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 understandable that 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. 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. And thus help fulfill the first vow.

Afflictions are inexhaustible;
I vow to end them all.  

After we make the fundamental vow to universally help all beings, we vow to eliminate our afflictions, the second of the four great vows. While there are innumerable afflictions, the major ones are greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt about the sage’s teachings. Falling prey to these afflictions, and many others, our minds and bodies are in a continuous state of agitation and self-absorption.

Suffering from physical pain and mental distress, we are hardly in a state to help anyone.

So how do we change this? How do we end our afflictions?

We can begin by observing the precepts, foremost of which are no killing, stealing, and false speech. Our abiding by the precepts 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 others.