The Light you are (By Ven. Shih Jingang)

THE LIGHT YOU ARE

By Ven. Shih Jingang

During the Covid-19 pandemic a dharma sister passed from this life.  Her name was Robyn. Although she did not call herself a Buddhist, nevertheless, Robyn had a special connection with the deity Medicine Buddha.

Over the six years that I worked with her, in my role as a hospital chaplain, Robyn frequently asked me to chant the mantra of Medicine Buddha and guide her through the visualisation.  During her many stays in hospital, this particular practice brought comfort to her while she was experiencing chronic pain, anxiety and fear of the unknown.  The medications she took would sometimes cloud her memory, so I would guide her through the details of the visualisation and  begin chanting:

“Tayatha  Om  Beckendze  Beckendze  Maha  Beckendze  Radza Samudgate Soha…” May all beings who are sick in mind and body be healed and may they never be sick again…

A smile would appear on Robyn’s face and, later she would tell me that Medicine Buddha’s lapis blue light was all around and within her body.

When I was asked to see Robyn for the last time, because of Covid-19 restrictions, it was in the form of a video call.  Through the viewer screen I observed that she was completely at peace. Although she wanted to hear Medicine Buddha from me, this time was different. Robyn had realised  that true healing comes from within.  You are the Light itself. The Dharma is the light.