Sūtra:
“The seventh great vow: ‘I vow that in a future life when I attain Bodhi, if there are sentient beings beset by many illnesses and who are poor and wretched without aid, without a place to turn, without a doctor, without medicine, without relatives, and without a family, upon hearing my name, they shall be cured of their illnesses, be peaceful and happy in body and mind, gain a family and relatives, acquire abundant property and wealth, and eventually realize unsurpassed Bodhi.”
Commentary:
Many newcomers still don’t know who Medicine Master Vaiḍūrya Light Tathāgata is. I shall tell you a little more about this Buddha. He is a great king of physicians who cures people without using medicine. Living beings only need to hear his name, and their illnesses will be cured.
Chinese physicians use the methods of observing, listening, inquiring, and feeling the pulse to diagnose a patient’s condition. Physicians are classified as “spiritual,” “sagely,” “skillful,” or “clever.” The “spiritual” are the very best, while the “sagely” are not quite as incredible. “Skillful” refers to those who have to apply some skill and effort before they can know a person’s condition. The “clever” can know in an ingenious way. In general, the “spiritual” know by observing; the “sagely” know by listening; the “skillful” know through inquiring; and the “clever” know through feeling the pulse. Ordinary doctors must use these four methods to diagnose sickness.
Medicine Master Buddha, however, doesn’t use these methods. He can cure people as long as they sincerely recite his name. That’s his special way of helping people. Such formidable spiritual power comes from the following vow.
The seventh great vow: “I vow that in a future life when I attain Bodhi, if there are sentient beings beset by many illnesses who are poor and wretched without aid, without a place to turn, without a doctor, without medicine, without relatives, and without a family. They have no one who can help them, and no safe place where they can take refuge. Being sick is the greatest suffering. They are poor and alone and beset by hardships.
Upon hearing my name, they shall be cured of their illnesses. If they hear my name, ‘Medicine Master Buddha Who Quells Disasters and Lengthens Life,’ they will be cured of all disease, without having to take medication or get shots, X-rays, or CAT scans. There’s no need for electrotherapy, acupuncture, or any other treatments or operations. However, this passage doesn’t mean that doctors will be out of business, so doctors should not worry.
These people will be peaceful and happy in body and mind, gain a family and relatives, acquire abundant property and wealth. They will fully regain physical and mental health. They will not be alone in the world, nor will they be poor.
And finally, they will eventually realize unsurpassed Bodhi.” All living beings have the Buddha-nature and can become Buddhas. The Buddha didn’t say, “I alone can become a Buddha, and no one else can.” Buddhism is very democratic. The Buddha is just the same as us, except that he has great wisdom, so he doesn’t say or do confused things. We study the Buddha’s teachings in order to learn to live in harmony, be good people, and ultimately, become wise Buddhas. However, if we do not behave properly, we will never become wise.
