Sutra of the Merit and Original Vows of the Seven Medicine Buddhas of Lapis Lazuli Light (藥師琉璃光七佛本願功德經)

The Sutra of the Merits and Original Vows of the Seven Medicine Buddha

Translation by Tripitaka Master Yijing at Foguang Temple during the Tang Dynasty

At that time, the Buddha said to Manjushri: "The great vows made by the Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata when he practiced the bodhisattva path, and the merits and adornments of his buddha-land—even if I spoke for one kalpa or more than one kalpa, I could not exhaust them. Yet that buddha-land is purely clean, free from all desire and defilement. There are no women, nor are there sounds of the three evil realms or suffering. The ground is made of pure vaidurya; the city gates, palaces, halls, pavilions, windows, and nets are all formed from the seven treasures, just like the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, adorned with merits and virtues. In that land, there are two bodhisattvas: one named Sunlight Illumining Everywhere, the other named Moonlight Illumining Everywhere. Among that immeasurable assembly of bodhisattvas, they are the foremost leaders, able to uphold that Buddha’s treasury of true Dharma. Therefore, Manjushri! If there are faithful men and women, they should aspire to be reborn in that Buddha’s world."

Furthermore, Manjushri, there are beings who cannot distinguish between good and evil, who harbor only greed and stinginess, who do not understand generosity or the rewards of giving. They are foolish, lacking in wisdom, and have no faith. They hoard treasures and wealth, toiling diligently to guard them. When beggars approach, their hearts fill with displeasure. Even when they are compelled to give, they do so as if cutting flesh from their own bodies, deeply begrudging the loss.

Moreover, there are countless beings consumed by greed who amass riches yet cannot even bring themselves to use them for their own benefit—let alone to provide for their parents, wives, children, servants, or those who come begging. After death, such beings are reborn among hungry ghosts or in the animal realm. However, because they once heard the name of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata while in the human world, even in those wretched realms they are able to recall that Buddha’s name. Then, upon leaving those states, they are reborn among humans, endowed with the knowledge of past lives. Remembering the suffering of the miserable realms and fearing it, they take no pleasure in worldly desires. They delight in giving, praise those who give, and feel no stinginess toward their possessions. Gradually, they become able to give even their head, eyes, hands, feet, flesh, blood, and body to those who ask—how much more so their other belongings?

Furthermore, Manjushri, if there are those who take refuge in the World-Honored One, accept the precepts, yet violate the dignity of discipline and corrupt right view; or those who uphold precepts and right view but do not seek extensive learning, failing to comprehend the profound meaning of the sutras spoken by the Buddha; or those who possess extensive learning but harbor arrogance—due to this arrogance, they assert themselves and disparage others, slandering the true Dharma, becoming companions of Mara. Such foolish people not only practice wrong views themselves but also cause countless hundreds of thousands of millions of beings to fall into a great perilous pit. These beings may fall into the realms of hell, animals, or hungry ghosts. Yet, if they have once heard the name of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata, through the power of that Tathagata’s original vows, even in hell they will recall the Buddha’s name. When their lives there end, they will be reborn in the human realm. With right view and diligent effort, their minds will become well-tuned and virtuous. They will renounce worldly life, leave home, and within the Buddha’s Dharma accept and uphold the precepts without violation. With right view and extensive learning, they will understand the profound meaning, free from arrogance, not slandering the true Dharma, not becoming companions of Mara. Gradually, they will cultivate the practices of the bodhisattvas all the way to enlightenment.

Furthermore, Manjushri, if there are sentient beings who are miserly, greedy, and envious, committing all kinds of evil deeds, praising themselves while slandering others—when their lives end, they will fall into the three evil realms, enduring intense suffering for countless thousands of years. After that existence ends, they may be reborn in the human world as oxen, horses, camels, or donkeys, constantly whipped and beaten, tormented by hunger and thirst, always bearing heavy burdens, exhausted and in distress. Even if they are reborn as humans, they will be born into lowly stations—as slaves, servants, or laborers—driven and controlled by others, never free.

