Sitting on the altar in front of the back zendo windows is a brightly tessellated Buddha that you may not have noticed. To Buddha’s left on that altar is Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Great Wisdom, who sits on a lion and holds a sword that cuts through delusion. On Buddha’s right hand is Samantabhadra, Bodhisattva of Great Activity, seated on a six-tusked elephant, which can do the heavy lifting of anything that hinders our bright, clear awareness. The tusks suggest the six qualities that develop more fully in the course of following the Buddha Way as a way of life. Putting into everyday practice charity, morality, patience, diligence, contemplation, and wisdom, we are relieved of our suffering and available to help others.
The name Samantabhadra derives from Sanskrit words meaning the principle of universal love or compassion, which expresses the spirit of practice. Though we all live in the same world, practice brings to light a liberation view, free from causes and conditions, that is available in all times and places, and engenders a heart in us of deep compassion. Without practicing awakening, though, we are blind to the openness and love that is universally expressed everywhere. This blindness is our very suffering.