In this first English rendition of the Tibetan Bon Medicine Buddha practice, Tempa Dukte Lama illuminates the history of how the Medicine Buddha was first taught. He offers a translation of the short Medicine Buddha practice composed by 14th century Bon master Nyamed Sherab Gyaltsen along with a detailed explanation of the liturgy, visualization, and altar preparation.
The Bon Medicine Buddha practice was first taught in the human realm eighteen thousand years ago by the Awakened One Tonpa Shenrab and his son, compassionate being Chebu Trishe, in response to a pandemic that threatened the ancient kingdom of Dawa Ruteng and caused widespread illness, conflicts, and famine. Tempa Lama retells the story of how this practice was first taught and how the Awakened One brought hope and healing to Dawa Ruteng. At that time, the king of Dawa Ruteng, Dragchen Khorlo, had become very ill due to his misguided karmic actions and was going through a deep personal crisis. His son prince Triten Khorlo invited the Awakened One to visit Dawa Ruteng with an assembly of compassionate beings. Tonpa Shenrab's visit and profound teaching inspired and guided the king back to the light and to forgiveness and healing.
Origin of the Medicine Buddha, Tempa Dukte Lama, Olmo Ling Publications, Paperback, 187 pp, $16.95
Tempa Dukte Lama is the founder and spiritual director of Olmo Ling Bon Center. An ordained Tibetan Bon lama, he trained at Menri Monastery, India, with H.H. 33rd Menri Trizin from a young age. He is an artist, poet, and author of Inexhaustible Miracles: The Ten Perfections on the Path of Compassionate Beings and The Intimate Mind: Illuminating Emotion and Transformation. Tempa Lama has lived in the US since 2000 and teaches in the US, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.
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CONTENTS: Origin of the Medicine Buddha
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Contents
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ix
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Introduction
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xiii
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Part I: Origin of the Medicine Buddha
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2
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The Kingdom of Dawa Ruteng
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2
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The Encounter
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8
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Karmic Fate
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19
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Call of the Dawn
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25
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Tonpa Shenrab's Journey to Dawa Ruteng
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33
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The Medicine Buddha
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41
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Preparing the Medicine Buddha Ritual
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47
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Actual Practice of the Medicine Buddha
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58
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Post-practice: Empowerment of the Medicine Buddha
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91
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Bidding Farewell
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105
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Part II: Practice Instructions
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110
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Setting up the Altar and Preparing the Offerings
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110
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Securing the Boundaries
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119
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Taking Refuge
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121
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Cultivating Meditative Absorption
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123
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Inviting the Medicine Buddha and His Retinue
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129
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Asking the Medicine Buddha to Preside
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130
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Purification Practice
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131
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Offering Prostrations
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133
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Confessing Past Unwholesome Actions
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134
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Making Offerings to the Medicine Buddha
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136
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Meditating and Reciting the Mantra
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138
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Praising the Qualities of the Medicine Buddha and His Retinue
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141
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Offering to the Four Guests
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148
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Dedication
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151
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Part III: Symbolism and Meaning of the Mantra
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154
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Meaning of the Mantra and Symbolism of the Medicine Buddha
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154
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Part IV: Practice Liturgy
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160
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Jewel Necklace Concise Ritual Practice of the Medicine Buddha
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160
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Appendix
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176
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Acknowledgements
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186
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