Yet, if while in the human realm they once heard the name of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata, the power of that good root can now be remembered. With sincere devotion and reliance, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, all their sufferings will be liberated. Their faculties will become sharp and clear, their wisdom vast and learned. They will constantly seek the supreme Dharma, always encounter good spiritual friends, forever cut off the snares of demons, shatter the shell of ignorance, dry up the river of afflictions, and be liberated from all birth, aging, sickness, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, and distress—all the way to enlightenment.

Furthermore, Manjushri, if there are beings who delight in discord, constantly engaging in disputes and conflicts, disturbing both themselves and others, creating various unwholesome actions through body, speech, and mind, repeatedly engaging in harmful deeds, scheming against one another; who summon mountain, forest, or tree spirits, kill living beings, take their flesh and blood to offer as sacrifices to yakshas, rakshas, and other spirits, write down the names of their enemies or create their images, using evil spells to curse them, employing sorcery, poison, or necromancy to raise corpses in order to take their lives or harm their bodies—if such beings hear the name of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata, all these evil influences will be unable to harm them. Instead, they will gradually give rise to compassion, bringing benefit, peace, and happiness, free from harmful intentions and resentment. They will come to feel contentment and joy in what they have.

Furthermore, Manjushri, if there are members of the fourfold assembly—bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, laymen, laywomen—and other faithful men and women who can observe the eight precepts of the uposatha, whether for a full year or for three months, upholding these training rules, and with this merit aspire to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to behold the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, then if they hear the name of the Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata, at the time of their death, eight bodhisattvas will come by means of spiritual powers to show them the way. They will then be spontaneously reborn amidst various multicolored jeweled flowers in that pure land.

Some, by this merit, may be born in the heavenly realms. Though born in heaven, their past wholesome roots will not be exhausted, and they will not fall into any other evil destinies. When their heavenly lifespan ends, they will be reborn in the human realm, perhaps as a wheel-turning king ruling over the four continents, endowed with majestic power, freely guiding and transforming immeasurable hundreds of thousands of beings, leading them to cultivate the ten wholesome paths. Or they may be born into families of kshatriyas, brahmins, householders, or nobility, abundantly wealthy with overflowing treasuries and granaries, possessing dignified appearance, flourishing retinues, keen intelligence and wisdom, courage, strength, and great physical power.

If a woman hears the name of the Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata and sincerely upholds it, she will not have to take on a female body again in the future.

Furthermore, Manjushri, when the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata attained Enlightenment, through the power of his original vow, he contemplated all sentient beings suffering from various illnesses—such as emaciation, consumption, jaundice, and fevers—or afflicted by curses, poison, or sorcery; those with short lifespans, or those meeting untimely deaths. He desired to relieve these beings of their suffering and fulfill their aspirations. At that time, the World-Honored One entered a samadhi called "Eradicating the Suffering of All Sentient Beings." Upon entering this concentration, from the crown of his head emerged a great radiance, within which he proclaimed the great dharani mantra:

"Namo Bhagavate, Vaiśravaṇāya, Tathāgatāya, Arhate, Samyaksaṃbuddhāya. Tadyathā: Oṃ, vaiśravaṇāya, svāhā."

At that moment, after the mantra was spoken from within the light, the earth trembled, and a great radiance shone forth. All living beings were freed from sickness and suffering, and they experienced peace and comfort.

Manjushri! If you see a man or woman afflicted by illness, you should, with a focused mind, cleanse yourself for the sake of that sick person. Then, whether it be food, medicine, or water free from insects, recite this mantra one hundred and eight times over it and give it to them to consume. All their sickness and suffering will then be completely eradicated.

If they have any wishes, and recite it with utmost sincerity, all their desires will be fulfilled. They will enjoy freedom from illness and a long life. After their life ends, they will be reborn in that world, attaining the state of non-retrogression, all the way to Enlightenment.

Therefore, Manjushri! If any man or woman, with utmost sincerity, deep reverence, and respectful offerings, turns to the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Radiance Tathagata, they should constantly uphold this mantra and never neglect or forget it.

"Furthermore, Manjushri, if there are faithful men and women who, upon hearing the names of the seven Buddhas—the Tathagatas, the Worthy Ones, the Perfectly Enlightened Ones—as described above, recite and uphold them, and in the morning, after cleaning their teeth and rinsing their mouths, make offerings of various flowers, powdered incense, burning incense, and fragrant pastes, accompanied by music, to their images; if they either copy this sutra themselves or teach others to copy it, wholeheartedly uphold it, and listen to its teachings; and if they make offerings to the Dharma teacher, providing all necessities for sustenance without letting them lack anything—then they will receive the protection and mindfulness of all Buddhas, their wishes will be fulfilled, and they will attain Enlightenment."

