Samantabhadra: The Bodhisattva of 'Inconceivable' Vow Power
The Four Great Bodhisattvas Series
Why Did the Buddha Call Samantabhadra "Inconceivable"?
In the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, the Buddha used a particular word to describe Samantabhadra Bodhisattva: "inconceivable", beyond what thought can measure, beyond what language can express. The Buddha encountered countless bodhisattvas, yet reserved this word for Samantabhadra alone. This reveals how far this bodhisattva's practice has transcended ordinary understanding.
What makes Samantabhadra special is "vow power." The vows made weren't "may I become such-and-such" but "may all beings become such-and-such," a scope of aspiration without boundaries. Many people live feeling lost because they lack direction; many give up halfway because they lack sustaining strength. Vow power is that direction, and that strength. When Buddhism speaks of "inconceivable vow power," Samantabhadra is the supreme example.
Where Does Samantabhadra Stand in the "Avataṃsaka Trinity"?
The Avataṃsaka Sūtra is one of Buddhism's grandest scriptures, describing the cosmic reality the Buddha witnessed upon enlightenment. Within it appears an iconic grouping: Vairocana Buddha at the center, Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva on the left, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva on the right. Together they're called the "Avataṃsaka Trinity," the core of the entire sūtra.
Mañjuśrī represents "understanding," wisdom that comprehends truth. Samantabhadra represents "practice," action that puts truth into life. The message is clear: wisdom without action makes an armchair philosopher; action without wisdom leads down wrong paths. Understanding and practice must go together. Neither is complete alone. No matter how much doctrine you know, if you don't act on it, that doctrine does not become yours. Samantabhadra's existence reminds us: the dharma must be lived, not confined to discussion.
What Do the Ten Great Vows Actually "Vow"?
Samantabhadra is most famous for the "Ten Great Vows," found in the Bhadracarī-praṇidhāna chapter of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra. These ten are called the "King of Vows" because they're the root of all vows, the vow among vows. Simply put, the Ten Great Vows center on three things: reverence toward all Buddhas, compassion toward all beings, and commitment to practice.
The final vow deserves special attention: "Universal Transference of Merit." Samantabhadra transfers all accumulated merit to every being, keeping nothing for self. This "give everything I have to others" aspiration is something most people can't generate. Because Samantabhadra's vision transcends the boundary of "self," this bodhisattva is called the "Bodhisattva of Great Practice." That also hints at something for those feeling lost: when your goals contain only "me," your vision stays small; when your goals can hold others, your power grows larger.
Can Reciting Once at Death Really Lead to Pure Land Rebirth?
The final passage of the Bhadracarī is treasured by many. It essentially says: if at the moment of death one can recall the Ten Great Vows, instant rebirth in Amitābha Buddha's Pure Land follows, meeting the Buddha, hearing dharma, swiftly completing the path. This passage has made the Bhadracarī a daily recitation for countless practitioners, once each day, so that final moment won't be forgotten.
Reciting does not mean you "cheat" your way through. Rebirth depends on the resonance between vow power and Buddha power. Samantabhadra's vows reach all beings. If you sincerely recall those vows, you're connecting with that vast vow power. Those who persist in daily recitation say their minds gradually settle, anxiety decreases, and fear of death fades. This is what Buddhism means by "inconceivable vow power." Not superstition, but heart resonating with heart.
Why a White Elephant, Not a Lion or Dragon?
Mañjuśrī rides a lion; Samantabhadra rides a white elephant. The lion represents wisdom's sharpness and might, one roar silences all beasts. The elephant represents vow-practice's steadiness and weight, powerful, far-traveling, sure-footed. This corresponds to what the path of practice requires: bearing pressure, moving forward continuously, neither rushing nor stopping.
The white elephant has six tusks, representing the "Six Pāramitās": generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, wisdom, the six paths of bodhisattva practice. Samantabhadra rides this six-tusked elephant across all realms, liberating countless beings. Never hurrying, but never stopping. This symbolizes that true great vows require long spans of time to fulfill. Not a sprint that ends, but like an elephant, step by step, never ceasing. Many people have only three-minute enthusiasm, unable to persist. Look at Samantabhadra's white elephant: what's needed is that steadiness, that patience, that unhurried yet ever-advancing momentum.
Mount Emei's Golden Summit: Why Is This Samantabhadra's Sacred Ground?
Mount Emei in Sichuan, China, is Samantabhadra's sacred ground, alongside Mount Wutai (Mañjuśrī), Mount Jiuhua (Kṣitigarbha), and Mount Putuo (Avalokiteśvara) as Buddhism's Four Sacred Mountains. Legend says Emei's mountain form resembles an elephant's head when viewed from afar, corresponding to Samantabhadra's elephant mount. At the summit's Jinding Temple stands a 48-meter golden statue of the "Ten-Direction Universal Samantabhadra," four faces, ten heads, representing Samantabhadra's protection over all ten directions.
Every year, countless pilgrims climb Mount Emei. They say the process of ascending those thousands of steps is itself a form of "practice," experiencing Samantabhadra's spirit of vow and action through the body. Reaching the Golden Summit, seeing clouds churning and Buddha-light flashing, many weep. An emotion beyond words. Perhaps the satisfaction of persevering to the end. Perhaps awe at the magnificent vista. Perhaps, just slightly, understanding what "inconceivable vow power" means.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Samantabhadra and Mañjuśrī?
Mañjuśrī represents wisdom; Samantabhadra represents vow and practice. Wisdom is the eye that sees truth; vow-practice is the feet that live it out. In the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, Mañjuśrī and Samantabhadra stand on either side of Vairocana Buddha, forming the 'Avataṃsaka Trinity.' This symbolizes the unity of understanding and action. Wisdom without practice is empty talk; action without wisdom leads astray.
Why is it said that reciting the Bhadracarī can lead to Pure Land rebirth?
The final section of the Bhadracarī-praṇidhāna states that if one can recall the Ten Great Vows at the moment of death, rebirth in Amitābha's Pure Land occurs instantly. This isn't superstition. Samantabhadra's vows encompass all beings, and that vow power guides everyone with karmic connection to him. That's why many people recite the Bhadracarī as a daily practice.