Dharma doors are boundless; 

I vow to master them all.  

The third of the great vows of Buddhas—mastering all the Dharma doors—is where most people want to start. This is understandable because, with so many wonderful teachings from the Buddha, it’s only logical for people to want to learn all they can.

But until we eliminate our afflictions, trying to absorb the various methods can become yet one more affliction.

Plus, we don’t have time! Our goal here in samsara is to get to the Pure Land ASAP. Once there, we’ll have an infinite lifetime in which to learn all Dharma doors. With our remaining afflictions kept in check, we will, with our clear mind, be set to learn different methods without becoming confused or attached. With our clear understanding and comprehensive learning, we’ll be equipped to help others skillfully. Different beings have diverse needs and capabilities.

Mastering all Dharma doors will allow us to know and use the method best suited to every individual’s level and inclination.

People with great authority need . . . (Click image for video)

Afflictions are inexhaustible;
I vow to end them all.  

Due to our uncountable causes of mental suffering, our minds remain impure, agitated, and self-absorbed. And so, after vowing to universally help all beings, we vow to eliminate our afflictions, the second of the four great vows of Buddhas. 

While we start with ourselves, we always bear in mind that we’re not doing all this just for ourselves, and maybe those close to us. Indeed, one of the ideas we need to stop holding on to is our view of self-attachment, that this body is “I.” Neither will we be able to help all beings if we are regularly consumed by greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt about the teachings.

So how do we end afflictions?

By observing the precepts. Precept observation will lead to our attaining meditative concentration. In this calm, clear state, we will see things as they really are. We can see how our energy-draining, time-consuming afflictions are holding us back from helping ourselves, but much more importantly, from helping all others.