The Concise Essence Sutra Ritual
of Bhagavan Medicine Buddha called

The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel

composed by Panchen Losang Chökyi Gyältsen
translated by David Molk
 

***
 
Commentary by H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

 Introduction

• There are 4 classes of tantras, one of which is the Lower Tantras.
• We practice the Lower Tantras to clear a specific problem that obstructs us from practicing Higher Tantras.
• The Medicine Buddha practice belongs to the Lower Tantras and is very efficacious for medical and health problems.
• In the Medicine Buddha practice, it is twice as important to think of the Guru and Yidam as being one in nature.
• To remove our pain and suffering, we need the blessings of all the lineage lamas. Therefore, if we think of the Guru and Yidam as one, and if we have faith and respect in the Guru, we effectively apply this to all the lineage lamas.

Lineage

• H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche received the oral transmission for this practice from:
    – H.H. Pabongka Dorje Chang in 1987 (mantra only)
    – H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Jampa Yeshe in 1992 (full initiation)
    – H.E. Denma Locho Rinpoche (full initiation)

Altar Set Up & Offerings

• Place a Medicine Buddha statue (or picture) on the altar.
• Set up 8 sets of sensory offerings in the following manner.
• Starting from the back of the altar and working forward, place a row of 8 argham, followed by a row of 8 padhyam, then 8 pushpe, and so on, rather than consecutive rows of all 8 offerings.

• Set up additional water offerings to make up a total of 108 offering bowls.
• Place a Medicine Buddha Sutra text, wrapped in five-coloured cloth, on the left.
• Place a copy of the Medicine Buddha mandala (small or large) in a gyapi, on the altar.
• Place the Guru’s picture in front of the Medicine Buddha statue.
• Prepare eight tormas (any size) made from the 3 whites and the 3 sweets (milk, butter, yoghurt, sugar, molasses and honey) in the shape of tear drops.

The full sadhana is as follows:
1. Take Refuge
2. 35 Confessional Buddhas
3. 21x Migtsema (no need to do Guru Yoga)
4. Medicine Buddha Sadhana
5. Setrap Black Tea (if time allows)
6. Completion dedication
7. Yonten Shigyurma

This practice belongs to the Action Tantras. Because of this, it is best to abstain from black foods (meat, eggs, onions, garlic), intoxicants and sexual activity on the day of the puja (before and during the puja).

Ritual implements

One should have both dorje and bell, but no damaru or inner offering.

Note: Throughout the text, small symbols of bells   –@  or other instruments and handmudras appear in the margins to help the practitioner know when one should play these instruments or when to do certain mudras. It is hoped that these small indications will be helpful to those not yet familiar with these aspects of tantric practice. Other symbols and their meanings are:

 \@/  Lotus mudra        

_/\_ Prostration mudra   

%-%  Show the dorje

 ***

 
The Concise Essence Sutra Ritual of
Bhagavan Medicine Buddha called

The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel

NAMO GURU MUNINDRAYA

The river of merely hearing your names
Makes even Avici’s hell-fires cool as a lotus pond.
Protectors in degenerate times, seven sugatas
And head of the Shakyas, to your feet I bow.

Distracted by activities of varying importance,
To benefit myself and those with faith in the life stories
Of these seven Buddhas for degenerate times,
I’ll condense the ambrosia sutra ritual to its molten essence.

Because of the infallibility of Arya Buddha’s proclamation that the power and blessings of the Medicine Buddhas are greater and swifter in degenerate times, we accept it. Having already made preparations as described in the sutra ritual, one who wishes to perform this quintessential ritual for invoking the heart commitment of the protectors during degenerate times, the seven sugatas, should recite as follows, fully infusing the mind with refuge and bodhicitta:

 
Refuge and Bodhicitta

Nature incorporating the entire body, speech, mind, qualities, and activity of all the tathagatas of the three times and ten directions, source of the 84 thousand collections of Dharmas, lord of all arya Sangha, I seek refuge in the kind and glorious holy root and lineage gurus.
I seek refuge in the completely enlightened lord Buddhas.
I seek refuge in the holy Dharma.
I seek refuge in the eight brothers gone to bliss, the lord Medicine Buddhas with their hosts of retinue deities.
I seek refuge in the glorious holy Protectors, Dharma Protector guardians endowed with the wisdom eye.  (3x)

