Chapter I. Ubiquitous Supernatural Powers of the Exalted Buddha at Trayastrimsa Heaven
Thus I have heard: At one time the World-Honoured One sojourned at the
Trayastrimsa, or Tavatimsa, Heaven, and was preaching on His mother旧
behalf. At that time, innumerable Buddhas and Maha-Bodhisattvas from
infinite world-systems in the ten quarters of space convened
harmoniously, admiring the fully Enlightened One, Shakyamuni, for His
transcendental wisdom and Infinite powers in guiding erring beings to
understand the dissimilarity between the bases of happiness and sorrow
in the world. They all escorted their attendants to offer homage to the
Honoured One.
The Honoured One smiled and radiated multi-radiant beams of infinite
compassion, supreme wisdom, benevolence, etc., dispatching forth into
space sounds of the six paramitas; sounds of infinite compassion; sounds
of charity; sounds of emancipation; sounds of bliss; sounds of
transcendental wisdom; emitting lion-roars; emitting great lion-roars;
emitting thunderous sounds; and a great number of other indescribable
sounds. Many beings from the ten quarters of space in this world and
additional worlds had assembled jointly at Trayastrimsa Heaven, Tusita
Heaven, Nirmanarati Heaven, Paranirmita-vasavartin Heaven,
Brahmaparisadya Heaven, Brahmapurohitas Heaven, Mahabrahman Heaven, and
from numerous other Heavens.
All Devas, spirits and dragons from the seas had combined together, as
also beings from various worlds and this human world, such as spirits of
the sea, storms, rivers, trees, hills, earth, spring, spirits of the
fields, day, night, spirits of the empty spaces, the skies, of drink and
food, spirits of the grass and woods, and all the other spirits.
Likewise, there came beings from different worlds and the human one -
such beings as great kings of pretas, asuras, succubus pretas, preta
spirits of sickness, the pretas of poison, the kings of the pretas of
joy and prosperity, the kings of pretas of carnal love and prestige, and
many pretas and kings of pretas had gathered happily together.
At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha told Manjusri, Prince of the Dharma;
\`Now you perceive by mental vision all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas,
devas, dragons, pretas and spirits from this and other worlds from this
country including other lands are assembled together in this
Trayastrimsa Heaven. Do you know the precise number of them all?\`
Manjusri told the Buddha, \`O, World Honoured One, even though I have
enormous powers developed through innumerable kalpas, I am not well
acquainted with the exact number.\`
The Buddha told Manjusri, \`Even though I behold through the eyes of a
Buddha, I too, am unable to disclose to you the accurate number of all
these deities. They are all those whom Ksitigarbha has converted and
capably guided from long, long ago. Some are to be relieved and directed
by him in the future.\`
Manjusri told the Buddha, \`O Honoured of the World, I have long
practised meritorious deeds and long ago attained unobstructed wisdom.
Undeniably, I will trust your words, but those who pursue the Arahat
path, the path of Heavens, the worship of dragons, and many beings who
will be born in the future, will be doubtful and reluctant to adopt what
you have strongly emphasized as the truth. Devas, nagas, yakshas,
gandharvas, asuras, kinnaras, mahorags, and others of the eight classes
with humans to be born in the future will be filled with suspense and
hesitant although you have pronounced the truth most zealously. If you
compel them to believe, they will instead seek to spread evil of the
Teaching. Thereupon, I earnestly anticipate that the Honoured of the
World will narrate to us the original vows of this Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, as he commenced his Bodhisattva career, and how he laboured
to gain such inconceivable success and authority.\`
The Buddha told Manjusri, \`Suppose that every blade of grass, wood,
forest, paddyfield, hill, stone, dustmote, every material thing閠hough
numerous as the sands of the Ganges, and though each sand-grain is one
world, and each dust-mote is one kalpa * , and all numbers are reversed
into kalpa, that which he has done to accomplish the Dasabhumi - (ten
stages of the fifty two sections of development), even though they are
more than can be manifested by words, they are surpassed by the deeds of
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in his Arahat and Pratyoka Buddha stages.
* A kalpa is an indescribably long time. Buddha Shakymuni once gave this
analogy. \`Imagine a mountain of the hardest stone, of a size of one
mile wide, one mile long, and one mile high. If one were to visit this
mountain only once every thousand years, and stroke it gently with a
silken cloth, when the mountain had thus been completely worn away, a
period of one kalpa would have passed.\`
\`Manjusri, this Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, his vows and his powers, are
indeed inconceivable. If beings, both males and females, to be born in
the future, shall listen to and hail the name of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, institute homage to Ksitigarbha by chanting his name,
communicating offerings to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and draw or carve his
image or make likenesses of him, all these beings shall be born for one
hundred births into a special heaven, this is the Indra Trayastrimsa
Heaven (thirty three in number), the second of the six Heavens of
formation, and shall never descend into the three evil states forever.\`
\`Manjusri, this Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had been the son of a respected
elder of unaccountable kalpas ago. At the time when he established his
first resolve, there was a Buddha by the name of Lion-Power. The youth
examined with awe the majestic appearance of the Buddha and questioned
what he had conducted as a Bodhisattva and what vow he had performed to
accomplish such a divine appearance. The Buddha imparted to the youth,
\`If you want to gain such an appearance, you must attempt your utmost
to relieve the sufferings of all sorrowful beings and continue this
practice for a long, long time.\` Then the Shakyamuni Buddha told
Manjusri that the Buddha Lion-Power had counselled the youth to decide
on a vow, as follows - \`I now determine to relieve the sufferings of
beings in the six realms of suffering and sorrow, skilfully leading them
to Salvation through innumerable kalpas, before I myself attain
Buddhahood.\` By the youth disciplining such a strong vow before the
Buddha Lion-Power, thereupon, for unaccountable kalpas, he has remained
in the Bodhisattva stage.