At that time, the youth Manjushri addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One! In the age of the decline of the Dharma, I vow to use various skillful means so that all faithful men and women may hear the names of the Seven Buddhas. Even in their sleep, I will awaken them with the Buddha's name. World-Honored One! If anyone receives, upholds, reads, recites this sutra, or explains and reveals it to others, if they copy it themselves or teach others to copy it, revere and honor it, and make offerings with various flowers, incense, powdered incense, burning incense, garlands, necklaces, banners, canopies, and music, wrap it in five-colored silk brocade, sweep a clean place, and place it upon a high seat—

At that time, the Four Heavenly Kings, along with their retinues and countless other celestial beings, all gathered at that place to offer reverence and provide protection. World-Honored One! Wherever this precious sutra circulates, and wherever there are those who uphold it, through the original vows and merits of those seven Buddhas, as well as the majestic power of hearing their names, it should be known that in such places there will be no untimely deaths. Nor will evil spirits be able to seize one's vital energy. And if it has already been seized, it will be restored as before, bringing peace and well-being to both body and mind.

The Buddha said to Manjushri, "Yes, yes, it is exactly as you have said. Manjushri, if any man or woman with pure faith wishes to make offerings to those seven Buddhas, they should first respectfully create images of the seven Buddhas and place them upon clean and excellent seats. They should scatter flowers, burn incense, and adorn the place with banners and streamers. For seven days and seven nights, they should observe the eight precepts, eat pure food, bathe their bodies, and wear fresh, clean clothes. Their minds should be free from defilement and malice, and they should constantly cultivate thoughts of benefit, joy, compassion, loving-kindness, sympathetic joy, equanimity, and equality toward all beings. With music, singing, and strings, they should praise the virtues of the Buddhas, circumambulate the images to the right, recollect the original vows of those Buddhas, recite this sutra, contemplate its meaning, and explain and expound it. According to their wishes, those who seek long life will obtain long life, those who seek abundance will obtain abundance, those who seek official rank will obtain official rank, and those who seek sons and daughters will obtain sons and daughters—all their aspirations will be fulfilled. Furthermore, if someone suddenly has bad dreams, sees ominous signs, encounters strange birds gathering, or witnesses various strange occurrences in their home, if that person makes offerings with excellent resources and respectfully venerates those Buddhas, the bad dreams, ominous signs, and all inauspicious things will completely vanish and will not be able to cause harm. Or if there are fears such as water, fire, knives, poison, steep cliffs, dangerous paths, wild elephants, lions, tigers, wolves, bears, snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and the like—if one can wholeheartedly recollect those Buddhas and respectfully make offerings, all such fears will be liberated. If another country invades, or if there are bandits and rebels, by recollecting and respectfully venerating those Buddhas, all hostile forces will retreat and scatter."

Furthermore, Manjushri, if there are men and women of pure faith who, for their entire lives, do not serve other deities but single-mindedly take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and uphold the precepts—whether the Five Precepts, the Ten Precepts, the Bodhisattva's Twenty-Four Precepts, the Bhikkhu's Two Hundred and Fifty Precepts, or the Bhikkhuni's Five Hundred Precepts—if among these precepts they have violated or broken any, and fear falling into the lower realms, yet if they wholeheartedly recite the names of these Buddhas and make offerings with reverence, they will certainly not be reborn in the three lower realms.

Or if there is a woman experiencing extreme suffering during childbirth, if she sincerely recites the names, pays homage, and makes offerings to the Seven Buddhas, all her sufferings will be dispelled. The child she gives birth to will have a handsome appearance, pleasing to behold, be sharp-witted and intelligent, enjoy good health and peace, and will not have its vital essence taken by non-human beings.

At that time, the World-Honored One said to Ananda, "The merits of the names of those seven Tathagatas that I have praised—this is the profound realm of all Buddhas, difficult to comprehend. Do not give rise to doubt."

