Bodhisattva (bosatsu)
Gakkō Bosatsu
月光菩薩
Gakkō Bosatsu is a bodhisattva who forms the Yakushi Triad together with Yakushi Nyorai and Nikkō Bosatsu. With a work likened to the light of the moon, Gakkō is represented as a deity who helps Yakushi's teaching and salvation. In the Kondō of Yakushi-ji, too, a Yakushi Triad with Nikkō and Gakkō is enshrined.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Gakkō Bosatsu, attending Yakushi Nyorai
Gakkō Bosatsu is a bodhisattva who forms the Yakushi Triad together with Yakushi Nyorai and Nikkō Bosatsu. With a work likened to the light of the moon, Gakkō is represented as a deity who helps Yakushi's teaching and salvation. In the Kondō of Yakushi-ji, too, a Yakushi Triad with Nikkō and Gakkō is enshrined.
Source: 奈良薬師寺・飛不動尊 正宝院
The faith of the triad, saving from illness and the hardships of life
Yakushi Nyorai's vows are directed not only at illness but also at poverty and at lacking food and clothing. Nikkō and Gakkō, as his attendants, stand in a position that supports Yakushi's salvation. Looking at the connection among the three also makes clear the role of the bodhisattvas who bear the names of light.
Source: 新薬師寺・奈良薬師寺
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
おん せんだら はらばや そわか。
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：月光菩薩」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 奈良薬師寺「金堂」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 新薬師寺「十二の願い」（2026-10-15 確認）