Flower Adornment Three Sages Hall

This hall presents the Buddha's awakening and the bodhisattva's practice as described in the Flower Adornment tradition.

About the name “Flower Adornment”

Flower Adornment is an English translation of 华严, the Chinese name associated with the *Avatamsaka Sutra*. The scripture is also published in English as the *Flower Adornment Sutra*, as in Bhikshu Dharmamitra's translation. These are names for the same scripture, rather than separate texts. “Flower Adornment Three Sages Hall” uses the translated name and identifies the Buddha and two bodhisattvas honoured here.

Cause and result: one Buddha and two bodhisattvas

In the *Avatamsaka Sutra*, the Three Sages show a complete path from beginning to practise to reaching full awakening. The Buddha represents the result; the two bodhisattvas represent the practice that brings it about.

Vairocana Buddha, the result: His name is understood as “Great Sun Buddha” or “present everywhere.” He is the Buddha of the pure Dharma body, rather than a historical person. The saying “all Buddhas of the ten directions share one Dharma body” points to the underlying nature of all things, which is also our own true nature.

Manjushri and Samantabhadra, the causes: If the Dharma body has no visible form, how do we bring its goodness and wisdom into our lives? The two bodhisattvas show the way. They represent the methods of practice.

Understanding and action: seeing clearly and letting go

Studying theory every day, even becoming an expert on Buddhism, is of little use if we cannot live by it. Alongside Manjushri's wisdom, we need Samantabhadra's steady effort: putting the six perfections and other good practices into daily life and serving others.

Manjushri: the wisdom that understands

On the left, Manjushri rides a powerful blue lion and holds a sword. He represents the clear judgment and wisdom within our own nature. The lion's roar breaks through superstition and attachment; the sword cuts through emotional clinging and distress. Wisdom needs to guide practice. Otherwise, following practices without understanding can easily become superstition. Manjushri asks us to think clearly and see things as they are.

Samantabhadra: putting that understanding into practice

On the right, Samantabhadra rides a steady white elephant with six tusks. He represents action and follow-through. The elephant's firm steps and strength suggest patient, reliable effort. Its six tusks stand for giving, keeping precepts, patience, effort, meditation and wisdom.

The final destination

In the teaching presented here, Flower Adornment leads towards the Western Pure Land.

Manjushri's vow: Even Manjushri, foremost in wisdom, vows in the scriptures to be born in the Pure Land.

Samantabhadra's ten great vows: In the closing “Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra” chapter of the *Avatamsaka Sutra*, Samantabhadra sets out ten great vows, including paying respect to all Buddhas and making offerings widely. He leads the forty-one bodhisattvas who have realised the Dharma body, together with the Lotus Treasury assembly, towards birth in the Western Pure Land.

Bringing the Three Sages into daily life

Vairocana in the centre: Remember that you share the same Buddha-nature. Do not give up on yourself.

Manjushri on the left: When faced with pressure, distractions or temptation today, did you follow the crowd and react on impulse, or keep a clear head?

Samantabhadra on the right: Did you actually put the things you understand and the habits you value into practice today?

Background music

The recording uses a familiar Chinese Buddhist melody for chanting sacred names. Here the words are “Buddha of the Pure Dharma Body,” referring to Vairocana. The recording is by the Qingtai Fayun group. If there is a copyright issue, please contact us for removal.