Bhaisajyaguru – Medicine Buddha

This track is a collaboration with Lua Maria, with whom Adrian has previously collaborated on the beautiful album Phoenix Tree.

Bhaisajyaguru is the Medicine Buddha. The lord of healing. His mantra is a profound prayer for the release of suffering in all sentient beings. He is often depicted with deep blue skin – the archetypal colour of healing. In his left hand cradles a medicine bowl, symbolising his power to heal. As such he is considered as as guardian spirit for those on the medicine path.

On this track Adrian presents a fresh melodic interpretation of the Tibetan mantra, with original lyrics giving context to the mantra’s healing intentions.

The crystalline purity of Lua Maria’s voice is accompanied by Adrian’s gently rolling piano playing and the evocative tones of his shakuhachi flute. There is also a gorgeous string quartet arrangement composed by Misha Mullov-Abbado, complimented by the silky tones of Antonio Moscato’s bass playing

”It was 15 years ago that Adrian and I began to record music and weave our musical voices together. So to reconnect and collaborate on his new album all these years later has been a total joy. I woke up from a dream with this Medicine Buddha mantra a couple of years ago and began to sing it daily with my own melody. A few months later, Adrian invited me to collaborate on his new version. Singing on this beautiful track was such a joy, with a clear prayer in my heart for healing for all life on earth.”
Lua Maria

The mantra for Bhaisajyaguru is sang here in the Tibetan version.

Traditionally it is chanted or sung to relieve pain and suffering, and to clear the path for illumination.

When we look at the Medicine Buddha we see the Buddha dispensing the medicine needed with his left hand. The right hand gives reassurance to the fearful and is therefore the sign of fearlessness. A heart that can freely give of itself and is fearless is not just giving medicine – it is itself the medicine.

Tayatha
Om Bekandze Bekandze
Maha Bekandze
Randza Samungate Soha

May the many sentient beings who are suffering be freed of all pain. May this suffering never arise again.

Medicine Buddha Vows

The Medicine Buddha is the name of a Bodhisattva: one who has pledged to remain with Earth until all beings are liberated.

• I vow that my body shall shine as beams of brilliant light on this world and that my teachings shall remove all ignorance.
• I vow that my body be like crystal, radiating rays of light to every corner and bringing wisdom to all beings. May all beings strengthen their spiritual power and physical energy to fulfill their dreams and purposes in life.

I vow that I shall grant through boundless wisdom all the things that beings require, and relieve them from pain and guilt resulting from materialistic desires. All shall be generously shared so that all live harmoniously together.