Samantabhadra

Samantabhadra is The Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue and Meditation. Samantabhadra, a principal Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, holds significance in Buddhist practice and meditation. The symbolism and representations of Samantabhadra across Buddhist traditions are different.

Samantabhadra translates as "Universal Virtue," "Universal Worthy," or "He Who Is All-Pervadingly Good." Samantabhadra is an enlightened Bodhisattva who has the power to manifest in the ten directions of the world. Also known as Fugen in Japan and P'u-hsein in China, Samantabhadra is associated with protecting those who teach Dharma. In Buddhist tradition, Samantabhadra is often depicted alongside Shakyamuni Buddha and the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī, forming the Shakyamuni Trinity.

Samantabhadra is portrayed as a grandeur-clad Bodhisattva rides an elephant with six tusks. The six tusks represent the six senses or occasionally the six sense organs. In the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, Samantabhadra is regarded as the primordial Buddha. Symbolically, Samantabhadra carries a lotus leaf "Parasol" and is associated with virtues such as charity, morality, patience, labor, reflection, and wisdom.

Samantabhadra is sometimes depicted alone, but is considered the counterpart of the Bodhisattva Manjushri. They are often seen together in the Shakyamuni Trinity, where Samantabhadra rides an elephant and holds symbols like a lotus leaf, sword, or wish-fulfilling jewel. In Chinese art, Samantabhadra may exhibit feminine traits and attire similar to Kuan Yin. Samantabhadra is particularly revered in China, notably on Mount Emei, which is associated with the Bodhimanda of Samantabhadra.

In Vajrayana or Esoteric Buddhism, as well as several Tibetan Buddhist schools, Samantabhadra is revered as a Buddha rather than a Bodhisattva. In these lineages, Samantabhadra is regarded as the primal Buddha, representing the unity of awareness and emptiness, appearances and emptiness, and the compassionate nature of mind. It can be said that Samantabhadra is one of the most effective Bodhisattvas in teaching and has a profound predestined relationship with all sentient beings.

Samantabhadra, the Universal Virtue Bodhisattva, holds a significant place in Mahayana Buddhism. Representing goodness, virtue, and the unity of awareness and compassion, Samantabhadra is revered across various Buddhist traditions.