Medicine King Bodhisattva Mantra
The “Medicine King Bodhisattva Mantra,” also known as the “Great Dharani Mantra for Subduing the Sea of Afflictions and Empowerment,” is the supreme mantra in Buddhism used to counter afflictions and purify the karma of killing and other grave evil deeds。
This mantra comes from the Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on Contemplating the Two Bodhisattvas Medicine King and Medicine Superior, and is renowned throughout the world for its powerful merit of “eliminating karmic obstacles.”
The “Ten Merits and Benefits” of the Medicine Superior Bodhisattva Mantra
According to the Buddhist scriptures, this mantra was proclaimed jointly by all Buddhas of the three times, and those who uphold and recite it can obtain the following ten great powers and spiritual benefits:
- Purification of killing karma: Through the empowerment of the mantra’s power, the grave karma of killing and taking life committed in the past can be swiftly purified.
- Elimination of bad reputation: The bad reputation and adverse conditions arising from violating the precepts are all eradicated.
- Protection from harm by spirits and deities: Neither humans nor non-humans (evil ghosts, yakshas, and so on) can trouble you or harm you.
- Attainment of perfect memory: You can deeply remember the sutras and repentance practices you recite, and retain them without forgetting.
- Respect from the heavenly beings: You are respected by the gods, such as Śakra Devānām Indra, Mahābrahmā, and the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the world.
- Being loved and respected by all: In the world, you can often receive the respect and care of others.
- Subduing false doctrines: The ninety-five kinds of heterodox false teachers in the world cannot defeat you in reason.
- The mind dwelling in meditation: The mind easily enters a state of stability and meditation, no longer becoming attached to worldly pleasures.
- Protection and remembrance by all Buddhas: You constantly receive the compassionate protection and remembrance of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions.
- Buddhas welcoming one at the time of death: By purifying the three obstacles of afflictions, karma, and retribution, at the time of death the Buddhas of the ten directions emit golden light and come to welcome you, and you may be reborn at will in a pure Buddha land.
The original text is as follows:
難那牟。 浮致浮。 留浮丘留浮丘。 迦留尼迦。 螺牟螺牟。 迦留尼迦。 鞞梯鞞梯。 迦留尼迦。 阿毘梯他。 阿便他阿便他。 迦留尼迦。 珊遮羅。 莎訶。