Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Introduction

Samantabhadra is the Bodhisattva of Great Practice in Buddhism, paired with Manjushri as one of the two attendants flanking Shakyamuni Buddha. Where Manjushri embodies wisdom, Samantabhadra embodies action — the principle that understanding the Dharma is not enough; one must live it in every deed and moment. His signature mount is a six-tusked white elephant, symbolizing the strength to bear the suffering of all beings and the resolve to adorn the Buddha-land through the power of vows put into practice.

Legend & Origin

Samantabhadra is best known for his 'Ten Great Vows,' proclaimed in the Avatamsaka Sutra's chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra: (1) pay homage to all Buddhas, (2) praise all Tathagatas, (3) make abundant offerings, (4) repent of all misdeeds, (5) rejoice in others' merits, (6) request the turning of the Dharma wheel, (7) request all Buddhas to remain in the world, (8) always follow the Buddhas in learning, (9) accommodate all sentient beings, and (10) dedicate all merit universally. These Ten Great Vows serve as the supreme guide to Buddhist practice. In the Avatamsaka Sutra, Samantabhadra appears at the climax of Sudhana's pilgrimage to fifty-three teachers, revealing the Ten Great Vows and guiding Sudhana to aspire for rebirth in the Pure Land — a passage that became a cornerstone of Pure Land theology. Mount Emei in China is revered as Samantabhadra's sacred domain.

Worship Guide

Offerings to Samantabhadra include flowers, fruit, and clean water. Practitioners of the Samantabhadra path recite the chapter on his Practices and Vows from the Avatamsaka Sutra, aspiring to embody all Ten Great Vows in their daily lives. Many Taiwanese Buddhists adopt the ninth vow — 'accommodate all sentient beings' — as a personal motto, striving to practice selfless compassion in their everyday interactions.

Festivals

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva's birthday is celebrated on the 21st day of the 2nd lunar month. Buddhist temples hold special Dharma assemblies where the congregation recites the chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra together, reaffirming their commitment to translating the Dharma into action through the Ten Great Vows.

Famous Temples

⛩️ Hsinchu Puxian Temple Details →

Hsinchu City

Puxian Temple takes its name from Samantabhadra (Puxian in Chinese) and is one of the rare Taiwanese temples that enshrines him as the principal deity. The temple houses an elegant statue of Samantabhadra seated atop a white elephant, exuding serene majesty.