CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF SAMANTABHADRA BODHISATTVA, 21/02 LUNAR CALENDAR, BE 2567

The Great Conduct Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is one of the Bodhisattvas who exemplifies vast and boundless vows. He is known through the image of a crowned figure adorned in robes richly decorated with jewels, like a great king, riding upon a white elephant with six tusks. The sacred implement he typically holds in his left hand is a wish-fulfilling jewel, while at times his right hand holds a lotus flower bearing a precious gem upon its bloom. The image of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra seated upon a six-tusked white elephant carries profound meaning, symbolizing his vast and expansive vows. Among all animals, the elephant possesses the greatest strength for bearing burdens, carrying people and goods from one place to another. In the same way, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra uses his great vows to guide and liberate sentient beings, carrying them from the shore of delusion to the shore of enlightenment. The six tusks represent the Six Perfections (Paramitas) — generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom — through which he navigates the vessel of these virtues to rescue beings drowning in the sea of suffering. Though the sea of suffering is vast and sentient beings innumerable, the Bodhisattva never tires, ceaselessly devoting himself wholeheartedly to their salvation. The white elephant also symbolizes wisdom that transcends all obstacles, while the six tusks represent victory over the six senses (the six sense faculties: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). Because Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is so often depicted seated upon the six-tusked white elephant, an ancient verse in his praise reads:

"Samantabhadra, the ancient Buddha manifest,
Ever rides upon the white elephant with six tusks,
Gathering all beings into the ocean of vows,
Wandering through countless Buddha-lands as numerous as sand grains."

In the course of his spiritual cultivation, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra once made ten great vows:

• First: To pay homage and respect to all Buddhas.
• Second: To praise the Tathagatas.
• Third: To make abundant offerings.
• Fourth: To repent of karmic obstructions.
• Fifth: To rejoice in the merits of others.
• Sixth: To request the turning of the Dharma wheel.
• Seventh: To request the Buddhas to remain in the world.
• Eighth: To follow and study the Buddha's teachings always.
• Ninth: To accord constantly with sentient beings.
• Tenth: To dedicate all merits universally.

In China, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is regarded as one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, alongside Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, Bodhisattva Manjushri, and Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. His sacred abode is Mount Emei, where he resides after journeying from India to China upon his six-tusked white elephant. In Vietnam, Buddhist devotees observe his birthday anniversary every year on the 21st day of the second lunar month, and commemorate his attainment of enlightenment on the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month. To venerate Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is to honor the Bodhisattva of wisdom and great vows. In paying homage to him each day, we must reflect upon ourselves, repent, and turn away from all illusions to return to the truth. What sorrow could be greater than living each day within the truth, yet remaining clouded by ignorance — mistaking illusion for reality, the false for the true — drifting ever further from the truth. Let us open our minds to wisdom and look directly upon the truth so that we may awaken. Furthermore, in honoring him, let us learn from his vast and boundless vows, breaking free from the narrow shell of selfishness so that we may merge with the Bodhisattva's immeasurable compassion. As long as we cling to this shell of selfishness, we remain in suffering, still submerged in the sea of affliction. Only by casting it aside can we rise lightly above the endless waves of sorrow and reach the shore of peace and joy.

Celebrating the birthday of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva on the 21st day of the 2nd lunar month, BE 2567. Diệu Tướng Am respectfully wishes all Venerable Monks and Nuns, devoted Buddhists, and valued customers: A HEART FREE OF SORROW - A HEART TURNED TOWARD COMPASSION