Ananda addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, I have no doubt about the profound meaning of the sutras spoken by the Tathagata. Why is this? Because all the actions of the Tathagata—in body, speech, and mind—are free from falsehood. World-Honored One, the sun and moon may fall from the sky; the great Mount Sumeru may crumble; yet the words of the Buddhas never change.

World-Honored One, however, there are beings whose faith is not yet complete. When they hear of the profound realm of the Buddhas, they think to themselves: 'How can merely reciting the names of the Seven Buddhas bring such vast merit and benefits?' Because of this doubt, they give rise to slander. Thus, for a long time, they lose great happiness and fall into the miserable realms."

The Buddha said to Ananda: "For those beings who, having heard the names of the Buddhas, would still fall into the lower realms—such a thing is impossible. The only exception is for those whose fixed karma cannot be altered. Ananda, this is the profound state of the Buddhas, difficult to believe and comprehend. If you are able to accept this, know that it is all due to the Tathagata's mighty power. Ananda, all the voice-hearers and solitary realizers are unable to understand this; only the one-life bodhisattvas can.

Ananda, a human life is hard to obtain; faith, reverence, and respect toward the Three Jewels are also difficult to attain; but to hear the names of the Seven Buddhas is even more difficult than that. Ananda, the immeasurable bodhisattva practices, the immeasurable skillful means, and the immeasurable vast vows of those Buddhas—if I were to speak of such practices, vows, and skillful means for one kalpa or even longer, I could never exhaust them."

At that time, among the assembly, there was a great bodhisattva named Jietuo (Rescuer from Suffering). He rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, placed his right knee on the ground, joined his palms toward the Buddha, and addressed him, saying:

"World-Honored One! In the later age, when the semblance Dharma arises, if there are beings tormented by the suffering of various illnesses—their bodies emaciated, unable to eat or drink, their throats and lips parched, their vision darkened, with signs of death appearing before them—their parents, relatives, friends, and loved ones will weep and gather around. As they lie in their place, they will see the messengers of King Yama, the Lord of the Dead, leading their consciousness to the king's presence.

Now, all sentient beings have a companion spirit born with them, which records all their good and evil deeds and presents them to the king. The king then questions them according to the law, judging them based on their merits and faults.

At this time, if the patient's relatives and loved ones can take refuge in the buddhas for them, making various offerings with proper adornments and in accordance with the Dharma, then the patient's consciousness—whether after seven days, fourteen days, or even forty-nine days—will awaken as if from a dream. Their original vitality will be restored, and they will personally remember the karmic results of their good and evil deeds. Having witnessed for themselves that karma and its results are unfailing, they will refrain from committing evil even under threat of death.

Therefore, men and women of pure faith should all uphold the names of the Seven Buddhas and, according to their ability, make reverent offerings."

At that time, Venerable Ananda asked the Bodhisattva Jiu Tuo, "Noble one, what is the method for respectfully making offerings to those seven Tathagatas?"

The Bodhisattva Jiu Tuo said: "Venerable one, if there is a sick person or someone facing other calamities, and you wish to help them be freed, you should, on their behalf, observe the Eight Precepts and maintain a pure diet for seven days and seven nights. You should use food, drink, and other necessary items—whatever you have available—to make offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha. Day and night, at the six periods, respectfully bow and pay homage to the Seven Buddhas of the Past, and recite this sutra forty-nine times. Light forty-nine lamps, and create seven images of those Tathagatas. Before each image, place seven lamps; the shape of these seven lamps should be round like a cartwheel. Let the light remain unbroken for up to forty-nine nights. Create forty-nine multi-colored banners, and one long banner forty-nine feet in length. Set free forty-nine living creatures. By doing this, one can be separated from calamities and difficulties, and will not be seized by various violent accidents or evil spirits. Venerable Ananda, this is the method for making offerings to the Tathagatas. If, among these Seven Buddhas, one makes offerings while calling upon the name of even a single Buddha, one will attain immeasurable merit and have all wishes fulfilled. How much more so if one is able to completely and fully make offerings to all of them?"

Furthermore, Venerable Ananda, when a consecrated king or ruler faces calamities—such as epidemics among the people, invasion by other nations, internal rebellion, ominous changes in the stars and constellations, solar or lunar eclipses, untimely storms and rains, or droughts when rain is due—then that consecrated king should arouse a mind of compassion and kindness toward all beings. He should issue a great amnesty, freeing those imprisoned or suffering, and make offerings to the Buddhas according to the prescribed manner.