Again, there was another Buddha, at a time inconceivably long ago, who
was named Buddha of Flower of Meditation and Enlightenment and who
survived to a very great age of millions of kalpas. There are three
stages for discharging respect to a Buddha:
To the Buddha incarnate,
To his image and
A declaration of faith and respect.
At the second stage of offering respect to a Buddha, there was a Brahman
girl who had in past ages practised great benevolence. Apart from being
respected and honoured by people, she had also been bestowed with
relief and protection from devas ever since the beginning of her career
of charity. But her mother refused to respect the truth of the Dharma
and always uttered evil against the Triple Gems. Although the \`Sacred
Daughter,\` as she was called, subjected herself to excessive persuasion
toward her mother to (get her to) embrace Right Understanding, the
mother was thickly prejudiced against her daughter`s counsel and
guidance.
When the mother died, she was reborn in the Avici Hell (Hell of
unceasing sufferings), the last of the eight hot Hells where punishment
continued without intermission. The Brahman girl was fully aware that
her mother did not accord to the Doctrine of Cause and Effect and
committed many evils in her life; by such bad deeds, therefore, she
would surely sink into an evil birth in the lower Hells of intense
suffering. Conscious of this Karma, the daughter parted with all her
property and belongings by the offering of flowers and other forms of
offering at the temple or pagoda of the Buddha of Flower of Meditation
and Enlightenment. The image of the Buddha therein was magnificently
carved and was to be admired in all appearances. She insinuated deep
respect to this Buddha and sought reasoning solely by herself, \`This
Buddha is fully enlightened and all-pervading in wisdom. If he were
still embodied in this world of manifestation, I would request of him
where my mother has been cast. I feel sure he would know the exact realm
of her person.\` After such a thought. she knelt before the Buddha`s
image and was in a most tearful disposition for a considerable length of
time.
Suddenly, she contacted a voice from outer space, addressing her thus,
\`Sacred Girl, whimper not so sorrowfully. I will impart to you where
your mother has gone.\` The Brahman girl clasped her hands in deep
respect and replied to the voice, \`What divine being will relieve me of
my worries and apprehensions! Since my mother`s death, I have been
remembering her from day and night in prayers but I fail to discover
where she is being reborn.\` Then the voice responded to her filial
love, \`I am the Buddha whom you are now leading your Faith to, and I am
aware of your devotion to your mother which is quite different from
that of other children; thereby, I am here to enlighten you about her.\`
When the Brahman girl took heed of this, she fell to the ground and
again wept bitterly in an almost endless state. She feared that she
would soon perish from the human world, and implored the Buddha to avail
her anxiety as to where her mother had been reborn. The Buddha replied,
\`Sacred Girl, after your offering, return home early, be seated down
and compose yourself in meditation, then concentrate on my name quietly
and you will then cherish the idea of associating where your mother
is.\`
When the Brahman girl had finished paying homage, she went home and did
as she had been instructed. After meditating for a day and night, she
suddenly found herself on a great shore. She beheld many fierce
iron-skinned animals hurrying back and forth, up and down, East and West
in a boiling sea. She also saw thousands and millions of men and women
emotionally moving among the waves of the sea, attempting to escape from
the cruel monsters with iron skins. Moreover, she attested Yaksas
(demons on earth, or in the air, or in the lower planes which are
malignant, violent and carnivorous. They have many feet, eyes and heads
and have sword-like teeth). These Yaksas were driving the poor men and
women to the cruel monsters, and they themselves confronted the men and
women angrily. The sight was so dreadful that the girl dared not prolong
her gaze although by the power of the Buddha, she was not struck with
any fear for herself. At that time, there existed a king of the
sea-devils named \`King No-poison\` (the poison caused by either
actions, words and thoughts) who revealed his hospitality to her and
entertained her saying, \`Sacred Girl, you are a good Bodhisattva, why
do you venture to come to such a place like this\`` The Brahman girl
then requested for the name of the place. The poisonless Devil-king told
the girl This is Mahachakravala (the first great sea in the West). The
girl replied, \`I was directed that there is a Hell in the interior of
this great circular iron enclosure. Is this true?\` King No-poison
replied, \`Yes, this is true.\` Then the girl asked, \`Why is it that I
have come to a Hell?\` King No-poison interpreted that it was either
through the power of the Buddha or through her own good Karmic power, as
otherwise she would never be able to have a visit to Mahachakravala.
The girl then queried why the water of the great ocean was boiling, and
with so many sinners and fierce animals within.