I go for refuge until I am enlightened
To the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Supreme Assembly.
By my merit from giving and other perfections
May I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.  (3x)

The Four Immeasurables

All sentient beings who, although self and all appearances are dharmadhatu by nature, have not realized it thus, I shall endow with happiness and the causes of happiness, I shall separate from suffering and the causes of suffering, I shall make inseparable from happiness without suffering, and I shall set in equanimity, the cause of well-being, free from attachment, aversion and partiality.  (3x)

The Power of Truth

Through the power of the supreme truth of the Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ blessings,
The might of the two collections, and the purity of the dharmadhatu,
May this realm’s beings and environment be enriched like Sukhavati
With all the desirable perfections of both samsara and nirvana.

Offerings

Jeweled ground adorned with trees and with ponds
Whose bottoms are covered with gold, silver, and pearl dust;
Flowers strewn and sandalwood fragrance rising;
Human and divine enjoyments: Samantabhadra’s offerings everywhere.
 
There, in the centre of a charming jeweled palace
On lotuses and lion thrones, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas abide.
May [everywhere] be filled with oceans of clouds of offerings, which they enjoy,
Born through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.

Invocation (with burning incense)

 Compassionate protectors in degenerate times, seven sugatas,
 Buddha Shakyamuni, holy Dharma, bodhisattvas, and guardians,
 Invited as the support and protector refuge to protect others and myself:
–@  May you come here, gather, and grant your blessings.

If one wishes, one can insert an extensive bath offering here.

The Seven-Limb Practice

Prostrations

%-%   Root guru whose kindness is without equal,
–@    King of the Shakyas, Manjushri, Shantarakshita, and so on,
\@/   Holding in their hands this profound sutra:
_/\_  To the direct and lineage gurus, I prostrate.

%-%   To the compassionate ones who liberate destitute beings –
–@    Seven sugatas, Buddha Shakyamuni, and holy Dharma,
\@/    Manjushri, Kyab Dröl, Vajrapani, Brahma and Ishvara,
_/\_  And the maharajas and yakshas – I prostrate.

–@   I make every collection of offerings, actually arranged and emanated
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |       I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |       Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |       And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Beseeching

Great bhagavan assembly, pray listen!
Seven sugatas, just as you promised,
Your previous prayers will be fulfilled
During the final period of Shakyamuni’s teachings:
Pray, show me in actuality it is true!

Prayers to the Individual Medicine Buddhas

To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha Renowned Glorious King of Excellent Signs (Suparikirti-tanamasriraja)
_/\_  I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%   Golden in colour with mudra of granting refuge;
–@    Who accomplished eight prayers;
\@/   Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
           Glorious one of the Buddha-field Unconquered by Others:
_/\_  To Renowned Glorious King of Excellent Signs, I prostrate.

%-%   In flowers of the major marks flourishing and pure,
–@    Anthers of minor signs, such a beautiful body:
\@/   One who sees, hears, or thinks of you is glorified.
_/\_  To Renowned Glorious King of Excellent Signs, I prostrate.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
May all sentient beings such as ourselves be freed
From epidemics, execution, criminals, and spirits;
Have faculties fully complete; have the continuum of suffering and negativities cut;
Not fall to lower realms; and experience the happiness of humans and gods.
With hunger, thirst, and poverty pacified, may there be wealth.
Without torments of body such as bindings and beatings;
Without harm of tigers, lions, and snakes; with conflict pacified;
Endowed with loving minds and relieved from fear of flood as well,
May we pass to fearless bliss.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmitting the teachings of conquerors such as Renowned Glorious King of Excellent Signs,
And cause them delight.

 ***

To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha King of Melodious Sound, Brilliant Radiance of Skill, Adorned with Jewels, Moon, and Lotus (Svaragosaraja)
_/\_  I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%    Yellow in colour with mudra of granting the supreme;
–@     Who accomplished eight prayers;
\@/    Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
            Glorious one of the Buddha-field Endowed
            With Jewels:
_/\_   I prostrate to King of Melodious Sound.    