Through this virtuous action and the power of the Buddhas’ original vows, his kingdom will swiftly become peaceful and secure. Winds and rains will come in due season, crops will ripen abundantly, the people within his realm will be free from illness and dwell in happiness, and no fierce yakshas or other spirits will arise to cause trouble. All inauspicious signs will vanish. Moreover, the consecrated king himself will gain increased longevity, vitality, and freedom from illness, abiding in ease and sovereignty.

Venerable Ananda, if an emperor, empress, consort, crown prince, royal heir, minister, chancellor, palace maiden, official, or commoner is afflicted by illness or other misfortunes, they too should respectfully create images of the Seven Buddhas, recite this sutra, light lamps, make banners, release living creatures, and make offerings with utmost sincerity, burning incense and scattering flowers. Then their sickness and suffering will be dispelled, and they will be freed from all calamities.

At that time, the Venerable Ananda asked the Bodhisattva Jiu Tuo, saying: "Good man! How can a life that has already been exhausted be extended?"

The Bodhisattva Jiu Tuo replied, "Venerable one, have you not heard the Tathagata speak of the nine untimely deaths? It is for this reason that the World-Honored One taught the mantra-medicine, to heal according to the circumstances, to light lamps, make banners, and cultivate all meritorious deeds. Through cultivating merit, one's lifespan can be extended."

Ananda asked, "What are these nine types of untimely death?"

The Bodhisattva Jietuo said: "First, there are beings who, though their illness is mild, have no medicine or anyone to care for them. Even if they encounter a physician, no medicine is given. They should not die, yet they meet an untimely death. Moreover, they believe in worldly evil spirits, heretical paths, and deceitful teachers who recklessly speak of fortune and misfortune, causing fear and agitation. Their minds are not upright; they divine for good or bad omens, kill various living beings, seek spirits to plead their case, summon demons, pray for blessings and seek favor, hoping to prolong their lives—yet in the end they cannot succeed. Foolish, confused, and holding inverted views, they thus meet an untimely death and fall into hell, with no time of release.

Second, there are those untimely slain by the laws of kings.

Third, there are those who indulge in hunting, amusement, excessive lust, drunkenness, and unrestrained heedlessness, whose vital energy is untimely taken by non-human beings.

Fourth, there are those untimely burned by fire.

Fifth, there are those untimely drowned in water.

Sixth, there are those untimely devoured by various vicious beasts.

Seventh, there are those who untimely fall from cliffs.

Eighth, there are those untimely harmed by poison, curses, incantations, corpse-raising ghosts, and the like.

Ninth, there are those who, distressed by hunger and thirst and unable to obtain food or drink, meet an untimely death.

These are the nine kinds of untimely death briefly explained by the Tathagata. Beyond these, there are immeasurable other untimely deaths, too numerous to describe in full."

Furthermore, Ananda, the King of Yama keeps a record of all names and deeds in the world. For those beings who are unfilial, commit the five grave offenses, slander the Three Jewels, violate the laws of ruler and subject, or break the precepts, the Dharma King Yama will examine their offenses according to their severity and impose punishment. Therefore, I now urge all beings to light lamps, make banners, release living creatures, and cultivate merit, so that they may be freed from suffering and distress, and avoid all calamities.

At that time, among the assembly, there were twelve great Yaksha generals, all seated together. Their names were:

These twelve great Yaksha generals, each with seven thousand Yakshas as their retinue, spoke in unison, addressing the Buddha: "World-Honored One! Today, through the Buddha's majestic power, we have heard the names of the Seven Buddhas. We are no longer fearful of falling into the realms of suffering. Together, with one heart, for as long as we live, we take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. We vow to bear the responsibility for all beings, working for their benefit, welfare, and happiness. Wherever this sutra is circulated, recited, or the names of the Seven Buddhas are upheld and reverently honored—be it in cities, towns, villages, or secluded forests—we and our retinues will protect such people, freeing them from all difficulties and fulfilling all their aspirations. If anyone is afflicted by illness or hardship and seeks deliverance, they too should recite this sutra and tie a five-colored thread with our names. Once their wish is fulfilled, the knot may be undone."

