An exploration of Kukai's View of Samaya

Yamasaki Sensei outlines Master Kukai's esoteric, or samaya vows as follows:

"One must never abandon the Dharma, give up the aspiration to enlightenment, be stingy with any of the teachings, or engage in any action that does not benefit sentient beings."

(SJEB, p. 57)

Yamasaki Sensei characterizes this vision of samaya as follows:

"Rather than a code of behavior, these precepts are said to describe the conditions necessary for realization of enlightenment."

(SJEB, p. 57)

Adding more specificity and context, Yamasaki Sensei continues stating:

"...these are called the samaya precepts (samaya-kai). Samaya means equality, vow, removal of obstructions, and awakening, here referring to the absolute equality of body, speech, and mind in Buddha and all living beings. "

(SJEB, p. 57)

In conclusion, Yamasaki Sensei states:

"The esoteric vows therefore embody the fundamental esoteric experience, realization of self as Buddha."

(SJEB, p. 57)

Our own daily practice text contains a recitation and contemplation entitled "Samaya-kai".

"I, a child of Mahavairocana Buddha firmly believe in his vow of great compassion.  I will abide in the pure faith of the non-duality of the Buddha and all living beings.  In order to inherit the legacy of the Buddha’s life of wisdom, I as a Bodhisattva will make a wholehearted effort to help others."

This element includes the recitation of the Samantabhadra mantra:

Om samayas tvam

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SJEB - Shingon: Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, T. Yamasaki, Shambhala Publications Inc., 1998