The Seventh Dedication: According to All Sentient Beings

Seventh is dedication according to all sentient beings. Practitioners of this dedication cultivate virtues by the power of pure determination for enlightenment and give people what they need without any psychological artifice, without expectation, without desire for reputation, without regret, without irritation; they extend compassion and mercy to all unremittingly, not letting conditions stop their generosity and never growing weary of it. (p. 1557)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary

The Sixth Dedication: Roots of Goodness

Sixth is dedication that stabilizes all roots of goodness, causing them to endure. Practitioners exercise all manner of generosity, including the giving of right teachings and the giving of protection. (p. 1557)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary

The Fifth Dedication: Infinite Stores of Virtue

Fifth is dedication of infinite stores of virtue. The infinite stores, or treasuries, of virtue dedicated by the practitioners are attained by [...] removal of obstructions caused by past actions, by paying respect to all the enlightened, by requesting the enlightened to teach, by listening to the teachings and putting them into practice, and by rejoicing at the virtues of all [...] people in all times. (p. 1556)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary

The Fourth Dedication: Reaching All Places

Fourth is dedication reaching all places. Practitioners of this dedication intend the power of their virtues to reach all places, all things, all worlds, all beings, all lands, all space, all time, and all speech; they pray that their virtues may include all truths, all enlightening practices, all enlightened spiritual powers, all enlightening methods of meditation, all educational activities, and all ways of adaptive response to others. (p. 1556)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary

The Third Dedication: Dedication Equal to All Buddhas

Third is dedication equal to all buddhas. Practitioners of this dedication do not conceive either like or dislike for any perceived objects; their minds are free, pure, joyful, flexible, and without sorrow or trouble. Practitioners dedicate their virtues to enabling others to fulfill their vows, perfect transcendent practices, stabilize an indestructible determination for enlightenment, give up conceit, and attain the clear, sharp senses of the enlightened. (pp. 1555-1556)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary

The Second Dedication: Indestructible Dedication

The second [dedication] is called indestructible dedication. Practitioners amass virtues, develop them, concentrate on them, contemplate and analyze them, find joy in them, and live by them; they set their minds on dedication in accord with the essential nature of things, dedication entering into uncreated truth yet perfecting created expedients, dedication of techniques discarding attachments to concepts of phenomena, and dedication of expedient application of practices without clinging to forms. (p. 1555)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary

The First Dedication: Saving All Beings

The first [dedication] is called dedication to saving all beings without clinging to any image of beings. Practitioners of this dedication cultivate transcendent generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom; and they dwell in great compassion, kindness, joy, and equanimity. (p. 1555)

Excerpted from "Commentary on Book 39 by Li Tongxuan: Translator's Introduction" in The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra by Thomas Cleary