Then King No-poison answered, \`Those sinners are the new Deaths from
the human world. After having passed away for forty-nine days with no
descendants to do good deeds to relieve them from their sufferings, and
as a result of their having raised nothing for the benefit of humanity
during their life-time, but that of only committing sins in one way or
another, their first punishment is to cross this Sea of Suffering, which
extends ten million miles eastwards. There is another Sea, where
sinners suffer double punishments. East of this latter Sea In view is
yet another Sea of Suffering, where sinners suffer extreme tortures.\`
\`The above three Seas are called Seas of Sufferings. Those who have
committed sins through actions, words and thoughts, are cast into these
Seas to be punished, as they should be, for their evil deeds.\`
The Sacred Girl asked King No-poison, \`Where is Hell\`` King No-poison
answered, \`Within the three Seas of Sufferings, there are thousands of
varieties of Hells. There are eighteen great Hells and five hundred
smaller ones where sinners have to undergo boundless punishment. Also,
there are thousands of others where leniency is bestowed on all those
who have not committed too serious offences during their life-time.\`
The Sacred Girl said to King No-poison, \`My mother has passed away recently. I am anxious to know where she has been sent to.
King No-poison questioned the Sacred Girl, \`What has your mother done during her life-time?\`
The Sacred Girl replied, \`My mother, during her life-time, had envious
views of the Triple-Gems, and had spoken evil against them. Many a time,
she did strive to embrace Faith in the Exalted Buddha, but was
insufficiently firm about it. She expired only a few days ago, and I
have no idea where she is at the moment.\`
King No-poison asked, \`What is your mother`s name\``
The Sacred Girl responded, \`Both my parents were Brahmans. The name of
my father was Sila Sen-sen and the name of my mother was Yuet Tee-ii.\`
King No-poison answered the Sacred Girl with clasped hands and said,
\`My Sacred Girl, pray do not feel distressed and return home with a
joyful heart as your mother has ascended to Heaven just three days ago.
It was your earnest and filial devotion of making offerings to the
Buddha of Flower of Meditation and Enlightenment that your mother was
relieved. Not only did your mother receive deliverance from Hell, but
all sinners of the Avici Hell also benefited from it, for they ascended
to Heaven on the same day.\` After intimating to the Sacred Girl of her
mother`s Salvation, the King of the Devils retreated with clasped hands.
With this enlightening message about her mother, the Sacred Girl felt
that her earlier fears were unfounded. She then knelt before the Buddha
of Flower of Meditation and Enlightenment and expressed this strong vow,
\`I shall exercise my best to relieve people of their sufferings
forever in my future lives of kalpas to come.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha then told Manjusri Bodhisattva that the King of the
Devils, No-poison, is now the Bodhisattva of Wealth and that the Sacred
Girl has been named Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Chapter II. The Assembly of the Transformations of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Just at that time, an unaccountable number of transformations of the
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva from Hells of numerous universes assembled at
Trayastrimsa Heaven under the ubiquitous Supernatural Powers of the
Exalted Buddha, and an unaccountable number of others who, being spared
of their sufferings, also came to the same place holding flowers and
joss-sticks in their hands to pay homage to the Honoured of the World.
These beings had at one time been suffering endlessly, from kalpas to
kalpas, in the ocean of birth and death. Through the great compassion
and strong vows of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, they were converted by
him and thus attained Buddhahood. They all assembled at the Trayastrimsa
Heaven, and conveyed their fullest respect and admiration to the
Honoured of the World by gazing at Him attentively.
Shakyamuni Buddha extended His golden arms to bless the unaccountable
transformations of the Ksitigarbha and said, \`You are truly to be
commended for having successfully converted so many human beings to real
Salvation. In fact, I have adapted myself to innumerable
transformations to lead all beings, either intelligent or ignorant, to
righteousness and truth by any means. Although I have tried my utmost to
convert the erring ones from this world of sufferings, I could see that
there might be one or two out of every ten who are still sinful. I ask
you to seek transformations of other Buddhas to convert them in all
possible ways and means. There are, without doubt, intelligent ones who
are likely to be converted after my preaching and attain Buddhahood by
my persuasion to practise good deeds, but unintelligent wrong-doers can
only be converted after a lengthy period of preaching. For the stubborn
ones, it is useless to expect any respect or faith from them. In spite
of all the obstacles, I had endeavoured to convert these miserable
creatures and lead them to real Salvation by performing different
transformations. I performed transformation as males, females, devas,
spirits, devils, mountains, forests, streams, rivers, pools or anything
to bring benefit upon human beings and to convert them all without any
exception Again, I transformed into Kings or Emperors of Heavens,
Brahmans or Rulers of Continents, followers of the Buddha, Kings of
countries, Prime-ministers, officials of high ranks, Bhikkhus or
Bhikkhunis, Upasakas, Upasikas, Saravakas, Arahats, Pacceka Buddhas or
Bodhisattvas to convert mankind. Not only did I convert people in the
form of the Buddha, but you should recollect how strenuously I have
lived from kalpas to kalpas with unremitting toil to convert even
stubborn beings to Salvation. Stubborn ones can still be found, and if
they are cast into Hell for punishment, you should remember how I
requested you to work earnestly to lift them to Buddhahood and
Enlightenment, till the next Buddha, by the name of Maitreya Buddha,
will be born to this world.\`
Just at that moment, the various transformations of the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva from different universes were seen consolidated into one
form and, with tears in his eyes, he said to the Buddha, \`You have been
kind enough to bestow upon me supernatural power and transcendental
wisdom for kalpas and kalpas. May my innumerable transformations of
different forms be successful in pervading various universes to lead
mankind to real Salvation. Though human beings have not the slightest
interest in reaping good deeds, I shall strive to convert them gradually
and bring great benefit and happiness to all. Pray, do not be
disheartened over the evils of these beings, as I shall bear the full
responsibility to convert them to the supreme state of Buddhahood.\`
Again, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva requested the Honoured of the World not
to feel distressed over the evils of human beings in the generations to
come by repeating his vow three times.