At that time, the World-Honored One praised the Yaksha generals, saying: "Excellent! Excellent, great Yaksha generals! Since you wish to repay the kindness of the Seven Buddhas, you should always benefit and bring peace and happiness to all sentient beings in this way."

At that time, among the assembly were many heavenly beings whose wisdom was limited. They thought to themselves: “How is it that by merely hearing the name of the Tathagata who now resides in more worlds than the sands of the Ganges River, one can obtain such boundless and supreme merit?”

At that moment, the Tathagata Shakyamuni, knowing the thoughts in the hearts of the heavenly beings, entered the profound and wondrous Samadhi of Summoning All Tathagatas. As soon as he entered this samadhi, the entire three-thousandfold world system trembled in six ways, and heavenly flowers and fragrant celestial powder rained down. Seeing these signs, the seven Tathagatas each came from their own Buddha-lands to the Saha World, and together they exchanged greetings with the Tathagata Shakyamuni.

At that time, the Buddha, the World-Honored One, through the power of his past vows, each took his seat upon a lion throne adorned with celestial jewels, wherever he was. Surrounded by the assembly of bodhisattvas, the eightfold host of gods and dragons, humans and non-humans, kings and princes, queens and consorts, along with ministers, Brahmins, elders, and householders, he began to teach the Dharma.

At that moment, the heavenly hosts saw that all those Buddhas had gathered like clouds, and their minds were filled with profound wonder, their doubts completely dispelled. Then, the great assembly marveled at this unprecedented sight and praised in unison, saying: "Excellent, excellent! Shakyamuni Buddha has greatly benefited us by dispelling our doubts and bringing all those Buddhas here."

At that time, each member of the assembly, according to their own ability, made offerings to the Buddhas with exquisite incense, flowers, precious garlands, and heavenly music. They circumambulated the Buddhas seven times to the right, joined their palms in reverence, and praised, saying: "How rare, how rare! The profound state of all Buddhas is truly inconceivable. Through their past vows and skillful means, they have together manifested such wondrous signs."

Then, each member of the assembly made a vow, praying that all beings may attain such supreme meditative states of the Buddhas.

At that time, Manjushri rose from his seat, joined his palms respectfully, circumambulated the Buddha seven times, and after bowing to the Buddha's feet, addressed him, saying: "World-Honored One! Excellent, excellent! The meditative power of the Tathagata is inconceivable. Through the power of his original vows and skillful means, he brings beings to fulfillment. I earnestly beseech you to proclaim the great and powerful divine mantra, which can enable beings of meager merit in future ages—those bound by sickness and distress, afflicted by calamities from the sun, moon, and stars, plagued by epidemics and malevolent forces, traveling dangerous paths, or encountering terrors—to take refuge in it and attain peace and security. For those beings who, with regard to this divine mantra, either write it themselves, teach others to write it, receive and uphold it, recite it, or widely proclaim it to others, they will constantly receive the mindful protection of all Buddhas. The Buddha himself will manifest before them, fulfilling their wishes. They will not fall into the evil destinies, nor will they meet with untimely death."

At that moment, all the Tathagatas praised Manjushri, saying: "Excellent, excellent! This is the power of our majestic spiritual force, enabling you to urge and entreat, out of compassion for sentient beings, to free them from all suffering and hardship, and to expound this divine mantra. You should listen attentively and contemplate it well, for we shall now proclaim it.

Manjushri! There is a great divine mantra called 'The Tathagata's Samadhi Power of Lapis Lazuli Light.' If any man or woman copies it, recites it, reverently makes offerings, and with great compassion toward all conscious beings, makes any aspiration or request, all their wishes will be fulfilled. The Buddhas will manifest to protect and watch over them, freeing them from all obstacles and afflictions, and they will be reborn in a Buddha-land."

At that moment, the seven Tathagatas, with one voice, spoke the mantra:

"Tadyatha, gume gume gumini nihihimati mati, sadha tathagata samadhi atishtite atimate paripari, paripashodhani, sarvapapadasha bhavati buddha kirti, uttama kumara kumari, buddha dharma kara, parishodhani dhamani dhamani, miru miru, mirushikare sarvakara militvani prabhavani, buddha atishtatana naha kshamayami, sarvadeva sami asami samanavaha niruddhami, sarvabuddha bodhisattva, shamani shamani, pratikrami mantrami, sarvayidhi upadrava sarvavidha daya, sarvasattva namo bhurani bhurani bhuryami, sarvasha bhairaja ya pritipase, sarvapapa jayankare svaha."

