How to Visualize to Eliminate Diseases

All dharmas arise solely from the mind. The mind can create all dharmas and can also transform all dharmas, including the present physical body. With sufficient merit, concentration power, and wisdom power, the transformation of the physical body can occur as swiftly as an instant or as slowly as a lifetime. This is the result of the combined operation of the eight consciousnesses, where the sixth and seventh consciousnesses engage in deluded thinking, causing the five aggregates to correspondingly shift and transform. If the physical body, being a product of deluded thinking, does not accord with one's wishes, it can be reformed again through deluded thinking.

When one's mental power is insufficient, one can invoke the blessings of all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and benevolent deities by reciting Buddha's name, sutras, or mantras to transform the physical body and eliminate illnesses. Among these, the power of mantras is the strongest, as the mind can focus most intently on them.

How does one recite mantras and visualize? First, select an appropriate mantra. There are many mantras that can eliminate illnesses; indeed, it can be said that all mantras can eliminate illnesses, though their effectiveness varies. Among them, the Medicine Buddha Mantra is a mantra specifically provided by the Medicine Buddha to help sentient beings overcome illness, and reciting it yields excellent results. The Shurangama Mantra is the king of mantras, capable of resolving all problems, including illness, with great efficacy. One can choose either of these two mantras and recite it slowly and with single-minded focus, combined with visualization.

When reciting mantras and visualizing, the mantra can be long or short; it is not necessary to recite the entire mantra. Reciting any number of phrases is acceptable. Once the mental intention is sent out, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas receive the signal and will come to bestow blessings. The key is to recite the phrases of the mantra slowly and attentively. The slower the recitation, the better, because slowness allows energy for visualization.

Visualization is the most crucial part. Only when the mental intention shifts can the current state of the physical body be changed. When the sixth and seventh consciousnesses stir, one's Tathagatagarbha will cooperate with the mental intention, and what is conceived will manifest. Of course, the Tathagatagarbha cooperates with the seventh consciousness, the mental faculty. Therefore, when the mental consciousness recites the mantra, deep concentration power is necessary to also engage the mental faculty in the recitation; then the matter is nearly accomplished. If concentration power is insufficient to engage the mental faculty, there will be little effect. If one's visualization power is very strong, one can transform oneself and others even without reciting Buddha's name or mantras; the key lies in one's mental power. If one merely recites the mantra well but lacks visualization power and mental strength, there will also be little effect; the main factor lies in visualization power.

How does one visualize? One should visualize white or golden Buddha light illuminating the afflicted area of one's body, focusing primarily on the internal organs, or illuminating the entire body. Visualize the Buddha light entering from the Baihui acupoint at the crown of the head, flowing throughout the body and limbs down to the soles of the feet. As the Buddha light enters from the Baihui point, the brain is filled with light, especially the subtle sense organs are filled with radiance. This will restore the functions of the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue to normal, making the mind clear and healthy. Then, visualize the neck area and all internal organs throughout the body filled with light, causing the illness to gradually disappear. As light appears wherever one visualizes, the sick energy recedes, and the physical body improves.

If the illness in a particular area is severe, concentrate mental energy solely on visualizing that area. For example, if the nose is blocked, visualize the lungs. Visualize Buddha light entering the lungs from the front of the chest, turning the entire lungs into a field of light. The sick energy within will gradually expel outward, and breathing will normalize. The spleen, stomach, and other organs should be visualized in the same way.

For instance, if there are tumors, masses, cysts, or cancer cells in the body, visualize Buddha light shining on that spot. Visualize the black, sick energy expelling bit by bit, causing the tumor or mass to grow smaller and smaller. Visualize the color of that area becoming like healthy skin tone or radiant light, and the illness will be cured. Stones within the body can also be eliminated through visualization. Visualize the stones growing smaller and smaller, finally exiting from the nearest part of the body, and the stones will disappear without a trace. For those with strong visualization power, stones can gurgle away and vanish miraculously in moments, becoming impossible to find.

All diseases can be handled according to this method. However, there is no fixed method; visualization techniques are not limited to this one. Through gradual exploration, one will discover many methods, though the underlying principles are largely similar.

Using this method, one can successfully visualize for someone far away, at the ends of the earth. This person could be at any location on Earth, or beyond Earth in the sky, the universe, or within any realm of the six paths. As long as one remembers the person's appearance and has sufficient visualization power, the other person can receive benefit, change their current situation, and even be liberated from the three lower realms. This method can be used continuously to benefit countless people. However, it is certain that one will bear karmic retribution. When one's own karmic obstacles are still heavy, or when one's practice is at a critical juncture, it is best to focus solely on oneself. The path of practice is paramount, for ultimately, the achievement of one person can save countless others.

After practicing this visualization and refining one's mental focus, one can use this visualization concentration as a foundation to practice Buddha-recollection through visualizing the Buddha's image and Buddha-recollection through contemplation. By visualizing the Buddha's image clearly and meticulously, one can attain the Samadhi of Buddha-Recollection with balanced concentration and wisdom, thereby realizing the mind and attaining enlightenment.