"As Long as Hell is Not Empty, I Vow Not to Become a Buddha": The Great Vow and Spirit of Filial Piety of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
The Great Vow: The Origin of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Among the great bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sanskrit: Kṣitigarbha), known as Dìzàng Wáng Púsà (地藏王菩薩) in Chinese, is distinguished by his profound and awe-inspiring vow: "As long as the hells are not empty, I vow not to become a Buddha; only when all sentient beings have been saved will I attain Bodhi." This vow expresses a commitment of unimaginable depth and a compassion that extends to the most tormented beings in the lowest realms of existence.
The name "Ksitigarbha" can be translated as "Earth Treasury" or "Earth Womb." "Kṣiti" means "earth," and "garbha" means "womb" or "treasury." This name signifies that his compassion is as deep and nurturing as the Earth itself, which sustains all life, and that he holds a treasury of merits to save all beings.
According to the Sutra of the Past Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, in a past life, Ksitigarbha was a young Brahmin woman named Sacred Girl. Her mother had slandered the Triple Gem (the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) and, after her death, was reborn in a hell realm. To save her mother, Sacred Girl sold all she had and made offerings to the Buddha of her time. Through her sincere prayers and meritorious deeds, she not only rescued her mother from hell but was also inspired to make a great vow to save all beings suffering in the evil paths for all future eons.
The Lord of the Netherworld: Iconography and Symbolism
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is typically depicted as a monk, in contrast to other bodhisattvas who are often portrayed as celestial beings or royalty. This simple and humble appearance reflects his commitment to living among ordinary beings and descending into the darkest realms to offer salvation.
His key iconographic features include:
- A Monk's Robe: He wears the simple robes of a Buddhist monk, symbolizing his renunciation and his dedication to the monastic path.
- A Khakkhara (Monk's Staff): In his right hand, he holds a six-ringed staff, which he uses to force open the gates of hell and to awaken beings from their stupor of ignorance. The six rings represent the Six Perfections (Pāramitās) or the six realms of existence.
- A Cintāmaṇi (Wish-Fulfilling Jewel): In his left hand, he holds a luminous jewel that can illuminate the darkness of the hell realms and fulfill the wishes of all sentient beings, granting them wisdom and dispelling their fears.
- A Shaven Head: His shaven head is another characteristic of a monk, signifying his detachment from worldly vanity.
Ksitigarbha is often referred to as the "Lord of the Netherworld," not as a ruler who inflicts punishment, but as a compassionate guide who brings light and hope to the beings suffering there. He is the one who remains in the Saha world during the period between the parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha and the advent of the future Buddha, Maitreya, to teach and liberate beings in the six realms, especially those in hell.
The Sutra of Filial Piety: Ksitigarbha and Ancestral Veneration
The Sutra of the Past Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is often referred to as the "Sutra of Filial Piety" in Chinese Buddhism. This is because the sutra begins with the story of Ksitigarbha's past life as a filial daughter who goes to great lengths to save her mother from a hellish rebirth. This narrative deeply resonated with the Confucian value of filial piety (孝, xiào), which is a cornerstone of Chinese culture.
The sutra teaches that performing meritorious deeds—such as reciting sutras, making offerings to the Buddha, and practicing compassion—and dedicating the merit to one's deceased ancestors can help them attain a better rebirth. This teaching provided a Buddhist framework for the traditional Chinese practice of ancestor veneration, making Ksitigarbha a central figure in rituals for the deceased.
During the Ullambana Festival (Ghost Festival), which is observed in many East Asian countries, devotees often recite the Ksitigarbha Sutra and make offerings in his name to pray for the salvation of their ancestors and all suffering spirits.
The Power of a Vow: The Enduring Legacy of Ksitigarbha
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of a great vow (mahāpranidhāna). His unwavering determination to empty the hells serves as a profound source of inspiration for all Mahayana practitioners.
His teachings offer several key insights:
- Unconditional Compassion: Ksitigarbha's compassion is not limited to the good or the fortunate; it extends to the most fallen and desperate beings. He teaches us that no one is beyond hope and that every being possesses the potential for enlightenment.
- The Importance of Filial Piety: He reminds us of the debt of gratitude we owe to our parents and ancestors. Practicing filial piety is not just a social obligation but a spiritual practice that cultivates gratitude and compassion.
- Taking Responsibility: Ksitigarbha's vow is an act of taking ultimate responsibility for the welfare of all beings. He inspires us to look beyond our own personal salvation and to work for the liberation of all.
In a world where suffering and despair can often seem overwhelming, the figure of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva stands as a beacon of unwavering hope. He is the embodiment of relentless effort and boundless love, a reminder that even in the darkest of places, the light of compassion can shine through. By reciting his name and reflecting on his great vow, we can cultivate our own capacity for courage, perseverance, and unconditional love, and contribute to making this world a better place for all.