At that moment, as the seven Buddhas spoke this mantra, light shone everywhere, the earth trembled, and all kinds of miraculous transformations appeared simultaneously. Seeing this, everyone in the great assembly offered celestial incense, flowers, fragrant ointments, and powdered incense to those Buddhas according to their ability, all exclaiming "Excellent!" and circumambulating them seven times to the right.

All the Buddhas and World-Honored Ones spoke in unison, saying: "All of you, heavenly beings and people of the great assembly, should understand this: If there are good men or good women—whether kings, princes, consorts, ministers, officials, or ordinary people—who uphold, recite, listen to, or teach this mantra, who offer fine incense and flowers to the sutra scrolls, wear clean new clothes, abide in a pure place, observe the eight precepts, and constantly cultivate compassion toward all sentient beings—such offerings will bring immeasurable blessings.

If further, someone has prayers and wishes, they should create images of these seven Buddhas. In a quiet place, with various fragrant flowers, hanging banners and canopies, excellent food and drink, and music, they should make offerings, also offering to the bodhisattvas and heavenly beings. Before the Buddha images, sitting upright, they should recite the mantra. For seven days, observing the eight precepts and reciting the mantra fully one thousand and eight times, all those Tathagatas and bodhisattvas will protect and remember them. The Vajra-holding Bodhisattva, along with Indra, Brahma, the Four Heavenly Kings, and others, will also come to surround and guard this person.

All five heinous crimes and all karmic obstacles will be completely eradicated. They will enjoy freedom from illness and long life, without untimely death or epidemics. If bandits or thieves from other regions intend to invade, or there is conflict, battle, litigation, enmity, famine, drought, or flood—all such fears will be removed. All will give rise to compassionate hearts, like parents. Whatever they seek and wish for, nothing will fail to be fulfilled."

At that time, the Vajra-holding Bodhisattva, along with the Four Heavenly Kings of the Śakra and Brahma realms, rose from their seats. With palms joined in reverence, they bowed at the feet of Śākyamuni Buddha and addressed him, saying:

"World-Honored One! We, the great assembly, have now heard of the supreme merits of the original vows of the Buddhas, and have witnessed the boundless compassion of the Buddhas, which allows us sentient beings to personally receive and make offerings. World-Honored One! In any place where this sutra, the names of the Seven Buddhas, and the dhāraṇī methods are circulated, venerated, or even copied, we will all, empowered by the Buddha’s majestic virtue, go to that place to protect it. We shall ensure that kings, ministers, cities, villages, men, and women are not afflicted by suffering or disease, but instead dwell in peace and security, with abundant wealth and sustenance. In this way, we repay the kindness of the Buddhas.

World-Honored One! Before the Buddha, we personally make this solemn vow: if any faithful man or woman remembers us, they should recite this mantra."

Then they spoke the mantra:

Oṁ, but he, the wicked, the poor, the destitute, the mother, the mother, the destitute, the one who possesses the sun, hūṁ, he, the end, the end, the end, the fast tree sun cloth sun svāhā.

If there are men and women of pure faith—kings, princes, ministers, high officials, palace attendants, or court ladies—who recite the names of the Seven Buddhas and this divine mantra, read and copy them, and make reverent offerings, they will all, in this very life, be free from illness and enjoy long life, be liberated from all sufferings and afflictions, not fall into the three lower realms, attain non-retrogression, and ultimately reach enlightenment. In the buddha-lands of their choice, they will be reborn at will, always encounter the buddhas, gain the wisdom of past lives, and fully possess mindfulness, concentration, and dhāraṇī. If one suffers from illnesses such as ghost-induced malaria, one should write this mantra and tie it to the back of the elbow. Once the illness is cured, place it in a clean place.

At that time, the Vajra-holding Bodhisattva approached the place of the Seven Buddhas. He circumambulated them three times to the right, paid homage to each, and said, "World-Honored Ones! With compassion, please protect and remember me. For the benefit of future men and women who uphold this sutra, I shall now proclaim the Dharani mantra."