%-%   Well adorned with jeweled moon and lotus,
–@     Wisdom expanded in mastery of all knowable objects,
\@/    Endowed with a mind as deep as the ocean:
_/\_   I prostrate at the feet of King of Melodious Sound.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
For all sentient beings such as ourselves
May the distracted flourish in the Dharma;
Have wealth and goods of humans and gods;
Without torment at conception, be always born human;
Never be separated from Bodhicitta; increase in virtuous Dharma;
Purify obscurations; and attain the happiness of humans and gods.
May we be freed from being separated from the spiritual guide,
From dark ages, spirit harm, death, and enemies,
And from the dangers of isolated places.
May we have enthusiasm for making offerings and performing ritual services.
May lesser beings have samadhi, mindfulness, strength,
The dharani of non-forgetfulness, and attain supreme wisdom.
May tormenting fires be cooled.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmitting the teachings of conquerors such as
King of Melodious Sound,
And cause them delight.

***

 
To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha Stainless Excellent Gold, Great Jewel Who Accomplishes All Vows (Suvarnabhadradravimala),
_/\_  I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%    Golden in colour, like the River Tsambu, with Dharma teaching mudra;
–@     Having accomplished four prayers;
\@/    Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
            Glorious one of the Buddha-field Incense Filled:
_/\_   I prostrate to Stainless Excellent Gold.

%-%    Paramount among golds like the gold of the River Tsambu,    
–@     Blazing with more radiance than a thousand suns,
\@/    Body like a stainless golden stupa:
_/\_   I prostrate to Stainless Excellent Gold.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.
 
Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
For all sentient beings such as ourselves
May the short-lived gain longevity, the poor, full wealth;
May combatants come to have loving minds.
May we not be without training and fall to the lower realms
But be bound by our vows and never without Bodhicitta.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmitting the teachings of conquerors such as Stainless Excellent Gold,
And cause them delight.

***

To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha Supreme Glory Free from Sorrow (Asokottamasriraja),
_/\_  I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%   Light red in colour with mudra of meditative equipoise;
–@    Who accomplished four prayers;
\@/    Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
           Glorious one of the Buddha-field Without Sorrow:
_/\_  I prostrate to Supreme Glory Free from Sorrow.

%-%    Passed beyond sorrow, attained to supreme bliss,
–@     Pacifier of sentient beings’ three poisons and sufferings,
\@/    Protector of beings of the six realms,
_/\_  To the glorified one, Supreme Glory Free from Sorrow, I prostrate.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,

And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.
Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
For all sentient beings such as ourselves
May sorrow and the like always be pacified, and life be long and happy.
May the conquerors’ light increase bliss and joy in the hells.
May we have brightness, beauty, and wealth, unharmed by spirits;
May we have love for each other; and may there be no disease.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmitting the teachings of conquerors such as Supreme Glory Free from Sorrow,
And cause them delight.

***

To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha Melodious Ocean of Proclaimed Dharma (Dharmakirtisagara),
_/\_ I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%   Pink in colour with mudra of teaching the Dharma;
–@    Who accomplished four prayers;
\@/    Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
            Glorious one of the Buddha-field Victory Banner of Dharma:
_/\_   I prostrate to Melodious Ocean of Proclaimed Dharma.

%-%   Great sound of Dharma conquering adversaries,
–@    Endowed with speech as deep as the ocean,
\@/   Pacifier of beings’ suffering without exception:
_/\_  I prostrate to Melodious Ocean of Proclaimed Dharma.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
For all sentient beings such as ourselves
May we always have perfect view and faith,
Hear the sound of Dharma, and be enriched with Bodhicitta.
For the sake of resources may we give up negativities;
May wealth increase.
May we abide in love, have long lives, and be content.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmission of the teachings of conquerors such as Melodious Ocean of Proclaimed Dharma,
And cause them delight.

***

To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha Delightful King of Clear Knowing, Supreme Wisdom of an Ocean of Dharma (Abhijyaraja)
_/\_ I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%    Coral coloured with mudra of granting the supreme;
–@     Who accomplished four prayers;
\@/    Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
            Glorious one of the Buddha-field Ocean of Jewels:
_/\_   I prostrate to King of Clear Knowing.

%-%    Mind of profound Dharma wisdom, difficult to fathom,
–@     Sporting in the pure sphere of truth,    
\@/    One who sees all knowable objects directly:
_/\_   I prostrate to King of Clear Knowing.
 
