SNOW LION THE BUDDHIST MAGAZINE & CATALOG

Medicine Buddha Monlam: Ancient Tradition, Modern Practice by Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Graboski The idea of hosting a Medicine Buddha Monlam, to gather the combined aspirations and energy of as many practitioners as possible for the benefit of others, is not new. Medicine Buddha was the first ritual practice introduced in Tibet. In the 8th century, King Trisong Detsen requested that Khenpo Bodhisattva offer teachings to the many so that this profoundly unique practice could do its work in helping the Dharma take hold and flourish in Tibet. The teachings given by Khenpo Bodhisattva soon spread throughout all four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, and groups of practitioners began to gather and focus on the perfection of Medicine Buddha practice. In fact, many great masters credit these early Medicine Buddha Monlams with establishing Tibet as the stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Anyen Rinpoche

The Great Masters teach that Medicine Buddha practice, which is based on the vast aspirations of eight Buddhas to heal and benefit others, is supremely powerful during the degenerate time. Realized masters of Medicine Buddha practice heal themselves and others from fatal illnesses like cancer. But even when the practice is done by ordinary beings it is said to help appease conflicts, sicknesses, famine, and the proliferation of weapons. Anyen Rinpoche was inspired to establish a Medicine Buddha Monlam in the West after witnessing the healing powers of his own Root Lama, Kyabje Tsara Dharmakirt Rinpoche, and participating in Medicine Buddha Monlams led by his root Lama in Tibet.

Relatively easy to learn and master, Medicine Buddha is accessible to anyone regardless of previous experience. The only prequisite is the aspiration to help oneself and others. There are multiple conventional and ultimate benefits associated with Medicine Buddha practice, but Anyen Rinpoche summarizes them all explaining that, “If you take Medicine Buddha practice seriously, you can heal yourself, and you can heal others.” These reasons and others contributed to the dependent arising which manifested as the first annual Medicine Buddha Monlam, hosted by the Orgyen Khamdroling Sangha in the summer of 2009.

In 2010, the 2nd annual U.S.-based Medicine Buddha Monlam will be held June 4-7 in Denver, Colorado.