By Venerable Thubten Chodron
Whenever I read "The Extraordinary Aspiration of the Practice of Samantabhadra," I feel energized and optimistic. This prayer opens us up to a world of Buddhas teaching the Dharma to bodhisattvas on every atom of existence. Our view is no longer dismally bound by the 6 o'clock news, the dim prophecies of political analysts, and worries about finances and relationships, but is now expanded to include the activities of bodhisattvas who seek to alleviate the miseries of all sentient beings. Instead of seeing ourselves as limited beings, we have inklings of our Buddha nature -- the potential each of us possesses to become a fully enlightened being. Our aspiration to realize this Buddha potential flowers, and our lives are renewed with meaning and purpose.
"Samantabhadra" is sometimes translated as "the universal good." What is universally good? Bodhicitta-the aspiration to become a Buddha in order to be of the greatest and most effective benefit to all beings. Who possesses bodhicitta? Bodhisattvas. This prayer of aspiration summarizes all the extraordinary activities of bodhisattvas, as well as both the profound and extensive paths. For this reason, it is called "King of Prayers."
Following the bodhisattva path entails transforming what we feel, think, say, and do so it is directed towards enlightenment. We practice this path every moment of our lives, no matter who we are, what is happening around us, or who we are with. Each present moment is the only moment we have to practice; the only moment to be happy and to spread joy to others. If we do not practice the bodhisattva deeds of generosity, ethical discipline, patience, joyous effort, meditative stabilization, and wisdom now, when will we? The past is gone; the future is yet to come. Let's do our best to act with compassion and wisdom right now, with whoever is in front of us at the moment.
This prayer of aspiration may speak of practices that are beyond our present capabilities. That's fine; we aspire to practice these in the future, as our ability to act for the welfare of all beings develops. Such heartfelt prayers of aspirations to engage in a bodhisattva's deeds enriches our mind; it gives us a vision of what we can become and shows us the causes we need to create to actualize that.
While reciting the prayer, try to have the three qualities of an excellent disciple: open-mindedness, intelligence, and sincerity. Open-mindedness is the ability to view things freshly, unhindered by preconceptions. We are not influenced by prejudice or disturbing emotions such as attachment or anger. Intelligence doesn't refer to being clever or smart in a worldly sense, but to being intelligent with regard to accomplishing our own and others' well-being; we are intelligent in our way of helping others. In addition, we examine the Buddha's teachings with discriminating wisdom, and don't just accept them on blind faith. Sincerity describes our motivation. We aren't concerned with only our own happiness, but with the happiness of all others as well. Our aspiration to change and to actualize our Buddha potential is earnest and firm.
The first twelve verses are an expanded version of the Seven Limb Prayer. Through them we purify negativities and create vast positive potential or merit. On this basis, we then aspire to engage in the practices of those on the five paths of the bodhisattva vehicle -- the paths of accumulation, preparation, seeing, meditation, and no more learning. This aspiration places strong imprints on our mindstream, strengthening and awakening our disposition to accomplish the courageous deeds of bodhisattvas. Through dedicating our positive potential as the great bodhisattva Samantabhadra and Manjushri do, we protect our virtue from going to waste. Our positive potential becomes inexhaustible, so that we and all others may forever enjoy its fruits. As a result, one day Amitabha Buddha himself will prophesize our enlightenment. We will become Buddhas, with full wisdom, compassion, and skillful means to benefit all beings.
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