Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue
- Brand: 馬佛青普照寺
- Product Code: 護持普照寺運營基金
- Availability: Replenishing stock...
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RM400.00
About Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, also known as Di Zang in Chinese, is one of the most significant bodhisattvas in Buddhism, renowned for his great vows to save all sentient beings, particularly those suffering in hell. The past life stories of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha are recorded in various Buddhist scriptures, with the most famous account found in the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Pūrvapraṇidhāna Sūtra (commonly known as the Ksitigarbha Sutra). This scripture details the past lives of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and his great vows.
According to the Ksitigarbha Sutra, Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, in countless past kalpas (eons), was reborn in various forms and made great vows to save sentient beings. One of the most well-known stories is that of a woman named Guang Mu (Light Eyes). Guang Mu's mother, during her lifetime, did not believe in karma and committed many evil deeds, leading her to fall into hell after death. To save her mother, Guang Mu made a great vow, promising to save all suffering beings in countless future kalpas through various means. Her filial piety and great vow moved the Buddha, who prophesied that she would become a bodhisattva named Ksitigarbha in the future.
Another story tells of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha being born as the son of a Brahmin. His mother, who did not believe in the Three Jewels (the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), fell into the lower realms after death. To save her, the Brahmin son vowed to practice diligently, eventually attaining the path of a bodhisattva and making the great vow: "Until hell is emptied, I will not attain Buddhahood." These stories illustrate the compassion and vow power of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who is willing to sacrifice his own enlightenment to save all suffering beings.
The Merits of Worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha
Worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha brings immeasurable merits, as described in the Ksitigarbha Sutra. Below are the primary merits of worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha:
Eliminating Disasters and Misfortunes: Worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha can help eliminate karmic obstacles and avert disasters. The sutra states that those who respectfully make offerings to images of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and recite the Ksitigarbha Sutra will receive the bodhisattva's protection in this life and future lives, avoiding calamities such as floods, fires, theft, and diseases.
Liberating the Deceased: Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is regarded as the primary bodhisattva for saving beings in hell. Worshiping him can help deceased relatives escape the lower realms and be reborn in favorable conditions. The sutra emphasizes that if one makes offerings to Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and dedicates the merits to deceased relatives, the deceased will be liberated from the suffering of hell.
Increasing Blessings and Wisdom: Worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha can increase one's blessings and wisdom. The sutra mentions that those who sincerely take refuge in Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and recite his name will gain immeasurable merit, wisdom, and smoother progress on their spiritual path.
Harmonizing Family Relationships: Worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha can also promote family harmony and eliminate conflicts. The sutra states that if a family enshrines an image of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and frequently recites the Ksitigarbha Sutra, family members will receive the bodhisattva's blessings, leading to peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of disputes.
Attaining Enlightenment: The great vow power of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha not only helps beings escape suffering but also aids them in ultimately attaining Buddhahood. Worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and making vows to practice can align one's aspirations with the bodhisattva's vow power, leading to the attainment of supreme enlightenment.
Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, with his boundless compassion and great vows, is a profound symbol of salvation in Buddhism. His past life stories demonstrate his deep filial piety and vow power, while worshiping him brings immeasurable merits, including the elimination of disasters, liberation of the deceased, increased blessings and wisdom, harmonious family relationships, and the ultimate attainment of enlightenment. For Buddhists, worshiping Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is not only a form of spiritual practice but also a vital way to align with the bodhisattva's vow power.
