The Depths Of Chan Liturgy Part 9: Samantabhadra's Eighth Vow

“I vow to always study the teachings of the Buddha.” -Samantabhadra "Samsara is the playground of full liberation, nirvana. This is where we perfect our practice.” -Guo Gu The first seven of Samantabhadra’s vows prepare us for the core eighth vow: to follow the Buddha in study and all that it entails—to emulate his wisdom and follow his practice as a Bodhisattva. In the process, we discover that there is far greater freedom and potential within us if we can let go of our attachments, and that the only thing that truly matters is helping others. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, outlined in the Avatamsaka Sutra, are profound principles for those on the path to Buddhahood. These vows represent a complete path of dedication, compassion, and commitment to benefiting all beings. They provide a framework for practice that not only transforms the self but also brings wisdom and compassion into the world. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra. 1. To pay homage to all the buddhas 2. To glorify the qualities of all the tathagatas 3. To make ample offerings to all the buddhas 4. To confess and repent of all one's misdeeds 5. To rejoice in the merits of others 6. To always to request the preaching of the dharma 7. To entreat enlightened beings to remain in the world 8. To always to study the teachings of the buddha 9. To always to respond to sentient beings according to their various needs 10. To dedicate all merits to sentient beings that they may achieve Buddhahood. ============================================ Join the Tallahassee Chan Center online for live meditations and discussion Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM EST. Learn more at https://tallahasseechan.org/events/ .