“I vow to transfer all merit to others.” Samantabhadra

“At the core of it all, it’s about relieving suffering for oneself and others, and the primary obstacle to that is self-referential grasping.” Guo Gu

The Tenth Vow of Samantabhadra is the culmination of the Bodhisattva path. This involves being engrossed in this world because it is through interaction with the world that the bodhisattva flourishes.

In this powerful conclusion to Guo Gu’s talks on the Ten Great Vows of Samantabadhra he raises the bar for our practice and shares his own awakening story to show that it can be done.

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/.