Shakymuni Buddha was thus highly delighted and said, \`My blessings. I
appreciate your strong vows and may you be praised for your efforts to
heal the human world, and that your aim for Buddhahood after your firm
resolution to convert them be achieved.\`
Chapter III. Observations of Retribution of Human Beings Resulting from Previous Karmas
At that time, Queen Maha Maya, mother of the Buddha, asked Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva respectfully with clasped hands, \`My divine One, human
beings in the Samsara world commit different sins. What retribution do
they receive for their Karmas?\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva replied by saying, \`There are millions and
millions of worlds. In some of them, you will find Hells as we have in
our Samsara world. In some of them, there are no Hells, like the
Sukavati (Western Paradise). In some of them, there are females whilst
in others there are none.
In some, you will be able to hear the preaching of the Buddha, but in
others people are not privileged to listen to the Dharma In some, there
are Saravakas, Arahats, Pacceka Buddhas, etc. whilst in others, these do
not exist. Consequently, sufferings in different Hells are numerous and
cannot be explained in detail.\`
Queen Maha Maya asked once again, \`I only seek to know the types of suffering for beings of the Samsara world.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva answered, \`My Sacred Mother, I will relate to
you in brief. The retribution of Karmas of human beings in the human
world are innumerable. Beings born disobedient to their parents or
associated in bad ways, are cast into the Avici Hell and will continue
to suffer from kalpas to kalpas with no means of escape. People who do
harm to the Buddha by destroying His images and speak of the Triple Gems
disrespectfully or having no respect for the Teaching of the Honoured
One, would be cast to the Avici Hell from kalpas to kalpas with no means
of escape.
Human beings who do harm to the sacred temples, commit adultery with
monks or nuns or kill or harm others in sacred places, are cast into the
Avici Hell for eternal suffering. Any being, following the practices of
a monk with no pure embrace of the Dharma, bullying others or
committing various
kinds of sins, is cast into the Avici Hell for similar punishment. Those
who are prone to steal things from temples such as cash, rice, food,
clothing or anything would similarly be thrown into the Avici Hell for
continuous sufferings.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva repeated to Queen Maha Maya, \`Any of the above named groups of sinners are punished perpetually.\`
Queen Maha Maya asked Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva once again, \`What is the meaning of Avici Hell?\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva replied, \`Sacred Mother, there are different
Hells within the Mahachakravala. Besides the eighteen big Hells, there
are some five hundred others to be found with different names, and still
another thousand Hells. Avici Hells means Hells reinforced with iron
surrounded by iron walls, eight millions miles wide and one million
miles high. These Hells are fully filled with burning flames and are
jointly linked up together with other Hells of different names.
Among them there is one Hell by the name of \`Avici\`. The area of this
Avici Hell is eight thousand square miles. The whole of this Hell, with
iron walls, is packed with burning flames. Iron snakes and dogs with hot
fire in this Hell run from the East to the West. Also, there is an iron
bed and when one is cast there, he can see his own body filling it.
Therefore, all beings are subjected to punishment according to their
sins. Then, there are the Yaksas (Demons) with eyes similar to that of
electric bulbs and hands in the shape of steel claws to scratch the
sinners Yaksas pierce the sinners` bodies, throw them into the air and
the fall kills them. There are also iron eagles which hook the eyes of
sinners, and iron snakes which curl round sinners?necks. Long nails are
pierced into the sinners?limbs, their tongues are pulled out by iron
thongs, and their intestines are sawed up. Molten steel is poured into
their mouths. Hot iron wires are used to bind their bodies. Sinners
suffer according to their evil actions by encountering innumerable
births and deaths for kalpas and kalpas without any hope of escape. When
this world comes to an end, sinners will be transferred to another
world, and in the new world they endure more punishment.
The punishments in the Avici Hell are as mentioned above and those subjected to them undergo the following five orders:
Sinners to be punished throughout the day and night for kalpas after
kalpas without any break. This answers to suffering without an end of
time.
To be spread over the \`Bed of Punishment\` in one form or other with no limit of space.
Sufferings without limit as in the use of weapons for punishment, such
as iron-fork, iron-sticks, iron-snakes, iron-eagles, iron-foxes,
iron-dogs, iron-saws, iron-hammers, iron-pans, iron-wires, iron-ropes,
iron-asses, iron-horses, iron-balls, melted-iron, as well as various
kinds of iron weapons.
Whether they be males for females, civilised or uncivilised, old or
young, rich or poor, devils or spirits, or even devas must suffer for
their unforgivable sins committed, according to their karmas without any
difference.
