi, it is known as Yakushi Keka. A very early example of the Yakushi Keka ceremony took place in the year 747, when prayers were said for the Emperor Shōmu's 聖武 recovery from illness. The ceremony itself consists of reciting repeatedly the name of Yakushi Nyorai, and is said to have a magical quality because it is always carried out at night. It was very popular in the 8th and 9th centuries, as it was believed to silence the unquiet spirits of those who had fallen in political turmoil.” <end JAANUS quote>

Says The Big Book of Reiki Symbols: “During the rituals of Yakushi Keka, hunting was stopped, captured animals were freed, and sometimes even wars interrupted as an offering to Yakushi Nyorai. The ritual has the effect of quickly healing diseases that normally are incurable without some sort of miracle. On the national level, wars were ritually ended in order to prevent epidemics and natural catastrophes with the power of Yakushi Nyorai. To intensify the light-filled healing force of the sun, magical candle rituals were simultaneously performed in the Tendai School of Esoteric Buddhism for Yakushi Nyorai and Dainichi Nyorai.” <end quote>

Japan’s Rubbing Tradition
Statues of Yakushi within easy reach of believers are rubbed smooth. People rub part of the statue (knees, back, head), then rub the same part of their body, praying for Yakushi to heal their ailments (e.g., cancer, arthritis, headaches). The same “rubbing tradition” exists for Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, and for Binzuru (Pindola Bharadvaja), the most widely revered of the Arhat in Japan. Statues of these deities are usually well worn, as the faithful rub the part of the effigy corresponding to the sick parts of their bodies. All three are reputed to have the gift of healing.

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Yakushi (modern) - courtesy www.butsuzou.com/jiten/yakusi.htmlSeven Forms of Yakushi 七仏薬師
Says the Healing Touch website: “Some Sanskrit and Chinese texts describe seven ’bodies’ or emanations that Bhaisajyaguru (Yakushi) can assume during his functions as a healer. One of these emanation bodies (Japanese: Busshin) is sometimes considered as an independent deity in Japan -- known as Zen Myōshō Kichijō-ō Nyorai, who is often confused with Yakushi Nyorai. The emanations are usually represented above the image of Yakushi or in the aureole. They are usually seated and display various gestures. They are sometimes just represented by their seed syllables, written in Sanskrit Siddham characters.” <end quote>

Shichibutsu Yakushi 七仏薬師
The Seven Healing Buddha in order of distance from our world (far to close):

  1. Zen Myōshō Kichijō-ō Nyorai 善名称吉祥王
    (also spelled Zen Myosho Kichijo-o; virtuous name, king of happiness)
  2. Hōgatsu Chigen Kō-on Jizai-ō Nyorai 宝月智厳光音自在王
    (also spelled Hogetsu Chigen Ko-on Jizai-o; precious moon, majesty of wisdom, luminous sound, and independent king)
  3. Konjiki Hōkō Myōgyō Jōju 金色宝光妙行成就
    (also spelled Konjiki Hoko Myoko Joju Nyorai)
  4. Muyu Saishō Kichijō 無憂最勝吉祥 (also spelled Muyu Saisho Kichijo Nyorai)
  5. Hokkai Raion 法海雷音 (also spelled Hokkairaion Nyorai)
  6. Hokkai Shōe Yuge Jinzū 法海勝彗遊戯神通 (also spelled Hokaisho Sui Yuge Jintsu Nyorai)
  7. Yakushi Rurikō 薬師瑠璃光 (the full name of Yakushi Nyorai)

Seven Buddha of Healing, Seven Manifestations of Yakushi Buddha
This grouping appears in the fourth and latest extant Chinese translation in 707 AD of the Yakushi-kyō 薬師経 (Skt. = Bhaisajyaguru Sutra, or Scripture of the Master of Healing), a text devoted to the Yakushi cult.

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yakushi-seven-buddha-1-Zen-Myosho
1. Zen Myōshō Kichijō-ō
善名称吉祥王

yakushi-seven-buddha-2-Hogetsu-Chigen
2. Hōgatsu Chigen Kō-on Jizai-ō
宝月智厳光音自在王

yakushi-seven-buddha-3-Konjiki-Hoko
3. Konjiki Hōkō Myōgyō Jōju
金色宝光妙行成就

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yakushi-seven-buddha-4-Muyu-Saisho
4. Muyu Saishō Kichijō
無憂最勝吉祥

yakushi-seven-buddha-5-Hokkai-Raion
5. Hokkai Raion
法海雷音

yakushi-seven-buddha-6-Hokkai-Shoe
6. Hokkai Shōe Yuge Jinzū
法海勝彗遊戯神通

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yakushi-seven-buddha-7-Yakushi-Ruriko
7. Yakushi Ruriko 薬師瑠璃光

