Boundless Practice and Vows, Virtue Pervading All Realms: The Ten Great Vows and Spirit of Practice of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

The Bodhisattva of Great Practice: The Origin and Name of Samantabhadra

In the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Sanskrit: Samantabhadra), known as Pǔxián Púsà (普賢菩薩) in Chinese, is the embodiment of "Great Practice" (大行). His name means "Universally Worthy" or "All-Pervading Goodness," signifying that his compassionate activities and meritorious vows extend to every corner of the universe.

While Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva represents wisdom (prajñā) and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva represents compassion (karuṇā), Samantabhadra represents the dedicated action and diligent practice required to bring wisdom and compassion to life. He is the one who puts the ideals of Buddhism into practice. In the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), Mañjuśrī, Samantabhadra, and Vairocana Buddha are known as the "Avatamsaka Trinity." Mañjuśrī represents the wisdom to understand the ultimate truth, Vairocana represents the ultimate truth itself (the Dharmakāya), and Samantabhadra represents the practice that realizes this truth in the.

Samantabhadra teaches that enlightenment is not a passive state but an active, ongoing process of cultivation. His path is one of tireless effort, boundless vows, and the application of Dharma in every moment of life.

The White Elephant and the Lotus: Iconography and Symbolism

Samantabhadra is typically depicted as a bodhisattva seated on a white elephant with six tusks. Each element of his iconography is rich with meaning:

The White Elephant: The elephant is a symbol of strength, steadfastness, and nobility. The white color represents purity and the untainted nature of the Dharma. The elephant's steady and powerful gait symbolizes the diligent and unwavering progress of the Buddhist practitioner on the path to enlightenment.
The Six Tusks: The six tusks of the elephant represent the Six Perfections (Pāramitās): giving (dāna), ethical discipline (śīla), patience (kṣānti), diligence (vīrya), meditative concentration (dhyāna), and wisdom (prajñā). They can also symbolize the overcoming of attachments associated with the six senses.
The Lotus Throne: Like many Buddhas and bodhisattvas, Samantabhadra sits on a lotus throne, symbolizing his purity and his ability to remain unstained by the "mud" of the mundane world.
Holding a Scepter or a Lotus: He is often depicted holding a wish-fulfilling scepter (ruyi) or a lotus, symbolizing the fulfillment of all virtuous aspirations and the purity of his practice.

The King of Vows: The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra

The most famous teaching associated with Samantabhadra is his Ten Great Vows, which are detailed in the Avatamsaka Sutra. These vows are considered the "King of Vows" because they encompass the entire scope of a bodhisattva's practice and provide a comprehensive guide for all aspiring practitioners. They are not just a list of promises but a framework for a life dedicated to enlightenment and the welfare of all beings.

The Ten Great Vows are:

To pay homage and respect to all Buddhas.
To praise the Thus-Come Ones (Tathāgatas).
To make abundant offerings to all Buddhas.
To repent of all karmic hindrances.
To rejoice in the merits and virtues of others.
To request that the Buddhas continue to teach the Dharma.
To request that the Buddhas remain in the world.
To follow the teachings of the Buddhas at all times.
To accommodate and benefit all sentient beings.
To transfer all merits and virtues to all sentient beings.

These vows progress from personal cultivation (respecting the Buddhas, repenting) to altruistic action (benefiting all beings, transferring merit). They emphasize that spiritual practice is not a solitary pursuit but is deeply interconnected with the well-being of all. The final vow, in particular, highlights the Mahayana ideal of dedicating one's own achievements to the liberation of everyone.

The Bodhimanda of Practice: Mount Emei

Samantabhadra's earthly abode, or bodhimaṇḍa, is Mount Emei (峨眉山) in Sichuan province, China. This sacred mountain is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including its famous "sea of clouds" and the "Buddha's light" (a rare atmospheric phenomenon).

Mount Emei has been a center of Buddhist practice for nearly two millennia. Pilgrims flock to the mountain to pay homage to Samantabhadra and to draw inspiration from his spirit of diligent practice. The Golden Summit of Mount Emei features a colossal, multi-faced statue of Samantabhadra on his six-tusked elephant, a breathtaking testament to the devotion he inspires.

The Spirit of Practice: The Legacy of Samantabhadra

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is a powerful reminder that faith and understanding must be integrated into action. He represents the "how-to" of Buddhism—the practical application of wisdom and compassion in our daily lives.

His teachings inspire us to:

Cultivate a Vow-Powered Life: To set clear intentions and aspirations for our spiritual practice and to pursue them with unwavering determination.
Integrate Practice into Daily Life: To see every action—whether it is work, study, or interaction with others—as an opportunity to practice the Dharma.
Serve Others Selflessly: To live a life of service, constantly seeking ways to benefit others and to alleviate their suffering.
Never Give Up: To persevere on the path with diligence and patience, knowing that every small step contributes to the great journey of enlightenment.

Samantabhadra's Ten Great Vows are not just for advanced bodhisattvas; they are for anyone who wishes to live a more meaningful and purposeful life. By reflecting on these vows and striving to embody their spirit, we can transform our lives into a journey of "All-Pervading Goodness," bringing benefit to ourselves and to the entire world.