To be cast into this Hell for kalpas and kalpas to suffer different
kinds of punishment, day and night endlessly, i.e. life without any
break, and with no means of escape until their retribution of Karma
comes to an end.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva told Queen Maha Maya, \`This is but a brief
description of a visit to Hell. To quote the names of Hells, the types
of punishment and instruments used will take a period of one kalpa.\`
After listening to Ksitigarbha旧 discourse, Queen Maha Maya retreated
respectfully with clasped hands and was seen in great sorrow.
Chapter IV. Evil Actions and Retributions of Human Beings of the Samsara World
At that time, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva told Shakyamuni Buddha, \`Honoured
of the World, only through your transcendental powers, am I then able
to have transformations throughout millions and millions of Universes to
enlighten suffering beings to real Salvation. It must be by your great
compassion and supernatural power that I am also able to have such
innumerable transformations. I solemnly promise to fulfil your
instruction to continue to relieve beings from this state of suffering
and to lead them to Salvation. I shall strive to work hard until the
next Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, comes to this world. Pray, do not
despair.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha then told Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, \`The natural
powers of perception of all those who have not yet been liberated from
the Samsara world are of an unsteady nature. Sometimes they do good
deeds, and sometimes they commit sins. They receive their Karma
according to their deeds. They have to undergo births and deaths, to be
tested continuously at different stages in the ocean of sufferings from
kalpas to kalpas. They will always be in one of the following five
states.
Human Beings
Animals
Sub-humans in Hells
Ghosts
Asuras
Like fish, they will be caught in nets. They may be set free for some time and be caught again.\`
I am tremendously worried over these beings, but as you are so resolute
to fulfil the strong vows which you have made kalpas ago to work
unremittingly to lead the erring beings to Salvation, I therefore feel
the relief now.\`
Just at that moment when Shakyamuni was speaking to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, there was a Maha Bodhisattva by the name of Isvaradeva
(King of the Devils) who spoke to the Buddha, \`Honoured of the World,
you have been most generous to speak in favour of the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva for the strong vows made by him to perform kalpas after
kalpas so energetically. Kindly relate to me in brief all that is
determined by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.\`
The Buddha then told the King of the Devils, \`Please listen carefully and attentively to what I say - -
\`When he was a King of a small kingdom\`
\`Innumerable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha by the name of Sarvajna
Buddha, the Accomplishment of Buddha Wisdom. This Buddha lived a very
long life of six million kalpas. Before he became a Buddha, he was a
king of a small country. He was a great friend of the King in his
neighbourhood. Both Kings practised the ten Principles of Righteousness.
Unfortunately, the citizens of his neighbouring country always
committed sinful deeds. Consequently, the two Kings consulted one
another to discover ways and means of leading their citizens to live a
virtuous life. The first King made a strong vow that he would do his
best to be enlightened as soon as he could, so that he might enlighten
his citizens to the path of Salvation. The second King vowed that he
would never become a Buddha unless he could bring about the moral
progress of sinful citizens when they would be able to achieve
Enlightenment. The King who vowed to become a Buddha is Sarvajna
Buddha閠he Accomplishment of Buddha Wisdom. The other King who made a vow
that he would never accept Buddhahood unless he could bring all erring
beings to Enlightenment is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
\`When he was the daughter of a Brahman\`
Again, innumerable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha by the name of Pure
Lotus Eyes. He lived a long life of forty kalpas. During the semblance
of the period of the Buddha, there was an Arahat who worked strenuously
to convert beings by propagating the Noble Teachings of the Buddha.
There was a girl by the name of Kong Mok閠he girl with bright eyes. She
made offerings to the Arahat, who asked her what her wish was. The girl
replied, \`I did some good work on the day of my mother旧 death in order
to relieve her out of her sufferings. I long to know in what state my
mother is at present.\` The Arahat pitied her and started to meditate.
He came to know that the mother of the girl had been cast into the Hell
of great Sufferings. The Arahat asked the girl what her mother did
during her lifetime, so as to be cast into the Hell and to receive such
severe punishment. The girl replied, \`My mother used to be very fond of
eating tortoises, especially their eggs, and fishes fried or cooked.
She therefore killed countless lives for food. Compassionate One, kindly
let me know how to relieve my mother.\` Out of great compassion, the
Arahat told the girl to chant the name of the Buddha of Pure Lotus Eyes
earnestly and respectfully, and that she should carve images of the
above Buddha so that both the mother and herself could benefit from it.
After being told by the Arahat, the girl disposed of her precious
belongings, and with the money she had an image of the Exalted Buddha
drawn and paid homage to it. Again, she begged to know where her mother
was. Suddenly, one night, she saw the Buddha in the midst of a bright
golden light as big as Mount Sumeru, telling her thus, \`Your mother
will be born to your family as a son of a servant, and will be able to
speak as soon as she can feel cold and hunger.\` Before long, the
servant in her family gave birth to a son. The newly-born child spoke to
the girl three days after his birth. This newly-born infant said to the
girl who was weeping bitterly, \`Whatever evil deeds one has done, one
will receive punishment without exception. I am your mother! After my
departure from you, I have been cast into a dreadful Hell to suffer
severe punishment. It was on account of the good deeds offered by you
that I am now born as a son of your servant. But, owing to the evil
deeds which I committed during my life, I can only live to the age of
thirteen, and will again be cast into the Hell. My child, what ways and
means can you find to relieve me from my sufferings?\` Upon hearing
this, the girl was certain that the newly-born infant was her mother.