–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
For all sentient beings such as ourselves
May the distracted be free of malice and rich in goods.
May those on evil paths to lower realms attain the ten virtues.
May those controlled by others gain perfect independence,
And all have long life, hear the names, and be virtuous.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmitting the teachings of conquerors such as King of Clear Knowing,
And cause them delight.

***

 
To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened Buddha Medicine Guru, King of Lapis Light (Bhaisajyaguru)
_/\_  I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%    Blue in colour with mudra of granting the supreme;
–@     Who accomplished twelve prayers;
\@/    Majestic with the glory of two accumulations;
            Glorious one of the Buddha-field Lapis Light:
_/\_   I prostrate to Medicine Guru, King of Doctors.

%-%   Bhagavan with equal compassion for all,
–@    Whose name, when merely heard, dispels the suffering of lower realms,
\@/    Dispeller of disease and the three poisons:
_/\_   I prostrate to Medicine Buddha Lapis Light.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Through the force of hearing the conqueror’s name,
Expressing it, remembering, prostrating, and offering,
May each and every sentient being such as ourselves
All become, like you, graced with marks and signs.
May the light dispelling darkness, the enjoyment of wisdom, and skillful means be inexhaustible.
May those attracted to mistaken and lesser paths enter Mahayana paths,
And all be beautified by their vows.
May we be free from pain caused by immorality,
Be complete in faculties and without disease, and have abundant goods.
May those disillusioned with the weakest conditions always have powerful faculties,
And may we be freed from Mara’s noose and perverse viewpoints.
May those tormented by kings gain bliss, and those who,
Out of hunger, support themselves through negativity
Be satisfied with food received in accordance with the Dharma.
May hardships of heat and cold be pacified and all good wishes be fulfilled.
Endowed with morality that pleases the aryas, may we be liberated.
And when we pass away from this life,
May we be born from a lotus in that Buddha-field, qualities complete,
Become a vessel for transmitting the teachings of conquerors such as Medicine Guru, King of Doctors,
And cause them delight.

***

To the bhagavan, tathagata, arhat, fully enlightened
Buddha Glorious Conqueror Shakyamuni
_/\_ I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (7x)

%-%   Golden in colour with earth-pressing mudra,
–@    Who through the force of unique great compassion and enthusiasm
\@/    Became the glorious one of this, the fearless world system:    
 _/\_  I prostrate to the supreme leader, head of the Shakyas.
 
%-%   Born in the Shakya lineage out of skillful means and compassion,
–@    Unchallenged by others, conqueror of Mara’s forces,
\@/    Body majestic as a golden Mount Meru:
_/\_   I prostrate to the king of the Shakyas.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Pray, bless us and all beings who lack a protector
To receive here immediately, without exception,
The benefits as taught by the supreme teacher
In the extensive sutra ritual of Medicine Buddha.

Prostration and Prayer to the Holy Dharma

%-%   Supreme lamp dispelling the darkness of ignorance,
–@    Foremost of medicines alleviating suffering and disease,
\@/   To the entire sublime jewel of Dharma,
_/\_  I prostrate, offer, and go for refuge.  (3x)

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Through the blessings of the truth of the holy Dharma jewel
May I and all others, henceforth in all our lives,
Practice the Buddha’s teachings in their entirety
Exactly as the Buddhas intended.

Requesting the Benefits of the Practice

The conquerors’ heart commitments were invoked
By thirty-six thousand sons of sugatas,
Including Manjushri, Kyab Dröl, and Vajrapani.
Thus requested, they proclaimed this sutra’s benefits.

Pray, manifest all of them for me here and now.
And to the worldly protector yaksha leaders as well,
As you promised to do before previous teachers –
To stop enemies, harmers, and epidemics,
Pacify all conflict, and increase physical and mental bliss,
Increase wealth, power, property, crops, and life span –
Accomplish these desired goals as we wish
And always protect us without break.

