Samantabhdra is a popular Mahayana Buddhist Bodhisattva. He is also known as the Bodhisattva of Great Activity. A Bodhisattva is a "Buddha-to-be," and helps sentient beings along the path to enlightenment.
Samantabhadra listed ten great vows or practices to follow. These practices create merit and virtue helping one to become closer to enlightenment. These ten practices are:
1. Pay homage and respect to all of the Buddhas. Bowing is a good example of showing respect to the Buddhas.
2. Praise all of the Buddhas. Reciting Buddhist Sutras and mantra are a good examples of praising the Buddhas. "Namo Amitabha Buddha" is a mantra that assures rebirth in the Pure Land, if said as little as ten times.
3.Make abundant offerings to the Buddhas. Offering candles, water, or vegetarian food are good items to give the Buddhas.
4. Repent misdeeds and evil actions. Asking for forgiveness and determined to correct wrong behavior is sufficient for this practice.
5. Rejoice in others' merits and virtues. Smile and be happy at other's good fortunes.
6. Request the Buddhas to teach. Take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.Samantabhadra listed ten great vows or practices to follow. These practices create merit and virtue helping one to become closer to enlightenment. These ten practices are:
1. Pay homage and respect to all of the Buddhas. Bowing is a good example of showing respect to the Buddhas.
2. Praise all of the Buddhas. Reciting Buddhist Sutras and mantra are a good examples of praising the Buddhas. "Namo Amitabha Buddha" is a mantra that assures rebirth in the Pure Land, if said as little as ten times.
3.Make abundant offerings to the Buddhas. Offering candles, water, or vegetarian food are good items to give the Buddhas.
4. Repent misdeeds and evil actions. Asking for forgiveness and determined to correct wrong behavior is sufficient for this practice.
5. Rejoice in others' merits and virtues. Smile and be happy at other's good fortunes.
7. Request the Buddhas to remain in this world. Ask the Buddhas for help.
8.Follow the Buddha's teachings at all times. Try your best to live according to Buddhist teachings.
9. Accommodate and benefit all living beings (follow the Bohisattva path). Try not to harm any living being.
10. Transfer all merits and virtues to all sentient beings. Repeat, "I dedicate all my merits that I've earned to all sentient beings. May I be reborn in Amitabha's Pure Land.."
The reason to vow to be reborn in Amitabha's Pure Land is because Sukhavati is the perfect environment to become a Buddha. The three other Pure Land sutras state how, what, when, and why Amitabha's Pure Land is the best. All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas wish to be born in his land. Samantabhadra helps to make the proper conditions to get there. Practicing these ten steps consist of faith, vows, and practice and is a sure way to become a Buddha in Amitabha's land.
Namo Samantabhadra Bodhisattva
- I vow to save innumerable sentient beings.
- I vow to eliminate endless afflictions/delusions.
- I vow to learn innumerable doctrines.
- I vow to accomplish the unsurpassed Buddha Way.
10 Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva - Source: buddhistinformation.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/302472/bodhisattva_samantabhadras_ten_practices.html?cat=34
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