Omamori-Cure Cancer
An omamori to carry with you along with your Ganfuji prayer.
Offering ¥1,000Apply with this item
Prayer to Bhaisajyaguru, Byodoji’s principal Buddha
Ganfuji prayer
We pray for recovery from cancer, for safe treatment, and that the cancer will not return.
Ganfuji is a prayer for recovery from cancer and for safe tests, surgery, and treatment. At Byodoji, Temple 22 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Anan, Tokushima, the abbot makes offerings to Bhaisajyaguru, our principal Buddha, in the main hall and performs the homa for increasing benefit. During the homa, he reads aloud each name with the prayer “Ganfuji” and dedicates the merit of the homa to each person receiving prayer. Prayers to keep cancer from returning after treatment, and to keep illness away, are offered in the same Yakushi homa.
Contents
What is Ganfuji?
A prayer for recovery from cancer
May the cancer be healed, and may tests, surgery, and treatment go safely. May it never return, and may peaceful days continue.
You may apply at any stage: when you receive a diagnosis, while waiting for test results, before surgery, when treatment begins, or while it continues.
We also receive prayers that the cancer will not return after treatment, that illness will be kept away, that body and mind will be at peace during treatment, and that family members can support the person with a calm heart.
Please tell us the name of the person receiving prayer. You do not need to write a long message or describe symptoms or treatment in detail.
In the main hall, the Yakushi homa is performed as follows.
Offerings to Bhaisajyaguru
First, the abbot makes offerings to Bhaisajyaguru, our principal Buddha, through a rite handed down from Kobo Daishi to Byodoji.
Entering the homa for increasing benefit
About 30 to 40 minutes into the rite, he kindles the sacred fire of wisdom in the homa hearth. From here he performs the homa for increasing benefit (zoyaku).
Reading the prayers and dedicating the merit
When the sacred fire is at its height, he reads aloud each name with the prayer “Ganfuji” and dedicates the merit of the Yakushi homa for increasing benefit to each person receiving prayer. Omamori and prayer tablets are also blessed at this time.
Who may apply
We receive prayers from the person facing cancer and from those who support them.
You may apply for yourself, praying that your cancer will be healed and that treatment will go safely.
Family members and others close to the person may also apply, giving the name of the person receiving prayer. If you know the person’s wishes, please respect them.
You may apply at any stage: while waiting for test results, before surgery, during treatment or follow-up, or after treatment to keep the cancer from returning.
Date, time, and application
Please check the next date and the offering, then apply online.
Next Yakushi homa open for requests
Tue, December 8 at 20:00
¥500 per prayer
Omamori and wooden prayer tablets
Items to add to your prayer
You may add an omamori or a wooden prayer tablet to your Ganfuji prayer. If you would like one, choose it on the application form.
Bhaiṣajyaguru wooden tag large 30 cm
A 30 cm wooden prayer tablet of Bhaisajyaguru, for enshrining at home or elsewhere.
Offering ¥5,000Apply with this item
Special Kifuda 30cm
A special 30 cm wooden prayer tablet available in a choice of colors.
Offering ¥10,000Apply with this item
You may also request the prayer on its own.
Joining through the livestream
You may request a Ganfuji prayer even if you cannot visit Byodoji.
Byodoji livestreams every service, including the daily services and homa rites. This Yakushi homa is also streamed from the main hall. If you live far away or find it hard to go out, you can place your hands together at the same time from home or from the hospital.
To join through the livestream, open “Join in prayer through the main hall livestream” below shortly before the start time of the Yakushi homa shown on this page.
Even if you cannot watch the livestream, the prayer is offered just the same. During the Yakushi homa at the date and time shown on this page, the abbot reads aloud the names and prayers entrusted to us and offers the prayer.
Byodoji’s principal Buddha
Prayer to Bhaisajyaguru
Byodoji’s principal Buddha is Bhaisajyaguru, revered as the Buddha who brings ease of body and mind to people suffering from illness.
According to temple tradition, in 814 Bhaisajyaguru appeared before Kobo Daishi Kukai while he was practicing here. The Daishi is said to have carved the first image of Bhaisajyaguru through ichito sanrai, bowing three times with each stroke of the blade.
Before this principal Buddha, Byodoji performs the Yakushi homa, offering the Ganfuji prayer and praying for safe treatment.
Treatment and prayer
Praying alongside treatment
Ganfuji is a prayer to Bhaisajyaguru for recovery from cancer and safe treatment, offered while you continue to receive medical care.
Facing cancer can bring worries about work, money, and family on top of treatment. Cancer Information and Support Centers across Japan offer free consultations to patients and their families.
Please offer your Ganfuji prayer together with the support of medical care and counseling.
Frequently asked questions
Learn about Byodoji and join in prayer
Read more about Byodoji’s history, the 8,000-stick Goma, and the livestream from the main hall.
About Byodoji
Learn about the principal Buddha, the temple’s history, and visiting.
Learn more8,000-stick Goma
A major rite performed with Fudo Myoo as its principal deity, separate from the Yakushi homa.
Learn moreLivestream
Watch homa rites and daily services streamed from Byodoji’s main hall.
Learn more