The Depths of Chan Liturgy Part 7: Samantabhadra's Sixth Vow

“I vow to request the turning of the Dharma Wheel.” Samantabhadra “Of the three turnings of the Dharma Wheel none of them are called Making Us Feel Better…the full potential of the Buddha Dharma is not peace, not bliss, but freedom.” Guo Gu “The turning of the Dharma Wheel” refers exclusively to the Buddha’s teaching . Just as the mythical Chakravartan wielded his sword to subdue his enemies, the Buddha turned the Dharma Wheel to overcome all kleshas. There were three turnings of the Dharma Wheel, each covering a different approach to overcoming vexations. The 1st turning, which took place over the first 7 years of the Buddha’s teaching, aimed to dismantle the sense of self. The 2nd turning focused on the teaching of emptiness. The 3rd turning, sometimes called the “perfect teaching,” emphasized the interdependence of all existence. With an impassioned plea, Guo Gu reveals what he believes the 4th turning of the Dharma Wheel will be and how we can help bring it to fruition. 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/ .