Compassionate Guardian of the Earth Womb
Ksitigarbha is one of the 8 great bodhisattvas. He vowed to teach beings between the end of Shakyamuni’s time and the appearance of Maitreya Buddha. He is the bodhisattva of the hell realms.
Ksitigarbha Summary
| Entity | Description |
|---|---|
| Ksitigarbha | A Bodhisattva associated with compassion, helping beings in the lower realms, and vowing not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied. |
| Bodhisattva | An enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to guide all beings towards liberation. |
| Compassion | Deep empathy and concern for the suffering of others. |
| Lower Realms | In Buddhist cosmology, realms of suffering, including hells and realms of hungry ghosts. |
| Vow | A solemn promise or declaration. |
| Monk’s Robe | A symbolic attribute of Kshitigarbha, representing his dedication to monastic life and helping others. |
| Staff | A symbolic attribute of Kshitigarbha, often used to guide and protect beings from suffering. |
| Precious Jewel | A symbolic attribute of Kshitigarbha, representing the potential for enlightenment even in the darkest realms. |
| Mahayana Buddhism | A branch of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva, where Ksitigarbha is a prominent figure. |
Relationships
| Relationship | Description |
|---|---|
| Embodiment of | Kshitigarbha embodies immense compassion, particularly towards those suffering in the lower realms. |
| Driven by | Kshitigarbha’s vow reflects his unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and helping all beings, even those in the most challenging realms. |
| Associated with | The monk’s robe signifies Kshitigarbha’s dedication to monastic practice and upholding Buddhist precepts. |
| Carries | The staff symbolizes Kshitigarbha’s role as a guide and protector for beings struggling in the lower realms. |
| Holds | The precious jewel represents the potential for liberation and enlightenment, even in the most difficult situations. |
| Belongs to | Kshitigarbha is a prominent figure within Mahayana Buddhism, particularly revered in traditions like East Asian Buddhism. |
Additional Notes:
- Kshitigarbha is often depicted in various forms, sometimes holding a staff and a wish-fulfilling jewel, symbolizing his aid to beings in the lower realms.
- Practices associated with Ksitigarbha involve chanting mantras, making offerings, and cultivating compassion for all beings, including those suffering in the lower realms.
- Kshitigarbha’s vow serves as a powerful symbol of the boundless compassion and commitment of Bodhisattvas who dedicate themselves to the liberation of all beings.
Table of Contents
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Kshitigarbha, also known as Jizo Bosatsu in Japan, is a revered bodhisattva in East Asian Buddhism. Translated as the “Earth Treasury” or “Earth Womb,” he is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering in the realms of the living and the dead. In both Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, he holds a special place as a compassionate guardian and a guide through the realms of existence.
He is often depicted in traditional Buddhist iconography as a monk-like figure, adorned in simple robes and holding a staff with six rings. The six rings represent the six realms of existence in Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing Ksitigarbha’s vow to liberate beings from the cycles of birth and death.
Ksitigarbha Mantra Sanskrit
Devotees seeking the blessings and protection of Kshitigarbha often turn to his Mantra. The mantra associated with him varies across different Buddhist traditions, but a commonly recited mantra is:
Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
This mantra is a heartfelt homage to the bodhisattva, expressing reverence and seeking his guidance and compassion. Chanting the mantra is believed to invoke his protective energy and cultivate a connection with his compassionate presence.
Ksitigarbha Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Kshitigarbha may vary based on linguistic nuances, but a rough approximation is “Kshi-tee-garb-ha.” The Sanskrit name is composed of two parts: “ksiti,” meaning earth, and “garbha,” meaning womb or treasury. The combined name signifies his role as the bodhisattva who cares for and treasures all beings within the Earth Womb, offering compassion and assistance to those in need.
The Vow of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Central to his compassionate mission is the bodhisattva’s vow, which is often described in various sutras and scriptures. His vow is multifaceted but primarily focuses on aiding beings in the six realms of existence, especially those in the hell realms. The bodhisattva pledges not to attain Buddhahood until all beings are liberated, emphasizing a selfless commitment to the welfare of others.
His compassionate activities extend beyond the living, as the bodhisattva is also revered as a guide for souls in the afterlife. In some traditions, it is believed that Kshitigarbha visits hell realms to comfort and rescue beings suffering there, offering them the possibility of redemption.
Ksitigarbha in East Asian Buddhism
Chinese Buddhism
In Chinese Buddhism, known as Dizang Pusa, is highly venerated. Temples dedicated to Ksitigarbha can be found across China, where devotees seek solace and guidance from the compassionate bodhisattva. The figure of Kshitigarbha is also present in Chinese folklore and is often portrayed as a compassionate guardian watching over the deceased.
Japanese Buddhism
In Japan, he is known as Jizo Bosatsu. Jizo holds a significant place in Japanese Buddhism, and numerous Jizo statues can be found in cemeteries and along roadsides, symbolizing the protector of travelers and the guardian of children. Jizo is particularly associated with the well-being of deceased children, offering solace to grieving parents.
Stories and Legends of Ksitigarbha
Various Buddhist scriptures and sutras contain stories that highlight his compassionate actions. One well-known tale recounts how he made a solemn vow in front of the Buddha to aid beings in the hell realms. This vow demonstrated his extraordinary compassion, as the bodhisattva willingly chose to delay Buddhahood until all sentient beings were liberated from suffering.
Another story tells of his encounter with his mother, who had passed away and fallen into a hell realm due to her negative actions. Despite facing challenges, Ksitigarbha remained steadfast in his commitment to liberate his mother and all beings from suffering.
Ksitigarbha’s Universal Compassion
The compassionate nature of Ksitigarbha extends beyond cultural and regional boundaries. The bodhisattva’s vow and activities resonate with practitioners seeking solace, guidance, and protection. Ksitigarbha’s universal compassion embraces all beings, regardless of their karmic circumstances, and serves as a source of inspiration for those navigating the challenges of existence.
Ksitigarbha’s Role in the Modern World
In contemporary times, Ksitigarbha continues to hold a meaningful place in Buddhist practice. Devotees, facing the complexities of modern life, turn to Ksitigarbha for comfort and guidance. The bodhisattva’s unwavering commitment to compassion and liberation serves as a timeless beacon, offering hope and solace to those navigating the sometimes tumultuous seas of existence.
In conclusion, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva stands as a compassionate guardian and guide, embodying the ideals of selfless service and unwavering commitment to the welfare of all beings. The Ksitigarbha Mantra and the stories surrounding this revered bodhisattva inspire practitioners to cultivate compassion, alleviate suffering, and walk the path of enlightenment with an open and compassionate heart.
M
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
