The Universal Path of Respect for All Buddhas

The first of the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra is to respect all Buddhas. This is not merely a ritualistic gesture, but a profound recognition of the inherent Buddha-nature within every corner of the universe. It is a practice that transforms how we perceive the world and our place within it.

The Buddha Within All Things

Who is a Buddha? You are a Buddha. I am a Buddha. Every person we encounter is a Buddha. This truth extends far beyond the human realm. The beings in the six realms of existence and the four holy states are all Buddhas. Even the mountains, rivers, and the vast earth are manifestations of the Buddha. The birds that fly in the sky, the animals that roam the land, and even the cats and dogs in our homes—all are Buddhas. Every creature within the Dharma Realm, whether sentient or insentient, whether visible or invisible, is a Buddha. There is not a single thing in this universe that is not a Buddha.

Cultivating the Right Path of Respect

True respect must arise from the depths of your heart. When you cultivate this sincerity, your mind remains upright and far from the deviations of ego. This is the foundation of a pure practice. When your heart is aligned with this truth, your life naturally follows the path of the the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way:

• Your thoughts become right thoughts.
• Your words become right speech.
• Your actions become right actions.

When you offer respect to others, you are simultaneously offering respect to your own true nature. You must realise that we are all one body; this is the fundamental truth of the universe that we must understand clearly.

The Buddha-Action of No-Self

I am but one among all beings. To save all beings without the attachment of no-self—this is the true Buddha-action. By letting go of the ego, you allow the light of your original nature to shine through, guiding you and all beings toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. May we all strive to embody this profound respect in our daily lives, leaving suffering behind and finding true happiness.

Recorded by the chief writer and Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.