The girl then asked the newly-born child, \`Since you were my mother in
your last life, you ought to know what sins were committed by you, so
that you were cast into Hell.\` The child answered, \`I have committed
two sins, both by killing lives and speaking evil as well as scolding
others. Without your help, by practising good deeds, I can never be
relieved from my sufferings.\` The girl then asked the infant, \`What
kind of suffering were you subjected to in Hell?\` The mother replied,
\`The sufferings were so numerous that I can not fully relate them, even
if given a thousand years to do so.\` Upon hearing this, the girl then
wept bitterly again, \`May my mother be relieved from Hell forever
after?\` Later, the child died at the age of thirteen.
Meanwhile, the girl was seen calling, \`Oh, Buddha of the ten directions
of Space, please be compassionate and listen to me. If my mother can be
relieved from the three States of Suffering or be born into an superior
family, or will never be born a female again, I now make a strong vow
in front of the image of the Buddha of Pure Lotus Eyes⑨ shall continue
to forge ahead unremittingly to relieve all suffering beings from Hells,
as well as in any state of suffering from every Universe and lead them
to real Salvation. I shall accept Buddhahood only when I have completed
the relief of all beings from their sufferings.\`
After making such a firm declaration, the Buddha of the Pure Lotus Eyes
then told the girl, \`You are really a filial daughter to make such a
strong vow for the benefit of your mother. May your mother be born as a
Brahmacarin, a young Brahman, after living for thirteen years. She will
then live for a hundred years. After that, she will be reborn in the
Universe, where she will not suffer anymore, and there she will enjoy
life for kalpas and kalpas, until she finally achieves Buddhahood. Then,
she will be able to convert as many humans as the grains of sand in the
Ganges River.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha told the King of Devils, \`The Arahat, who helped the
girl with bright eyes to relieve her mother, is Aksayamati Bodhisattva.
The mother of the girl with bright eyes is, at present, the Bodhisattva
of Emancipation. The girl with bright eyes is at present the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was noted for his compassion and sympathy
through kalpa after kalpa by making innumerable vows to lead the erring
world to Salvation. If any male or female of the future, through
ignorance, does not practise good deeds, but commits sin through
actions, words and thoughts, or ignores the law of Cause and Effect,
they will always suffer in any one of the States of Suffering.
But, after the chance of meeting a person with wisdom who persuades them
to pay respect to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, even if only for a short
length of time, they will certainly be relieved from the States of
Sufferings.
Anyone who relies on Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, pays homage to him, or
sincerely praises his meritorious acts, makes offerings of scented
flowers and robes, jewels and various foods and beverages, will be
reborn in the realms of celestial happiness for innumerable kalpas. When
the effect of these meritorious deeds comes to an end, they will be
reborn as kings of countries for hundreds of kalpas. These rulers will
remember the links of causation in their previous lives.
Then Shakyamuni Buddha told Isavaradevaraja \`Because the Infinite
powers of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva prove to be so great and the benefits
he bestows on beings are so inconceivably boundless, that is why you
Bodhisattvas must remember his Sutra and endeavour to propagate it far
and wide.
\`Isavaradevaraja then addressed Shakyamuni Buddha, \`Honoured of the
World, be not apprehensive; we, millions and millions of Maha
Bodhisattvas, will surely carry out your instructions and, by the grace
of your Infinite powers, we shall propagate the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Sutra far and wide and bring happiness and benefit to the beings of the
Samsara world.\` After this promise Isavaradevaraja returned to his seat
with hands clasped in adoration. The Maharaja Deva Kings of the four
quarters rose reverently from their seats and said to Shakyamuni Buddha,
\`Honoured of the World, since Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has made such
great vows kalpas and kalpas ago, why are there still unconverted beings
and why was it necessary for Ksitigarbha to renew his vows?\`
Shakyamuni Buddha told the four Deva Kings, \`Very well, your question
is very good. For the welfare of the four Deva Kings, devas and beings
of the Heavens or the worlds, at this time and for the future, I shall
tell you how Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with great compassion, relieved
erring beings of the Samsara world from the ocean of birth and death,
leading them to emancipation.\` The four Deva Kings replied, \`We will
listen most attentively to your words.\` Shakyamuni Buddha continued,
\`Although Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has converted erring beings through
the kalpas, he is still not satisfied. He has great pity for those who
wander in sin, knowing that no matter how hard they try, they will fall
back into erring actions again and again. They are like link-grass which
spread far and wide. Therefore, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has renewed his
vows again and again. He has unceasingly tried to find upaya (devices)
suitable for saving the sinful and converting them to the Eternal Truth
.\`
Then Shakyamuni Buddha spoke again to the four Deva Kings, saying, \`If
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva encounters beings who commit sin by killing, he
helps them to realise that such sins shorten their lives. If he
encounters thieves and robbers, he will lead them to understand that
such evil actions will bring suffering and poverty to those who commit
them. When he meets adulterers, he tells them that they will be reborn
as pigeons which are inseparable. He tells those addicted to harsh
language that they will be born into quarrelsome families. If
scandalmongers are met, then he warns them of the danger of being born
without tongues or with horrible boils in their mouths. He assures those
with hot temper that they may risk being reborn with ugly faces and
deformed bodies. Misers will not be successful in gaining their wishes,
greedy beings will suffer hunger and thirst, and sickness of the throat.
