What Does Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Protect?

Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, revered as one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in Chinese Buddhism, embodies boundless compassion and transcendent wisdom in Buddhist teachings.

The Sanskrit name Kṣitigarbha (乞叉底蘖沙) carries deep symbolic meaning. "Kṣiti" (地) signifies the unwavering stability and endurance of the earth, while "garbha" (藏) represents the hidden treasury of contemplative wisdom. Thus, Kṣitigarbha embodies the union of a heart as vast as the earth and a mind as profound as the cosmos, radiating compassion to all beings.

Historical accounts, such as those in Volume 20 of the Song Eminent Monk Biography, narrate his earthly incarnation as Kim Gyo-gak, a prince of the ancient Silla Kingdom (modern-day Korea). Renouncing royal life, he journeyed to China during the Tang Dynasty and settled atop Mount Jiuhua. After his nirvana, his miraculously preserved body was enshrined in a stupa.

The Origin and Legend of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva

According to the Sutra of the Original Vows of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva (Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Pūrvapraṇidhāna Sūtra), in an immeasurably distant past, during the era of Buddha Supreme Radiance of Meditative Freedom, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva manifested as a devout Brahmin maiden. Her mother, Yuedili, rejected the law of karma, embraced heretical teachings, and committed grave sins—including slaughtering living beings—ultimately plunging into the torment of hell upon her death.

Filled with filial piety, the Brahmin maiden could not bear her mother’s suffering in the infernal realms. Determined to save her, she liquidated her entire inheritance—selling homes, lands, and treasures—to purchase incense, candles, flowers, and fruits for offerings at countless temples. With unwavering sincerity, she prostrated before Buddha images, recited sacred names, and dedicated every act of devotion to her mother’s liberation.

Another narrative from the Sutra of the Original Vows of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva recounts his manifestation as Guangmu, a filial daughter, during the era of Buddha Pure Lotus Eyes. Guangmu’s mother, consumed by greed, habitually consumed small fish and turtles in her lifetime. Knowing her mother’s slaughter of living beings would inevitably condemn her to the Three Wretched Realms, Guangmu grieved deeply for her fate.

During a ritual offering to monks, Guangmu implored an Arhat to enter meditative trance and observe her mother’s posthumous state. The Arhat revealed her suffering in the torments of hell. Overwhelmed by compassion, Guangmu proclaimed an awe-inspiring vow:
“For countless eons, until the end of time, I shall rescue all beings trapped in hells and wretched realms. Only when every last soul attains Buddhahood will I myself attain perfect enlightenment.”

Through the immeasurable force of her vow, her mother was liberated from the infernal abyss. Reborn in the Land of Serene Bliss for myriad lifetimes, she ultimately achieved Buddhahood, radiating wisdom to liberate infinite beings.

What Does Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Protect?

Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, the "Earth Treasury" savior of Buddhist tradition, dedicates his boundless vow to liberating beings across the Six Realms—hell-dwellers, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, and celestial deities. Among these, he holds a special focus on hell beings, those trapped in the deepest anguish of the infernal realms. While his blessings encompass peace, stability, and prosperity in earthly life, his divine compassion extends beyond death, offering solace and salvation to lost souls, particularly those ensnared in karmic torment.

In sacred art, Kṣitigarbha is depicted as a humble monastic figure, often seated or standing upon a thousand-petaled azure lotus. His left hand cradles a Cintāmaṇi, while his right hand holds a Khakkhara. Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva is highly revered and has inspired countless devotees to turn to him for prayers.

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