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The Five Vows of the Bodhisattva - Samantabhadra
We are present not only at Plum Village but also in more than 500 sanghas around the world, together with thousands of people receiving the teachings through books and recorded talks. This winter, the retreat will focus on the Chanting Book of the Monastery, with about 20 sutras that are chanted daily, some explained in the vernacular and in classical Chinese. Sister Vien Quang will offer a year-round class in classical Chinese to help us inherit the depth of the sutras, and we will also study the Amitabha Sutra for the first time at Plum Village.
Paying homage to the Buddhas is the first of the ten great vows of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, which means to respectfully bow to and honor the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. The Buddha is not a distant legend but is present right within us through mindfulness, ease, and peace. When we understand that the Buddha is the wholesome, aspiring part within each of us, we find happiness in each step we take in that direction, overcoming the suffering of the lower tendencies that are also present in us.
These great vows include
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- Paying homage to the Buddhas
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- Praising the Thus Come One
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- Making extensive offerings
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- Repenting of misdeeds and obstacles
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- Rejoicing in the merit of others
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- Requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel
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- Requesting the Buddhas to remain in the world
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- Always following the Buddha’s teachings
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- Benefiting all living beings
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- Sharing the Merit with all