When he encounters hunters, he warns them that they are in danger of
dying by violence. Those who are guilty of disrespect for their parents
will die in warfare. Those who burn forests will die mentally
unbalanced. Those who are unkind to step-children will eventually
receive the same treatment. Those who catch living things in nets will
be separated from their children and families. Those who despise the
Triple-gems will be reborn deaf, dumb and blind. Those who have no
respect for the Teachings of the Buddha are always reborn in the evil
realms of suffering. Those who steal from temples will be reborn in
Hells for kalpas and kalpas. Monks and nuns guilty of sexual misconduct
will be reborn as animals endlessly. Also the laity will be included in
this punishment if they are well instructed in the precepts but violate
them. Those beings who harm people with boiling water, fire, cutting or
otherwise injuring them will, in their next life, receive the same
treatment. Those who encourage others to break the precepts shall be
reborn as animals? always suffering from hunger. Those who are guilty of
stupid extravagance will never get their wishes fulfilled. Those who
are proud and look down on others will have low births. Gossips and
tale-bearers will be reborn without tongues or else with one hundred
tongues. Those who cling to wrong views will be reborn in uncivilised
places and endure suffering.\`
\`Erring beings who commit sins in actions, words and thoughts are
countless, that I can only tell you some of them. Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva knows that erring being are different from one another and
he accommodates himself to lead and teach them all, leading them to
conversion. Evil beings suffer in this life-time for their evil deeds
and upon death will be reborn into the Hells for kalpas and kalpas
before they can emerge therefrom. It is the duty of you Deva Kings of
the Four Quarters to protect your subjects and countries and lead them
away from the countless sins.\`
After hearing this discourse, the Deva Kings wept and departed sorrowfully, with clasped hands, reverently.
Chapter V. The Names of Different Kinds of Hells
At that time, Samantabhadra Maha Bodhisattva requested Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva and said, \`My meritorious One, please be kind enough to
relate to devas, the dragons and all beings of the Samsara world, in the
present and the future, the names of different Hells and the kinds of
punishment for committing sins, so that beings in the future generation
will realise the result of evil deeds and therefore will avoid evil.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva replied, \`My compassionate One, under the
supernatural powers of the Buddha and your kind support, I now give you
the names of Hells and the kinds of punishment for sinners in brief?
1. The Great Avici Hell
At the East of the Mahachakravala mountain which is extremely cold, for
there is neither light of the sun nor the moon, there is a great Hell by
the name of Great Avici. Punishments in this Hell comprise of pain,
form, birth and death. Such punishments continue without intermission.
2. Hell of Interminable Punishment
Where the wailing and screaming of sinners are heard because of pain.
3. Hell of Four Corners
Where hot and burning iron-walls surround this Hell and with flames of
fire falling on the sinners, like heavy rain-drops. After the sinners
are burnt to death, they are reborn for further sufferings.
A. Hell of Flying Knives
This Hell is surrounded by mountains made of Knives. In the air, there
are millions and millions of sharp walls with curved Knives which will
fall on the sinners. When the Knives fall on the sinners` bodies, the
bodies will be slashed to pieces.
5. Hell of Burning Arrows
Where millions of Burning Arrows pierce through the sinners` hearts and bodies.
6. Hell of Crushing Mountains
Where sinners will be crushed to pieces between two Mountains.
7. Hell of Knife-like Spears
Where sinners` bodies will be pierced through by these Spears.
8. Hell of Iron-Trains
Where sinners` bodies are turned and run over by the burning iron-wheels of these Trains.
9. Hell of Burning Iron-Beds
Where sinners bodies are placed on these Beds to be burnt to death.
10. Hell of Iron-Cows or Oxen
Where sinners are pierced or stepped over by the horns or hoofs of these Cows or Oxen.
11. Hell of Burning Iron-Clothing
Where sinners are wrapped up by these burning Iron-Clothing.
12. Hell of Thousands of Burning Iron-swords
Where sinners are forced to lie on them which pierce through their
bodies. Knives are also seen flying from the air, hitting the sinners`
bodies and cutting them to pieces.
13. Hell of Burning Iron-Asses
Where sinners are forced to ride on them.
14. Hell of Molten Brass
Where sinners have Molten Brass poured into their mouths.
15. Hell of Brass Pillars
Where sinners are forced to embrace the burning Brass Pillars.
16 Hell of Burning Flames
Where sinners bodies are burnt by the Flames falling on them like rain-drops
without any chance for them to escape.
17. Hell of Tongue-Plough
Where sinners` tongues are used as Ploughs to plough the land.
18. Hell of Iron-Saws Where the heads of sinners are sawed.
19. Hell of Burning Iron Ground
Where sinners are forced to walk on it with bare feet.
20. Hell of Iron Eagles
Where sinners` eyes are pecked by Iron-Eagles.
