Shichibutsu Yakushi

The name and role of the Shichibutsu Yakushi

A grouping of the seven nyorai from Zenmyōshō Kichijōō Nyorai to Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai. It is explained that, as Amida Nyorai is in the west, Yakushi Nyorai is in the east; there are seven Pure Lands one after another, and Yakushi Nyorai is in the seventh.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Tracing the form and traditions

Yakushi Nyorai is said to have long been revered as a buddha who heals illness, and his Pure Land is called the Jōruri Pure Land. The method of praying with seven images lined up is called the Shichibutsu Yakushi rite, and it is explained that it became especially well known after Ryōgen of the Tendai school prayed for safe childbirth for the regent family.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Seven Pure Lands in the east, and prayers for good health

The Seven Medicine Buddhas are a group of buddhas said to dwell in seven Pure Lands in the east, from Zenmyōshō Kichijōō Nyorai to Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai. Within Yakushi devotion, they are enshrined by people praying for relief from the suffering of illness and other things. The Pure Land of the last of them, Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai, is called the Jōruri Pure Land.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院

A prayer handed down as the Shichibutsu Yakushi rite

Shōhōin introduces the Shichibutsu Yakushi rite, in which seven Yakushi images are enshrined, and the tradition that Ryōgen of the Tendai school prayed for safe childbirth for the regent family (sekkanke). This is the history of a rite performed with the seven buddhas as one set.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院

Related kami and buddhas

• Zenmyōshō Kichijōō Nyorai善名称吉祥王如来
• Hōgetsu Chigon Kōon Jizaiō Nyorai宝月智厳光音自在王如来
• Konjiki Hōkō Myōgyō Jōjuō Nyorai金色宝光妙行成就王如来
• Muu Saishō Kichijōō Nyorai無憂最勝吉祥王如来
• Hōkai Raion Nyorai法海雷音如来
• Hōkai Shōe Yuge Jinzū Nyorai法海勝慧遊戯神通如来
• Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai薬師琉璃光如来
• Yakushi Nyorai薬師如来
• Amida Nyorai阿弥陀如来