藥師如來=Medicine Master Tathagata; 藥師淨土=Medicine Buddha Pure Land; 藥師經=Sutra of Medicine Buddha; 藥師佛十二大願=Sutra of the Merit and Virtue of the Vows of Medicine Buddha Vaidurya Light Tathagata; Medicine Buddha Twelve Great Vows
This research mainly emphasizes on the benefits mentioned by the “Sutra of the Merit and Virtue of the Vows of Medicine Buddha Vaidurya Light Tathagata”. The oaths of Medicine Buddha are based on the twelve major vows taken from the causal place during his path of Bodhisattva. The effect of his oaths made him dignified solemnity; for the vows must be accomplished, converting them into reality,in order to achieve the stage of enlightenment. Moreover, due to the fulfillment of the vows at the place of causality,the enlightenment of the Medicine Buddha Vaidurya Light Tathagata is in accordance with hisdivine solemnness and fruitful virtues. This study divides the merits’ benefits described by the Medicine Buddha Sutra into two major chapters, mundane benefits, and the ethereal benefits. According to the chapter of mundane benefits, it can be divided into the categories of present and forthcoming life. From the benefits of mundane, it is possible reach the karma of thoughts, be in a physical form, and the advantage attaining any external perspective. For instance, with these merits, on the forthcoming life can be elevated to the heavens, can be reborn as a human being, may be reborn in the gender of male, and will not fall into the three evil paths. Furthermore, it may also gain the discipline of pure calmness, extension of life and wisdom, reborn in the pure land, and other advantagessuch as achieving enlightenment. Now a day, people are more concern on the material reality, demanding a more idealistic life style and comforting happiness. Although Buddhism belongs to the transcendent ethereal wisdom, nevertheless moving from spiritual belief to the reality, the position of living in actuality is the major emphases of Medicine Buddha’s Dharma. The reason why Medicine Buddha Sutra is widely accepted is because of its capability to fulfill any benevolent petition. The petitions can be either in a spiritual or in a material way. Based on the Medicine Buddha’s great vows of compassion, as expressed by Yin Shun Dharma Master: Medicine Buddha’s assistance to rescue and relief sufferings for sentient beings is a process from temporal state to permanent state. Most importantly, after receiving his assistance, we may practice the path of Bodhisattva and encourage others to practice the Medicine Buddha Sutrato attain its benefits. As long as we can get hold onto the vows of Medicine Buddha, sufferings and catastrophes will be vanished, achieving a world of purity.
