Since the day I learned about the existence of all the major Mahayana Celestial Bodhisattvas, I have been fascinated, entranced, and inspired by Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. This Bodhisattva is by far my favorite. This is due to a strong connection or focus in previous lifetimes.
The Canonical Treatise that both describes, as well as instruct us on the practices and teachings exemplified by this Great Awakening Being, is the Samantabhadra-Caraya-Pranidhana (loosely translated into English as The Practice and Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva).
Here is a description of this amazing gem from Encyclopaedia Britannica:
Bhadracarya-pranidhana
(Sanskrit: "Vows of Good Conduct"), also called SAMANTABHADRA-CARYA-PRANIDHANA ("Practical Vows of Samantabhadra"), a Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") Buddhist text that has also made an important contribution to the Tantric Buddhism of Tibet.
Closely related to the Avatamsaka-sutra ("Discourse on the Adornments of the Buddha") and sometimes considered its final section, the Bhadracarya-pranidhana presents a universe of totally interdependent phenomena manifesting the Buddha. But its main emphasis is on entering into the full realization of such a universe--or into the Pure Land of Amitabha--through actions conforming to the 10 great vows of the bodhisattva (buddha to be) Samantabhadra.
These 10 vows, understood as the essence of the vows and deeds of all past and future buddhas, came to be used as daily lessons in Chinese monasteries. In Tibet they were incorporated as utterances in a number of rites, thus influencing the development of Tantric ritualism.
Briefly summarized, the vows include: inexhaustible service to all buddhas; the learning and obedience of all teachings of all buddhas; the plaint for all buddhas to descend into the world; the teaching of the dharmas (universal truths) and the paramitas (transcendental virtues) to all beings; the embracing of all universes; the bringing together of all Buddha's lands; the achievement of Buddha's wisdom and powers to help all beings; the unity of all bodhisattvas; and the accommodation of all sentient beings through the teaching of wisdom and Nirvana.
Copyright (c) 1995 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This text is one of the five sutras honored and revered by the Chinese Pure Land School. Although, it is an important treatise for all schools of Chinese Buddhism, it is especially important for Pure Land adherents because it extols the Vow to Take Rebirth in Sukhavati, the Pure Land of Unlimited Light and Life. For this reason alone, it is considered a Sutra of Pure Land Buddhism.
The Ten vows of Samantabhadra
1. To pay homage and respect to all Buddhas.
2. To praise all the Buddhas.
3. To make abundant offerings. (i.e. give generously)
4. To repent misdeeds and evil karmas.
5. To rejoice in others' merits and virtues.
6. To request the Buddhas to continue teaching.
7. To request the Buddhas to remain in the world.
8. To follow the teachings of the Buddhas at all times.
9. To accommodate and benefit all living beings.
10. To transfer all merits and virtues to benefit all beings.
The ten vows have become a common practice in East Asian Buddhism, particularly the tenth vow, with many Buddhists traditionally dedicating their merit and good works to all beings during Buddhist liturgies.
[Wikipedia Entry]
Praise of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva of Great Conduct is called Universal Worthy.
The Sea of his vow power is multi-layered without bounds.
With dignity he reposes upon a six-tusked elephant.
By wisdom he is born, transformationally from a lotus of the seven gems.
In all Samodhis, he attains sovereignty.
His originally wonderful virtue is pervasive and perfected.
Praises of this jewelled awesomeness arrives to teach the Saha World.
His efficacious response and spiritual power shake the great-thousand realm.
Homage to Universally Worthy Bodhisattva of Great Conduct, who dwells in the silver world of Emei Shan.
Also find Refuge in the 28th chapter of the Lotus Sutra
[Saddharma Pundarīka Sūtra 妙法蓮華經]
Entitled:
THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF UNIVERSAL WORTHY BODHISATTVA
More later on this Great Being.
Amitofo
No comments:
Post a Comment