Kṣitigarbha

Kṣitigarbha (Sanskrit: क्षितिगर्भ, Chinese: 地藏, Japanese: 地蔵, Korean: 지장, Vietnamese: Địa Tạng) is a bodhisattva primarily revered in East Asian Buddhism, usually depicted as a Buddhist monk in the Orient. The name Kṣitigarbha translates to "Earth Treasury", "Earth Store", "Earth Matrix", or "Earth Womb". Kṣitigarbha is known for his vow to take responsibility for the instruction of all beings in the six worlds between the death of Gautama Buddha and the rise of Maitreya, as well as his vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied.

Origins and Etymology

The name Kṣitigarbha is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Kṣiti (क्षिति) meaning "Earth" and Garbha (गर्भ) meaning "Womb" or "Matrix". The name can be interpreted as "Womb of the Earth" or "Matrix of the Earth", symbolizing the bodhisattva's deep connection and commitment to the beings who inhabit the Earth.

Iconography

In iconography, Kṣitigarbha is typically depicted as a monk with a halo around his shaved head, carrying a staff to force open the gates of hell and a wish-fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness.

Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, from the Amitabha Buddha Hall of Hsi Lai Temple

Vows of Kṣitigarbha

Kṣitigarbha made great vows as a bodhisattva, the most significant of which are:

1. "If I do not go to the hell to help the suffering beings there, who else will go? If the hells are not empty I will not become a Buddha. Only when all living beings have been saved, will I attain Bodhi."
2. "As long as there are sentient beings in hell, I will not attain Buddhahood. Only when all sentient beings are free, will I myself realize Bodhi."

Cult of Kṣitigarbha

The cult of Kṣitigarbha is widely spread in East Asia, especially in China, Japan, and Taiwan. He is one of the most popular bodhisattvas among Mahayana Buddhists and is seen as the savior of beings in the hell realms.

See Also

• Bodhisattva
• Mahayana Buddhism
• Gautama Buddha
• Maitreya