Mantra Recitation

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE BHEKHANDZYE / GURU BAIDURYA / PRABHA RAJAYA / TATHAGATAYA / ARHATE SAMYAKSAM BUDDHAYA / TADYATHA / OM BHEKHANDZYE BHEKHANDZYE MAHA BHEKHANDZYE [BHEKHANDZYE]** / RADZA SAMUDGATE SVAHA

Common pronunciation:
OM NAMO BAGAWATAY BEKANZAY / GURU BAIDURYA / PRABA RADZA YA / TATAGATAYA / ARHATAY SAMYAKSAM BUDDHAYA / TA YA TA / OM BEKANZAY BEKANZAY MAHA BEKANZAY [BEKANZAY] / RADZA SAMUDGATAY SOHA

Thus, recite the long mantra, or the short mantra as follows:

TADYATHA OM BHEKHANDZYE BHEKHANDZYE MAHA BHEKHANDZYE [BHEKHANDZYE]** / RADZA SAMUDGATE SVAHA

Common pronunciation:
TA YA TA / OM BEKANZAY BEKANZAY MAHA BEKANZAY [BEKANZAY] / RADZA SAMUDGATAY SOHA

** Syllables in brackets [ ] are optional. They may be included when reciting the mantra or not, as one wishes.

%-%   Root guru whose kindness is without equal,
–@    King of the Shakyas, Manjushri, Shantarakshita, and so on,
\@/   Holding in their hands this profound sutra:
_/\_  To the direct and lineage gurus, I prostrate.

%-%   To the compassionate ones who liberate destitute beings,
–@    To the seven sugatas, Buddha Shakyamuni, and the holy Dharma,
\@/   To Manjushri, Kyab Dröl, Vajrapani, Brahma and Ishvara,
_/\_  And the maharajas and yakshas, I prostrate.

–@   I make every collection of offerings actually arranged and emanated
  |      Visualize extensive offerings here.
  |      Through the force of mantra, samadhi, and aspiration.
  |      I confess all downfalls and negativities,
  |      Rejoice in virtues, (Meditate strongly on rejoicing here.) request and beseech,
  |      And dedicate such virtues as these to the great enlightenment.

Request for Forgiveness

Whatever I have done or caused to be done
That was unprepared or degenerated
Or done with my deluded mind,
Please be patient with all of these.

Whatever the beings of this degenerate age have done
Of lesser merit mixed with ignorant delusions
That did not fulfill the aryas’ wishes,
Please be patient with these are well.

Under the influence of miserliness, lacking in skill,
Having made bad offerings or faulty arrangements,
O protector endowed with great compassion,
Please be patient with these as well.

Whatever was superfluous or left undone,
Degeneration in parts of the ritual,
Or whatever was forgotten,
Please be patient with these as well.    

Request to Remain

By remaining here together with this image
For the sake of all migrators,

May you grant us long life without illness,
Power, and supreme attainment.

OM SUPRATISHTHA VAJRA YE SVAHA

Dedications

Just as the brave Manjushri and Samantabhadra, too,
Realized things as they are,
I too dedicate all these merits in the best way,
That I may follow their perfect example.

I dedicate all these roots of virtue
With the dedication praised as the best
By the victorious ones thus gone of the three times,
So I might perform good works.

Here one can do the multiplying mantras to increase the merits created.

Auspicious Verses

The hosts of Medicine Buddha deities
Pervading all directions of the round of space with perfection –
Some raining down multicoloured lotuses,
Some singing songs requesting goodness,
Some acting to conquer maras and obstructors,
And all bestowing on you supreme good fortune:
Know this full well and be very joyful
And I shall voice sweet melody expressing auspiciousness.
Supreme teacher of humans and gods,
Touching my crown to your feet of jeweled moonlight
Grants the glory of good fortune of kumuda flowers’ blossoming;
To Munindra, moon of expounders, I prostrate.

Manjushri and great abbot Shantarakshita,
Trisong Detsen, Atisha father and sons,
Second conqueror Losang Dragpa, and so on:
Through the auspiciousness of all collected good qualities
Of the supreme root and lineage gurus,
May all negativity and degeneration be ended,
And, bliss and goodness increasing like the waxing moon,
–@  May it be auspicious to enjoy the glory of perfection.

Accomplishing a supreme ocean of prayers invoking truth
During the teachings’ decline for protectorless beings
Who were untamed by other sun-like conquerors,
Through the auspiciousness of all collected good qualities
Of those seven sugatas, protectors during degenerate times,
May all negativity and degeneration be ended,
And, bliss and goodness increasing like the waxing moon,
–@  May it be auspicious to enjoy the glory of perfection.