At that moment, the seven Buddhas praised Vajrapani, saying: "Excellent, excellent, Vajrapani! We grant you our protection. You may now recite the divine mantra, to safeguard those who will uphold this sutra in the future, so that they may be free from all afflictions and have their wishes fulfilled."

At that moment, the Vajra-Wielding Bodhisattva spoke the mantra, saying:

Namo, homage to all the Buddhas, the fully enlightened ones. Namo, homage to all the Vajra-holders. The mantra is: Oṁ vajre vajre mahāvajre vajra-pāśa Dhaḍani samasama samanta-apratihatā Vajre śama śama praśama-dume Sarva-vighna-atikrānta Guru guru sarva-karma Avarodha-niścaya Samaya-manu-smara Bhagavan vajra-pāṇi Sarva-sattva-priyāya svāhā.

"World-Honored One! If there is a person who upholds the names of the Seven Buddhas, recalls the original vows and merits of those Buddhas, and also upholds this mantra, reciting and expounding it, I will enable that person's wishes to be fulfilled, lacking nothing. If they wish to see me and inquire about good and evil, they should transcribe this sutra, create images of the Seven Buddhas, and also images of the Vajra-Bearing Bodhisattva, placing Buddha relics within the bodies of these images. Before these images, as described above, they should make various offerings, prostrate, and circumambulate. They should cultivate a mind of compassion toward all beings, observe the Eight Precepts and fasting, bathe and purify themselves three times daily, change their robes three times daily, and from the eighth to the fifteenth day of the bright fortnight, recite the mantra one hundred and eight times each day with an undistracted mind. I will then appear to them in a dream, speak with them, and fulfill whatever they seek."

At that moment, all the Bodhisattvas in the great assembly exclaimed together: "Excellent, excellent! O Vajra-Holder, this Dhāraṇī is truly inconceivable—you have spoken it well indeed."

At that moment, the Seven Tathagatas spoke these words: "We will protect the divine mantra you have spoken, to benefit all living beings, so that they may attain peace and happiness, fulfill all their aspirations, and ensure this mantra does not fade from the world."

At that time, the Seven Buddhas addressed the bodhisattvas, Indra, Brahma, and the Four Heavenly Kings, saying:

"Now, we entrust this divine mantra and this scripture to you all. In the future, during the latter five-hundred-year period, when the Dharma is on the verge of extinction, you must all protect and uphold this scripture. The power and benefits of this scripture are immense. It can eliminate all offenses and fulfill virtuous aspirations.

Do not give this scripture to those of meager merit who slander the true Dharma or defame the sages and saints, lest the Dharma be swiftly extinguished."

At that moment, the seven Buddhas of the Eastern World saw that the great assembly had accomplished what was needed, their opportunity was fulfilled, and no doubts remained. Each returned to their own land, and from their seats, they suddenly vanished.

Then, the Venerable Ananda rose from his seat, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, placed his right knee on the ground, joined his palms respectfully, and addressed the Buddha, saying: “World-Honored One, what should this sutra be named? How should we receive and uphold it?”

The Buddha told Ananda: “This sutra is called ‘The Merits and Virtues of the Original Vows of the Seven Tathagatas, the Rightly Enlightened Ones, of Supreme and Majestic Splendor.’ It is also called ‘The Questions of Manjushri.’ It is also called ‘The Merits and Virtues of the Original Vows of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.’ It is also called ‘The Vows and Pledges of the Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva.’ It is also called ‘The Purification of All Karmic Obstacles.’ It is also called ‘The Fulfillment of All Wishes and Aspirations.’ It is also called ‘The Vows of the Twelve Great Generals to Protect and Uphold.’ By these names you should receive and uphold it.”

When the Blessed One had finished speaking this sutra, the great bodhisattvas, the śrāvaka disciples, the heavenly beings, dragons, yakṣas, gandharvas, asuras, garuḍas, kiṃnaras, mahoragas, humans, non-humans, and the entire great assembly, having heard what the Buddha taught, rejoiced greatly, accepted it with faith, and undertook to practice accordingly.

The Sutra of the Seven Medicine Buddhas, Volume 2