The Depths of Chan Liturgy Part 4: Samantabhadra's Third Vow

“I vow to make ample offerings to all the Buddhas.” Samantabhadra

“Supporting the Three Jewels so that people can engage in practice is the ultimate object of offering.” Guo Gu

The third vow of Samantabhadra, “To make ample offerings to all the Buddhas,” builds upon the first vow. If we truly honor and respect all Buddhas, recognizing that all sentient beings have the potential for awakening, then making offerings becomes a natural expression of this understanding, encouraging us to transcend our self-centeredness and cultivate generosity, reverence, and humility. In essence, this vow guides us to use every encounter and action as a practice of generosity. By reflecting on our interconnectedness, we recognize that what we give was never truly “ours” to begin with. It arises from the conditions and contributions of countless beings. This understanding naturally fosters a feeling of humility and gratitude, generating great merit and creating conditions conducive to awakening for ourselves and others.

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.

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