Arising well from the broad lotus-like tongue
Of the lord of the able ones,
Especially exalted even in the later days of the Shakya’s teachings
Such that, if performed, one gains
The essence of immortality’s ambrosia:
Through the auspiciousness of all collected good qualities
Of that king of the vast and profound sutra pitaka,
May all negativity and degeneration be ended,
And, bliss and goodness increasing like the waxing moon,
–@  May it be auspicious to enjoy the glory of perfection.

Through the auspiciousness of all collected good qualities
Of those children of the lineage performing the sutra ritual
By simply reciting the names of the kings of doctors
Of all realms’ ten directions
And through the especially extensive prayers of the teacher Buddha and the sugatas:
May all negativity and degeneration be ended,
And, bliss and goodness increasing like the waxing moon,
–@  May it be auspicious to enjoy the glory of perfection.

Accomplished through the compassion mantra of the sugatas,
Through faith, samadhi, and words of truth, construction of jewels,
Abode of the Three Jewels beyond the three realms,
Through the auspiciousness of all collected good qualities
Of that supreme buddha-field equal to Sukhavati:
May all negativity and degeneration be ended,
And, bliss and goodness increasing like the waxing moon,
–@  May it be auspicious to enjoy the glory of perfection.

Colophon:
Composed by the omniscient Panchen Lama Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen. The original extensive Medicine Buddha Sutra came from Shakyamuni Buddha himself.
English translation by David Molk in March 1993.

 ***

 
Dedication
(At the conclusion of any meritorious activities such as making offering, prayers, etc., it is essential to dedicate the merits that we have accumulated for the benefit of all sentient beings.)

Completion dedication

JANG-JUB SEM-CHOK RINPOCHE
MA-KYE PA-NAM KYE-GYUR CHIK
KYE-PA NYAM-PA ME-PA YANG
GONG-NA GONG-DU PEL-WAR SHUG

May the precious Bodhi-mind,
Where it is not born arise and grow
May that born have no decline
But increase forever more.

TONG-NI TONG-WA RINPOCHE
MA-KYE PA-NAM KYE-GYUR CHIK
KYE-PA NYAM-PA ME-PA YANG
GONG-NA GONG-DU PEL-WAR SHUG

May the precious Emptiness
Where it is not born arise and grow
May that born have no decline
But increase forever more.

DAG-SOG JIN-NYEH SAG-PA GE-WA DEE
TAN-DANG DRO-WA KUN-LA GANG-PHAN DANG
CHE-PAR JE-TSUN LO-ZANG DRAG-PA YI
TAN-PI NYING-PO RING-DU SAL-SHEH SHUG

May this merit accumulated by myself and others beneficially serve all sentient beings and the Buddhadharma and especially may the essential teachings of the unerring Master Tsongkhapa, become clear and enduring.

Prayer by Je Tsongkhapa

KYE-WA KUN-TU YANG-DAK LA-MA DANG
DRAL-ME CHO-KYI PAL-LA LONG-CHO CHING
SA-DANG LAM-GYI YON-TEN RAP-DZOK NA
DORJE CHANG-GI GO-PANG NYUR-TO SHUG

In all my rebirths may I not be parted from perfect Gurus,
Let me enjoy the abundance of the Dharma!
Perfecting the quality stages and paths
May I quickly attain the rank of Vajradhara Buddha.

Dedication of virtue

GE-WA DI-YI NYUR-DU DAK
LA-MA SANG-GYE DRUP-GYUR NA
DRO-WA CHIK-KYANG MA-LU PA
DE-YI SA-LA GO-PAR SHUG

By this virtue, may I quickly
Realize Guru-Buddhahood,
And transfer each sentient being
Into that Enlightened state.

CHO KHI GYAL PO TSONG KHA PA
CHO TSUL NAM PAR PHEL WA LA
GEK KI TSHAN MA ZHI WA DANG
THUN KYIN MA LU TSHANG WAR SHOK

May all conducive conditions arise and all obstacles be pacified, in order to increase infinitely, the doctrine of the spiritual king, Tsongkhapa.

DA DANG SHEN GI DU SUM DANG
DRIL WA TSOK NYI LA TEN NAY
GYA WA LO ZANG DRAG PA YI
TAN PAR YUN RING VAR GYUR CHIG

By the merits of the 3 times of myself and others,
May the doctrine of Lama Tsongkhapa blaze forever.

