The Fifth Great General Yaksha – Sandilya (Sajyaksha)

One of the Twelve Divine Yaksha Generals in the Retinue of Medicine Buddha

📖 Introduction

The Twelve Yaksha Generals (Dvādaśa Yakṣa Mahārāja 十二神将) form the sacred bodyguard retinue of the Medicine Buddha (Bhaiṣajyaguru Tathāgata). Each general leads thousands of yakshas and takes a solemn vow to protect sentient beings, especially those who uphold the name, image, and teachings of the Medicine Buddha.

The Fifth General is traditionally identified as Sandilya (Sanskrit: Śāṇḍilya or Śāṇḍila; Chinese: 珊底羅; Japanese: Sendara Taishō). His name can also appear as Sajyaksha, depending on scriptural translations and regional Buddhist lineages.

🧠 Etymology and Symbolism

• Name: Sandilya (Śāṇḍilya) – Possibly derived from “Ṥāṇḍilya,” an ancient Vedic sage, meaning “he who is disciplined and purified”

• Alternative Translations: Sandira, Sendira, Sajyaksha

• Symbolism: Purity, self-discipline, internal cleansing, stability, and devotion

His name invokes a sense of interior purification and moral integrity, aligning him with diseases rooted in impurity—whether of the body, blood, or behavior.

🧭 Position and Divine Role

• Order: Fifth of the Twelve Great Yaksha Generals

• Yaksha Legion: Leads 8,000 celestial warriors

• Elemental Association: Often linked to Earth or Blood

• Direction: Sometimes associated with the South, where heat and purification converge

• Spiritual Function: Protector against blood disorders, toxic accumulations, plagues, and diseases caused by excess heat or poison

⚔️ Spiritual Vow

According to the Medicine Buddha Sutra, General Sandilya (or Sajyaksha) took the following vow:

“I, the Fifth General, vow to serve and protect beings who chant the name of Bhaiṣajyaguru. I shall remove their blood-borne ailments, fevers, infections, and poisons. I will purify their bodies of unwholesome substances and stand guard over those who strive in morality and right conduct.”

This reflects his role as a purifier—spiritually, physically, and karmically.

🧬 Diseases He Guards Against

Sandilya is particularly associated with toxic, heat-based, and blood-transmitted diseases, including:

🖼️ Iconography

Sandilya is often depicted as:

• A dark-red or golden-hued yaksha, exuding heat and power

• Holding a staff, lance, or vessel of medicinal blood purifier

• Wearing armor engraved with flames, signifying internal fire and purification

• Radiating a strong but controlled energy, representing the mastery of power

He is a powerful yet benevolent exorcist, driving away impurities and moral corruption.

⚕️ Medicinal and Ritual Aspects

Sandilya is invoked when treating:

• Blood-borne infections

• Poison-related illnesses

• Plagues and epidemic fevers

• Spiritual impurity from karmic misdeeds

In rituals, he is honored with offerings of cooling herbs, clean water, and red incense (symbolic of purified blood).

📿 Spiritual Practice

His energy complements the Medicine Buddha’s mantra, and is enhanced through:

Visualization: Picture General Sandilya with 8,000 flaming yakshas, forming a ring of heat to purify all corruption.

Devotion: Recite the Medicine Buddha Mantra with the aspiration to purify blood, body, and karma:

“Om Bhaiṣajye Bhaiṣajye Mahābhaiṣajya Rājā Samudgate Svāhā”

💎 Modern Relevance

🧘‍♂️ Contemplative Significance

Sandilya teaches that true healing comes from purification, not suppression. Whether facing a fever or a karmic storm, one must burn away what is toxic—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

📜 Conclusion

The Fifth General Yaksha—Sandilya—is a warrior of fire and blood, of purity and power. Through his vow, he serves all sentient beings who uphold the Medicine Buddha’s name, cleansing them of toxins, plagues, and inner disturbances.

To walk with Sandilya is to walk the path of discipline, clarity, and fearless transformation—burning away the impure to reveal the luminous within.

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