Says JAANUS: The seven are said to reside in realms to the east of our world. They were thought to be efficacious in appeasing the revengeful spirits of fallen political figures implicated in social calamities. In Japan they are represented either by seven independent images or, more frequently, by six or seven figurines attached to the halo of Yakushi sculptures. Popularity and worship of the seven peaked in the late 8th to 9th centuries. Today the ritual service dedicated to them -- the Shichibutsu Yakushi-no-hō 七仏薬師の法; first recorded to have been performed by Tendai prelate Ennin 円仁 in 850) -- survives only in the Tendai 天台 sect, where it is counted as one of the four major rituals (Shika Daihō 四箇大法) of the "Mountain School" Sanmon 山門 or Mt. Hiei 比叡 branch. <end JAANUS quote>

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Source of Clipart: Clipart Source: Butsuzō-zu-i 仏像図彙, the "Collected Illustrations of Buddhist Images." Published in 1690 (Genroku 元禄 3). One of Japan's first major studies of Buddhist iconography, with drawings by Tosa Hidenobu 土佐秀信 and text by Ito Takemi 伊藤武美. Hundreds of pages and drawings, with deities classified into approximately 80 (eighty) categories. Modern-day reprints are available for purchase at most large Japanese book stores, or click here to purchase online. 

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Eight Bodhisattva Surrounding Yakushi
Besides Yakushi’s twelve warriors and his two acolytes Nikkō & Gakkō, Yakushi Nyorai is flanked by eight bodhisattva in the Yakushi Hachibosatsu Mandala 薬師八菩薩曼荼羅 (Eight Bodhisattva Yakushi Mandala), which is used in rituals of Japan’s Shingon 真言 sect. The eight are:

  1. Monju, Skt. = Manjushri
  2. Kannon, Skt. = Avalokitesvara
  3. Aksayamati
  4. Mahasthamaprapta
  5. Miroku, Skt. = Maitreya
  6. Yaku-ō (Yakuo, Yakuō, Yaku-o) 薬王, Skt. = Bhaisajyaraja, Bhaiṣajya-rāja; Chn. = Yàowáng (Yaowang) Púsà; the king of medicine; one of two brothers in retinue of Amida Nyorai; represents purifying power of sun; in paintings, typically shown holding willow branch; closely related to Yakushi Nyorai; elder of two brothers (see Yaku-jō below), the first to decide on career as Healing Bodhisattva; convinced younger brother to adopt same course; one of the twenty-five (25) Bodhisattva who accompany Amida from the heavens to the death bed and then lead the deceased back to Amida's Western Paradise or Pure Land..
  7. Yaku-jō (Yakujo, Yakujō, Yaku-jo) 薬上, Skt. = Bhaisajyasumudgata, Bhaiṣajyasamudgata; Chn. = Yàoshàng (Yaoshang) Púsà; superior physician; one of two brothers in retinue of Amida Nyorai; represents the purifying power of moon; in paintings, typically shown holding willow branch; closely related to Yakushi Nyorai; younger brother of Yaku-ō (see above); one of the twenty-five (25) Bodhisattva who accompany Amida from the heavens to the death bed and then lead the deceased back to Amida's Western Paradise or Pure Land.
  8. Hodange Bosatsu (in Japan)

    These eight show the faithful the road to Amida Buddha’s paradise. There is a sutra named Kan Yaku-ō Yaku-jō Ni Bosatsu Kyō 觀藥王藥上二菩薩經 that presents Yaku-ō and Yaku-jō as the King of Medicine (Yaku-ō) and the Superior Physician (Yaku-jō). These two are brothers in the retinue of Amida Nyorai. The elder (Yaku-ō) was the first to decide on his career as a Bodhisattva; he convinced his younger brother to take the same course. The two are sometimes portrayed as Pure-Eyed and Pure-Treasury. As a pair, they may represent diagnosis and treatment.

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88-Temple Pilgramage in Shikoku

Yakushi Buddha with 12 Generals at base. Click here for more photos.
Yakushi Nyorai & 12 Generals at base.
Tōji Temple 東寺 in Kyoto, Wood.
Dated 1603. By Kōshō 康正 (1534-1621).
Photo courtesy healing-touch.co.uk.

spacerBelow text courtesy of www.asunam.com.

The second major deity among the 88 temples of the Shikoku Island Pilgramage is called Yakushi Nyorai in Japanese. Yakushi made twelve vows or resolutions, the seventh one being the resolution that he would disperse the illness of any person who called upon his name. "If my name be called for, I will cure any sick person, whose body and soul shall instantly feel tranquil and free from a sickly feeling". He is assisted by his two trusted attendants Nikkō & Gakkō, and also has under his jurisdiction twelve divine generals (Jūni Shinshō), who represent his twelve great vows.

He is many times (and most popularly) portrayed carrying a pot of medicines in one hand, and it is from this pot that he dispenses healing medicines. These medicines heal both the sickness of body and the sickness of mind. Yakushi Nyorai is not depicted in the Vajaradhatu (Kongokai) Mandara, nor in the Garbhadhatu (Taizokai) Mandara.

