The Practices and Vow of Samantabhadra from the Avatamsaka (Flower Adornment) Sutra

“The Practices and Vow of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra" is the final chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra, also known as the Flower Adornment Sutra. This chapter is significant in Mahayana Buddhism and outlines the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra, which serve as a guide for practitioners seeking enlightenment. These vows are:

1. Pay homage to all Buddhas: Show respect and reverence to all enlightened beings.

2. Praise the Tathagatas: Speak of the virtues and qualities of the Buddhas.

3. Make abundant offerings: Generously give offerings to the Buddhas.

4. Repent misdeeds and evil karmas: Confess and seek to reform past wrongs.

5. Rejoice in others' merits and virtues: Celebrate the good deeds of others.

6. Request the Buddhas to continue teaching: Encourage the Buddhas to turn the Dharma wheel.

7. Request the Buddhas to remain in the world: Ask the Buddhas to stay and guide beings.

8. Follow the teachings of the Buddhas: Adhere to the Dharma in daily life.

9. Accommodate and benefit all living beings: Act in harmony with others for their benefit.

10. Transfer all merits and virtues to benefit all beings: Dedicate personal merits to the liberation of all sentient beings.

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