Auspicious Dedication

NYIMO DELEK TSEN TELEK
NYIME GUNG YANG DELEK SHIN
NYITSEN TAKTU DELEK PEL
KON CHOK SUM GYI JIN GYI LOB
KON CHOK SUM GYI NGOR DRUL TSOL
KON CHOK SUM GYI TRA SHI SHOK

At dawn or dusk, at night or midday, may the Three Jewels grant us their blessing, may they help us to achieve all realisations and sprinkle the paths of our lives with various signs of auspiciousness.

Dedication for the Guru’s long life

JETSUN LAMA KU TSE RABTEN CHING
NAMKAR TRINLEY CHOG CHUR GYE PA DANG
LOBSANG TENPE DRON ME SA SUM GYI
DRO WE MUNSEL TAKTUR NE GYUR CHIG

May the holy teachers have long lives. May the enlightened activities be fully displayed in the ten directions, and may the brightness of the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa continuously dissipate the veil of darkness covering the beings of the three realms.

Dedication for the long life of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama

GANG RI RAWE KORWAI SHING KHAM DIR
PEN DANG DEWA MALU GYUNG WAI NE
CHENREZIG WANG TENZIN GYATSO YI
SHA PEI SITHAI BARDU DEN GYUR CHIG
 
In this holy Land surrounded by snow mountains,
You are the source of all benefit and happiness
May your lotus feet, O powerful Chenrezig, Tenzin Gyatso
Remain in this world until the end of existence.

 
 
Yonten Shigyurma – The Foundation of All Realisations

Well realising that the root of the path,
the foundation for every realisation,
is to properly rely on my kind Gurus,
bless me to do so with great effort and devotion.

Knowing that this life of freedom, found but once,
is difficult to gain and greatly meaningful
bless me to develop the continual wish
all day and night to take its essence.

Mindful of death, this life disintegrates
as swiftly as a bubble in turbulent water
and after death my good and bad
karma follows me like my shadow.

Having gained firm certainty of this,
bless me to be ever conscientious
to abandon even the slightest harm
and practise every possible virtue.

Enjoying deceptive samsaric pleasure
brings no contentment and is the door to all suffering.
aware of its drawbacks, bless me to develop
a strong wish for the bliss of liberation.

With mindfulness, introspection, and great care
induced by that pure aspiration
bless me to make my essential practice
the Pratimoksha, root of Buddha’s teachings.

Just as I’ve fallen in this sea of suffering
so have all beings, my kind mothers;
seeing this, bless me to train in Bodhicitta,
taking up the burden of liberating them. 

And yet, just wishing this, without practicing
the three ethics, Enlightenment cannot be attained.
knowing this well, please bless me to intensively
strive to train in the Bodhisattva vows.

Properly analysing the correct object
and pacifying distraction to mistaken objects
bless me to swiftly realise the path
which unifies quiescence and special insight.

When I’m a pure vessel, trained in common paths,
bless me to enter with perfect ease
the sacred gateway of fortunate ones,
the supreme of vehicles, Vajrayana.

Then, foundation for the two attainments
is keeping the pure vows and commitments.
having found unfeigned conviction in this
bless me to guard them with my life.

Having precisely understood the essentials
of the two stages, heart of the tantras,
bless me to strive without break in four sessions
to practise Yoga as taught by holy Masters.

May the spiritual guides who reveal this excellent path
and the friends who practise it all live long.
Please grant blessings that outer and inner
hindrances all be fully pacified.

In all lives may I never be parted
from perfect Masters and enjoy the glory of Dharma.
Perfecting realisations of the paths and stages,
may I swiftly gain the state of Vajradhara.

 ***

Click for high-resolution image

Medicine Buddha (central figure)

Lama Tsongkhapa (top tier), Green Tara (2nd tier), White Umbrella (3rd tier), monk representing sponsor offering mandala (bottom left), Dorje Shugden (bottom, rightmost)

Dorje Shugden is said to have the strength of a thousand Dharma Protectors. Therefore, he has the amazing ability to protect the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa, have the healing abilities of Medicine Buddha, fulfill wishes in the manner of Green Tara and protect one from spirits and other negative afflictions like White Umbrella.

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