Medicine Buddha Sungkhor (Protection Amulet)

Traditionally Prepared and Blessed at Tashi Chöthang Monastery

This traditional Tibetan Buddhist Medicine Buddha (Bhaiṣajyaguru) sungkhor is a sacred protection amulet (Tib. srung 'khor) traditionally prepared and blessed by Tibetan lamas at Tashi Chöthang Monastery, the principal monastery of Khentrul Rinpoche's root guru, Lama Lobsang Trinley. Created according to traditional methods, it serves as a sacred support for practitioners seeking healing, protection, and the removal of obstacles to both spiritual and physical well-being.

Unlike an ordinary ornament, a sungkhor is prepared through ritual prayers, mantra recitation, and consecration so that it may serve as a continual reminder of refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha while carrying the blessings of the lineage. It is intended to accompany one's Dharma practice rather than replace it.

The Healing Blessings of Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha, known in Sanskrit as Bhaiṣajyaguru Vaidūryaprabharāja, the "Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light King," is the Buddha of healing, purification, and compassionate care. His deep lapis-blue form symbolizes the limitless healing power of awakened wisdom, dispelling the suffering caused by illness, ignorance, and negative karma.

In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Medicine Buddha is invoked not only for physical healing but also for the purification of mental afflictions, emotional suffering, and the karmic causes that give rise to disease and obstacles. His practice helps create the conditions for health, vitality, longevity, clarity of mind, and progress on the path to awakening.

Medicine Buddha is traditionally depicted holding a myrobalan medicinal plant, representing the medicine that cures the illnesses of body, speech, and mind, while his left hand rests in meditation holding an alms bowl filled with healing nectar. His vows embody the aspiration that all beings may be free from suffering and attain complete awakening.

Wearing this sacred amulet serves as a continual reminder to cultivate compassion, wisdom, ethical conduct, and confidence in the healing blessings of the Buddha. For practitioners who engage in Medicine Buddha prayers and mantra recitation, it also becomes a meaningful support for maintaining a connection with this enlightened activity throughout daily life.

Traditional Use

This sungkhor may be worn while traveling, during daily activities, or while practicing Dharma. Many practitioners wear and recite the medicine Buddha's mantra to support periods of illness, recovery, or when praying for the health and well-being of themselves, family members, and all sentient beings.

As with all sacred Buddhist objects, its greatest benefit arises when combined with sincere refuge, bodhicitta, ethical conduct, and Dharma practice.

Care and Respect

To protect the amulet, it is recommended to keep it in a cloth or leather pouch. This also helps protect it from dust and moisture. The amulet may be worn around the neck, across the body under the arm, or respectfully carried in a bag. It may also be placed on a clean shrine or in another respectful location within the home.

Avoid placing the amulet directly on the floor or in unclean locations. As with any sacred object, it should be treated with respect and kept away from places associated with activities considered inappropriate for Dharma objects.

Mantra Before Wearing

It is traditional to recite the Dependent Origination Mantra three times before wearing or respectfully handling the amulet:

Om Ye Dharma Hetu Prabhava
Hetun Teshan Tathagato Hyavadat
Teshan Tsa Yo Nirodha
Evam Vadi Mahashramanah Soha

May all beings be free from illness and suffering. May the healing blessings of Medicine Buddha bring health, peace, and the causes of complete awakening to all.