With the Medicine Buddha’s birthday approaching, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple’s Social Education and Outreach Department and the Buddha’s Light International Association Hsi Lai Subchapter hosted an English Community of Practice (CoP) on November 9. Centered on the theme “Medicine Buddha – Healing the Body, Healing the Mind,” the program brought together medical and mental-health professionals, Buddhist practitioners, and community members for a dialogue focused on healing, relieving suffering, and applying the Twelve Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha. A total of 66 participants attended.

The venue was decorated in shades of blue, echoing the deep lapis-lazuli glow associated with the Medicine Buddha. In his opening remarks, Venerable Hui Cheng explained that the Twelve Great Vows embody the Buddha’s commitment to illuminate all beings with the radiance of wisdom and to heal through the “medicine of Dharma.” He noted that the Medicine Buddha’s blue light symbolizes universal protection, clarity, and the easing of physical and mental distress. Venerable Hui Cheng then led the assembly in a guided contemplation of the Twelve Great Vows.

Venerable Hui Cheng moderated the panel discussion, which featured five speakers:

• Dr. Linda Wang, pediatric gastroenterologist

• Dr. Anand Sandesara, hospice & palliative-care physician

• Alex Archuleta, emergency medical technician

• Logan Guilbert-Neal, doctoral student in psychology

• Lynette King, president of the Hsi Lai Subchapter

Panelists explored two central questions: What does healing mean? and How do we address suffering? Dr. Wang and Dr. Sandesara emphasized that healing is multidimensional, involving physical stability, emotional support, and access to social resources. Lynette King described healing as “living each moment with compassion and wisdom,” meeting challenges through mindfulness. Logan Guilbert-Neal analyzed the Buddhist triad of morality, concentration, and wisdom—“śīla, samādhi, prajñā” — as a formula for easing suffering. EMT Alex Archuleta highlighted fully present, attentive care as an essential expression of healing.

When asked to share meaningful healing experiences, each speaker returned to one theme: the transformative power of presence. Dr. Wang recalled a patient who passed away, her voice breaking into tears. Lynette King described being unexpectedly injured at Hsi Lai Temple and receiving overwhelming help and kindness — memories that moved her to tears and drew tears from the audience.

Venerable Hui Cheng also shared a case in which he applied the Buddhist “Six Recollections” — of the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, precepts, generosity, and heavenly beings — as a healing method for an individual in deep despair. Through sustained practice, the person gradually recovered and later found the strength to help others.

In closing, participants broke into small groups to explore how the Medicine Buddha’s vows could be integrated into daily life. Teacher Benson Chao reflected that the speakers’ stories deeply inspired him. He said that as an educator, he was reminded of the impact of presence, encouragement, and compassionate language — and he pledged to bring those insights into his classroom.