Surangama Sutra Exposition
by Living Buddha Lian Sheng, Grandmaster Sheng-Yen Lu
The mind is the key to every dharma practice. By sincerely making and carrying out Samantabhadra Bodhisattva’s ten great vows, we receive his blessings, protection, and support—even when our karmic obscurations prevent us from seeing him. Grandmaster also reminds us to cherish our time and live each day meaningfully.
Samantabhadra Bodhisattva then rose from his seat, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and said to the Buddha:
“I have been a dharma prince to as many Tathagatas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges. The Tathagatas of the ten directions teach their disciples who have the capacity of a bodhisattva to cultivate the practices of Samantabhadra, which are named after me.
“World-Honored One, I especially pay attention to hear and discern all the knowledge and views of sentient beings. If, in another place beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there is even one sentient being who brings forth in their mind to cultivate the practices of Samantabhadra, I will at that moment mount a six-tusked elephant, manifest hundreds of thousands of emanation bodies, and go to that person.
“Even if that person’s obscurations are so deep that they cannot see me, I will secretly perform crown blessing upon them, protect and comfort them, and enable them to reach attainment.
“The Buddha asked about perfect penetration. As for my original cause, I awakened the mind-hearing, attained self-mastery in discernment, and regard this as the supreme means.”
Samantabhadra and Manjusri are dharma princes who have served countless Buddhas. Together with Sakyamuni Buddha, they form the Avatamsaka Trinity. Manjusri rides a lion, while Samantabhadra rides a six-tusked white elephant.
The Buddhas of the ten directions teach disciples with the capacity of a bodhisattva to cultivate Samantabhadra’s ten great vows:
- To pay homage to all Buddhas.
- To praise the tathagatas.
- To make extensive offerings.
- To repent karmic obscurations.
- To rejoice in the merits and virtues of others.
- To request the turning of the dharma wheel.
- To supplicate the Buddhas to remain in the world.
- To always follow the Buddhas in learning.
- To constantly accord with sentient beings.
- To universally dedicate all merits.
Grandmaster emphasized that we must sincerely put these vows into practice.
Samantabhadra is not limited to a single form beside the Buddha. Like Manjusri and Avalokitesvara, he can manifest countless emanation bodies throughout innumerable worlds. Wherever a person sincerely resolves to cultivate his practices, he can appear to support them.
Even if our karmic obscurations prevent us from seeing him, he still secretly bestows crown blessings, protects and comforts us, and helps us reach attainment. Distance does not prevent the great bodhisattvas from reaching us.
Samantabhadra awakens mind-hearing and attains self-mastery in discernment. Whatever dharma we practice, the mind is most important.
Grandmaster recalled the verse of admonition associated with Samantabhadra:
This day has passed, and our lives have grown shorter.
Like fish in ever-dwindling water, what joy can there be?
Practice diligently, as urgently as if extinguishing a fire upon your head.
Always be mindful of impermanence and never become lax.
Each passing day brings us closer to the end of our lives. We should cherish our remaining time and cultivate diligently.
At eighty-two, Grandmaster continues to paint and write every day, give dharma teachings, and preside over dharma ceremonies on weekends. Having something meaningful to do each day gives life purpose. He encourages us to remain active.
Grandmaster leaves his lifespan to Golden Mother, Amitabha Buddha, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. He shares that Golden Mother has spoken of extending his life by three years and Amitabha Buddha by five, while Ksitigarbha has yet to speak.
Grandmaster also recalled his close affinity with Ksitigarbha. In his twenties, he personally commissioned and paid for a small Ksitigarbha statue—the first statue he had made. It remains enshrined at the True Buddha School Tantric Quarter.
Grandmaster concluded by reminding all Mahayana Buddhists to remember and cultivate Samantabhadra’s ten great vows.