Who is Medicine Buddha? When is His birthday?

The Medicine Buddha is one of the most widely revered holy Buddhas in Buddhism. He is also known as Bhaiṣajyaguru or Medicine Master and King of Lapis Lazuli Light. The Medicine Buddha is typically depicted holding a sprig of myrobalan in his right hand in front of his knee, a gallipot in his left hand (or simply the gallipot, with his right hand forming a seal), and seated cross-legged in the center of a lotus throne. In addition, a halo of light, auspicious clouds, distant mountains, and other scenes are depicted behind him. 

The 30th day of the 9th lunar month is the date of the celebration of the birthday of Medicine Buddha. In the event that the 30th day does not occur, the Medicine Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the 29th day of the 9th lunar month. 

The celebration of the Medicine Buddha's birthday is a significant event in the Buddhist tradition, regarded as an auspicious occasion. Buddhists believe that on the auspicious occasion of Buddha's birthday, those who adhere to a vegetarian diet, engage in virtuous actions, study scriptures, engage in worship, refrain from harming living creatures, and recite the name of Buddha will be bestowed with blessings by Buddha, have obstacles to their karma removed, and accrue blessings. 

What Aspect does Medicine Buddha Bless? 

The Sutra of Merits and Virtues of the Past Original Vows of Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata states that during his casual stage of bodhisattva path practice, the Medicine Buddha made the Twelve Great Vows. Each of these vows was oriented towards the fulfillment of the desires of all sentient beings, the alleviation of their afflictions, and the healing of their illnesses. 

Once he had attained Buddhahood, he consistently endeavored to actualise his profound aspirations. This entailed not only the alleviation of greed, hatred and ignorance within the minds and souls of all beings, but also the remediation of their physical ailments and afflictions. 

Hence, the Medicine Buddha is regarded as the Buddha of Buddhism who intercedes for the cessation of disasters and the extension of life. In addition to safeguarding wellbeing, the Medicine Buddha is believed to provide protection, good fortune, and the ability to avoid adverse circumstances with lawsuits. 

In the Buddhist tradition, the occurrence of misfortune is attributed to the accumulation of negative karma. The worship of Medicine Buddha is believed to have the capacity to mitigate such misfortune. 

How to Make Offerings to Medicine Buddha? 

By situating the Medicine Buddha on an elevated, pristine seat, presenting offerings of tea, vegetarian rice dishes, flowers, fruits, lamps or candles, fasting for seven days and seven nights, adhering to a clean diet and lifestyle, reciting the Medicine Buddha Sutra, and expressing gratitude for the benefits that will accrue from making long-term offerings to the Medicine Buddha in the future, one can receive blessings such as eternal well-being as well as ample food and clothing.

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