“Feel no fear,” a voice whispers from the stone. That is the message of the Yakushi Nyorai. Right here before us stands the \u672c\u5c0a\u85e5\u5e2b\u5982\u4f86 Stele. It embodies the spirit of this revered healing Buddha in Osaka.
The \u672c\u5c0a\u85e5\u5e2b\u5982\u4f86 Stele marks a place of deep historical and cultural significance. Buddhism took root in the Kansai area first. Yakushi Nyorai was among the first Buddhas to arrive. This stele stands as a testament to that ancient devotion.
Yakushi Nyorai is the Buddha of healing. He is traditionally invoked to cure physical and spiritual afflictions. He raises his right hand in reassurance and protection. He holds a medicine bottle in his left hand.
The cult of Yakushi Nyorai developed in Japan in the mid-sixth century. Emperor Tenmu provides concrete evidence of worship in the late seventh century. Initially, rulers and elites venerated Yakushi for personal benefits. They sought cures for life-threatening illnesses. By the eighth century, Yakushi became central to rites for the realm’s welfare. By the early ninth century, people called upon the deity to placate vengeful spirits.
During the Heian period, Yakushi’s cult spread. There was a significant rise in Yakushi images during the ninth and tenth centuries. Many Heian-era Yakushi statues remain. Scholar Yui Suzuki notes that most were enshrined in large temples of imperial or aristocratic lineage. Some existed in private sanctuaries. Some were in humble monastic settings far from the capital.
Yakushi made twelve vows upon becoming a Buddha. He vowed to illuminate countless realms with his radiance. This enables anyone to become a Buddha. He vowed to awaken minds through his light of lapis lazuli. He vowed to provide sentient beings with material needs. He vowed to correct heretical views. He vowed to inspire beings toward the path of the Bodhisattva. Yakushi vowed to help beings follow moral precepts. Yakushi vowed to heal beings with deformities or illnesses. He vowed to relieve the destitute and the sick. Yakushi vowed to help women who wish to be reborn as men. He vowed to heal mental afflictions and delusions. He vowed to help the oppressed. He vowed to relieve those who suffer hunger and thirst. He vowed to clothe those who are destitute.
Statues often depict Yakushi Nyorai seated in simple robes. His right hand often faces the viewer with curled fingers. This mudra means “fear not”. His left hand holds a jar of medicine or a magical emerald.
Temples often feature Yakushi surrounded by other statues. These are often flanked by the twelve heavenly generals. Each general represents one of his vows. Sometimes, Nikko Buddha and Gakko Buddha flank Yakushi.
Worshippers often rub Yakushi Nyorai statues. They pray for healing. They rub the corresponding area on the statue. They then rub their own afflicted area. It is said to grant healing.
So here at the \u672c\u5c0a\u85e5\u5e2b\u5982\u4f86 Stele we find not just stone. We find a connection to a deep history of healing and hope. May it bring you peace and reassurance. Remember the story of Yakushi Nyorai. Let it guide you towards well-being and compassion in your own life.