In Tibetan images, he is depicted beautifully in his own Mandala, aptly called “The Medicine Buddha Mandala.”  <end quote>  

 

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Yakushi Nyorai, Toshodai-ji, courtesy www.narahaku.go.jpYakushi-ji Temple
Below text adapted from:
Japan Nat’l Tourist Org.
Yakushi-ji Temple, adjoining Toshodai-ji, is the temple founded by Emperor Temmu in the 8th century, to pray for the recovery of his wife, the Empress Jito, from a life-threatening disease. In a strange twist of fate, the Emperor died, and the temple was finished by the Empress. The magnificently decorated main hall was at one time called "the Dragon's Palace on Land". The East Tower (To-Tou) in the precincts is the original structure, which has been preserved ever since its foundation and is the symbol of Nishi-no-Kyo.

This famous temple, one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara and the headquarters of the Hosso sect, was constructed in 698 AD in another section of Nara and moved to its present location in 718.

The temple suffered many fires and was almost completely destroyed during the civil disturbances of the 15th century. The famous East Pagoda survived as a remarkable example of the art of the Hakuho Period. The pagoda has intervening roofs called mokoshi between each floor, and thus appears to have six stories. The present Kondo (Main Hall) was painstakingly rebuilt in 1976 according to the original design and contains a National Treasure called the Yakushi Trinity. The central figure is Yakushi Nyorai, the god of medicine who is flanked by the two bodhisattvas, Nikko and Gakko ("Sunlight" and "Moonlight" respectively).   

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Yakushi Nyorai Triad - Treasure of Chusonji, Late Heian Era
Yakushi Nyorai Triad - Treasure of Chusonji, Late Heian Era
Photo courtesy of 日本の実をめぐる (週刊) No. 35, 中尊寺


Yakushi Nyorai - stone, Kamakura Era
Yakushi Nyorai - Stone, Kamakura Era
Now at the museum inside
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura)

Yakushi Nyorai - Wood, Kamakura Era
Yakushi Nyorai - Wood, Kamakura Era

 

 

For more photos of Yakushi Nyorai,
please see the Nara Photo Tour Page

 

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Grapes Yakushi, Budou Yakushi, 葡萄薬師
Below text courtesy Gabi Greve: This is a special statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing, in the wine-growing prefecture of Yamanashi (Japan), Katsunuma City 勝沼. During the Nara period, the famous Monk Gyoki 行基 visited the area and had a special dream about this deity one night. Yakushi was holding a bunch of grapes in his right hand, and in the other his usual medicine bottle. When he woke up, Gyoki started to carve the statue he had envisioned in his dream, and went on to found Daizen-ji Temple 大善寺 (designated a National Treasure), were the statue is still installed. It is the only statue of Yakushi holding grapes in Japan. In olden times, wine was one of the precious medicines of the day. Yakushi has since become the protector deity of the grape-growing farmers in this area. This is also the oldest part of Japan where real grapes, not wild mountain grapes, are grown. They make a drink called Budou Shu 葡萄 (ぶどう) 酒, a bit different from wine, made like Japanese sake. But latest research shows that the grapes of this area originate in the Caucasus area and might have reached Japan via the Silk Road and Buddhism. Or maybe migragory birds dropped the seeds ??? <end quote from Gabi Greve>

Who is Japanese Monk Gyōki (Gyoki) 行基
Gyōki (+668-749) descended from Korean immigrants. He was the director of the Buddhist community at Todai-ji Temple (Nara), and was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of a giant effigy of Birushana, the so-called Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Tōdaiji Temple. Legend contents that Emperor Shomu himself helped carry buckets of dirt during the construction of the giant bronze image of Birushana, which was reportedly finished in +752. 

Yakushi’s Origin
According to Kodo Matsunami, a noted Buddhist scholar and one-time chairperson of the Japan Buddhist Federation: "Because a mantra associated with Bhaishajyagura (Yakushi) refers to a daughter of a clan that lived in northern Asia, it has been suggested that this Buddha originated, not in India, but among nomadic tribes in northen or central Asia and was later incorporated into Buddhism. A major textual resource for this Buddha is the Sutra of the Master of Medicine (Bhaishajyaguru-vaidurya-prabha-raja-sutra)."

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Yakushi Triad -- Nikko and Gakko statues attributed to Busshi Choyu; dated to 1422
Yakushi Triad (Yakushi Sanzon 薬師三尊) at Kakuonji Temple, Kamakura. ICA.
Nikkō Bosatsu on left (to your right) and Gakkō Bosatsu on right (to your left).
Nikkō (Sunlight) and Gakkō (Moonlight) statues attributed to sculptor Chōyū. Dated to 1422. H = 149.4 cm.
Inscription found in head of Nikkō statue says it was carved in 1422 by local sculptor Chōyū.
Central Yakushi image: H = 181.2 cm. Head dated to Kamakura Period and body to Muromachi Period.
The original central statue (attributed to Unkei) was destroyed in a fire in 1251 and remade in 1263.
The hanging vestments (hōesuikashiki 法衣垂下式), the large rahotsu 螺髪 (hair on head in spiral curls),
the facial features, and the slender fingers clearly reflect the influence of China’s Sung period (Sōdai 宋代).
These features also suggest that the Kamakura Busshi wanted to be independent from Kyoto culture or to rival it.
 <Sources: Kondo Takahiro; Kakuonji Temple; Photo from magazine 日本の仏像, 2007/10/25, No. 19 (Kondansha).>

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