“I vow to request that Buddha’s dwell in the world.” Samantabhadra

“When you don’t have a stallion, a donkey will do.” Guo Gu

As Buddhist practitioners, we read and study the profound practice of following the Buddha from 2,500 years ago. His teachings are so powerful that they continue to influence millions of people in countless ways. Since attaining enlightenment is believed to be much more likely under the guidance of a living Buddha, we aspire to cultivate sufficient merit—through generosity, virtue, diligence, patience, wisdom, and meditation—to meet the next Buddha, Maitreya, when he appears on Earth. To practice under a Buddha and awaken is our deepest aspiration.

Short of that, we must ensure we are doing everything possible to be receptive and ready for a teacher to manifest in our lives now.

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

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