The publication of The Great Prayers of the Seven Medicine Buddhas marks the culmination of years of research, cross-cultural collaboration and spiritual dedication.
After years of dedicated research and meticulous editorial work, a new edition of Kinh That Phat Duoc Su Luu Ly Quang Bon Nguyen Cong Duc (The Great Prayers of the Seven Medicine Buddhas) has officially been launched, marking the completion of a significant scholarly and artistic Buddhist project.
Launch events for The Great Prayers of the Seven Medicine Buddhas were held simultaneously in Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ho Chi Minh City. More than a religious publication, the book is presented as a unique academic and artistic work carrying a mission of peace, healing and spiritual well-being for the wider community.
A scholarly and artistic work of international stature
More than 20 Tibetan Thangka paintings are featured in the publication.
Published through a partnership between Dong Nai Publishing House and Thai Ha Books, the volume is the result of a large-scale research, compilation and translation project on the Medicine Buddha tradition. The effort spanned many years and involved Buddhist monks, Geshes, Khenpos, scholars and translation teams from Vietnam and abroad.
To ensure both accuracy and depth, the editorial team conducted extensive comparisons among Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan versions of the scripture while consulting a range of important Buddhist texts and commentaries.
The publication goes beyond presenting the scripture itself. It includes an extensive system of annotations and valuable scholarly materials tracing the history of the text’s transmission. Particular care was devoted to the Dharani (sacred mantra) section through detailed comparisons of Sanskrit-Chinese and Sanskrit-Tibetan versions, supplemented by standardized modern Sanskrit transliterations to help practitioners follow the teachings more accurately.
From an artistic perspective, the book is also a remarkable visual work, featuring a collection of more than 20 Tibetan Thangka paintings. Created by renowned artisans, the paintings carry not only aesthetic value but also convey profound spiritual energy and messages of compassion.
An eight-year journey of dedication and tears
Tran Thi Len speaks at the book launch event.
Speaking at the launch event, Tran Thi Len (Nicole), a Vietnamese translator living in Taiwan and a key member of the translation team, shared an emotional account of the project's long journey.
According to Len, the work involved countless challenges. There were days when the team spent an entire day clarifying the meaning of a single term. The mantras required hundreds of rounds of verification and comparison because a single incorrect syllable could alter the entire meaning.
The project passed through exceptionally difficult periods. At times it seemed destined to be abandoned, while many nights were spent working until dawn to meet demanding standards. The original team consisted of eight members, but as pressure and obstacles mounted over the years, many left the project. Eventually, Len found herself as the only remaining member determined to continue.
The team's commitment was also reflected in the book's physical design. Every aspect, from production quality and appearance to layout and presentation, was executed with extraordinary care. Ignoring recommendations to reduce costs, the team remained committed to creating what they described as a true "Dharma treasure" - a volume that would evoke a sense of reverence and appreciation the moment it was held.
Vietnamnet.vn
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