Samantabhadra is a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism, known as the Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue. His name combines the Sanskrit words samanta (universal) and bhadra (virtuous or auspicious), reflecting his embodiment of boundless goodness and enlightened action.
He’s often depicted riding a white elephant with six tusks, symbolizing purity, strength, and the overcoming of the six senses. Samantabhadra is typically paired with Mañjuśrī, the bodhisattva of wisdom—together representing the balance of insight and compassionate action.
In the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Flower Garland Sutra), Samantabhadra plays a pivotal role as the final teacher to the seeker Sudhana, guiding him to the realization that awakening is not just about understanding truth, but vowing to live it for the benefit of all beings.
Interestingly, in Tibetan Buddhism—especially in the Nyingma tradition—Samantabhadra also appears as the primordial Buddha, representing the innate purity and awareness of the mind itself.

Samantabhadra’s Ten Great Vows, drawn from the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (specifically the Bhadracaripraṇidhāna), are a profound expression of the bodhisattva path—where wisdom is inseparable from compassionate action. Here they are:
  1. To pay homage to all Buddhas – honoring awakened beings throughout space and time.
  2. To praise the Tathāgatas – celebrating the virtues and teachings of the Buddhas.
  3. To make abundant offerings – both material and spiritual, especially the offering of Dharma.
  4. To repent and reform all karmic hindrances – acknowledging and transforming past unwholesome actions.
  5. To rejoice in others’ merit and virtue – cultivating joy in the goodness of others.
  6. To request the Buddhas to turn the Dharma Wheel – encouraging the teaching of the path to liberation.
  7. To request the Buddhas to remain in the world – so their presence continues to benefit beings.
  8. To always follow the Buddha’s teachings – living in accordance with the Dharma.
  9. To accommodate and benefit all sentient beings – meeting others where they are with compassion.
  10. To dedicate all merit universally – sharing the fruits of practice for the awakening of all beings.

These vows aren’t just lofty ideals—they’re meant to be lived. Many Mahayana practitioners recite them daily as a reminder that enlightenment is not a solo journey, but a commitment to uplift all life.

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