21. Hell of Burning Iron-Balls
Where sinners are forced to swallow the Balls.
22. Hell of Quarrels
Where sinners are burnt with iron-claws, and are always seen in a fight with one another.
23. Hell of Iron-Hammers
Where sinners are smashed by the Iron-Hammers.
24. Hell of Great Anger
Where sinners are made to fight against one another angrily.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said again, \`My compassionate One, inside the
Mahachakravala, there are innumerable such Hells of Punishment. Again,
there are?
25. Hell of Wailing
Where sinners are thrown into the burning tanks with molten iron and they wail on account of severe pain.
26. Hell of Plucking Tongues
Where sinners` tongues are plucked by Iron-Hooks.
27. Hell of Urine and Manure
Where sinners are driven into the pit of Urine and Manure.
28. Hell of Brass Locks
Where sinners are locked against the Iron-Mountain and made to run.
29. Hell of Fire Elephants
Where sinners are chased by burning Elephants.
30. Hell of Fire Dogs
Where sinners are bitten by them.
31.Hell of Fire Horses and Fire Cows
Where sinners are chased or stepped on by the burning animals.
32.Hell of Fire Mountains
Where sinners are forced to walk between them and be crushed into ashes.
33.Hell of Fire Rocks
Where sinners are forced to lie on the Iron Burning-Rocks and with such Rocks pressed against them.
34. Hell of Fire Beds
Where sinners are forced to lie on them.
35. Hell of Fire beams
Where sinners are hanged on them.
36. Hell of Fire Eagles
Where sinners are attacked by them.
37. Hell of Fire Saws
Where sinners` bodies and teeth are sawed.
And again
There is a Hell where sinners` skins are stripped.
There is a Hell where the blood of sinners is sucked.
There is a Hell where the feet and hands of sinners are burnt.
There is a Hell of iron-trees with sharp thorns where sinners are dragged against the burning thorns.
There are Hells of burning iron-houses, as here sinners are to be locked within them and then burnt to ashes.
There is a Hell of iron-wolves, which either run after or stamp on sinners` bodies, and even bite them to pieces.
Inside such Hells there are various kinds of small ones, either one,
two, three, four or even up to hundreds and thousands of smaller Hells
with different names.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva then told Samantabhadra Maha Bodhisattva and
said` \`My meritorious One` the above Hells are formed purposely to
punish all beings who are of the bad habits to commit sins either
through their actions, words and thoughts. The power of Cause and Effect
is so great and inevitable, it can be compared to being as big as the
Mount Sumeru and as deep as the great ocean. Evil sins are obstacles
preventing us from practising meritorious deeds to aim for Buddhahood.
That is why all beings should be cautious not to commit even the
smallest sin. Never think that a small sin will not get any punishment
in return. After one is dead, he or she will be cast into the Hell to be
punished even for the smallest evil deed done. Close relatives, as that
of a father and his children, may find themselves cast into different
Hells. When they meet at the same Hell, however, they are not permitted,
as well as reluctant, to suffer on behalf of their beloved ones. By the
supernatural power of our Honoured One, the Shakyamuni Buddha, I am now
only relating to you the punishment of different Hells in brief. I hope
you will be kind enough to listen to me.
Then Samantabhadra Maha Bodhisattva replied, \`\`I have come to know
about the punishment of evil deeds through actions, words and thoughts
long ago. I earnestly hope that my compassionate One will kindly speak
about the law of Cause and Effect so that every being of the future
generation will learn the lesson from you to abstain from doing bad
deeds, but to practise meritorious ones by aiming to attain
Buddhahood.``
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said again, \`My compassionate One, the
punishments in Hells are as real as such. There are Hells where the
tongues of sinners are used as ploughs. In some of the Hells, the hearts
of sinners are pulled out and eaten by Yaksas. In some Hells, the
sinners have to be put into boiling tanks and be boiled to death. In
some of the Hells, sinners are forced to embrace burning brass pillars.
In some of the Hells, sinners are circulated by burning flame.\`
Inside some of the Hells, it is extremely cold, where sinners are frozen
to death. In some of the Hells, sinners have to float among the dirt of
urine and manure. In some of the Hells, there are flying iron weapons,
which crush the sinners?bodies. In some of the Hells, there are burning
spears, which pierce through the suffering sinners. In some of the
Hells, the hands and feet of sinners are made to hold or walk on burning
irons. In some of the Hells, the bodies of sinners are curled around by
iron snakes. In some of the Hells, sinners are chased by iron dogs. In
some of the Hells, sinners are forced to ride on iron asses.
People who have committed sins by killing, theft, adultery, lying,
slandering, abusing, gossiping, craving and anger have to be cast into
the above Hells for punishment without any chance of escape.
My compassionate One. The weapons of punishment in the various Hells are
innumerable in kinds, either made of brass, iron, stone, or fire. The
stubbornness of all beings is as strong as brass, iron and stone, which
are difficult to break. The power of Cause and Effect on sinners is as
dangerous as fire, which will spread rapidly and burn things to ashes.
If I am to speak about the sufferings of Hells in detail, there are
hundreds and thousands of various kinds of suffering in each Hell.
Evidently, there will be more sufferings in more Hells. Under the
supernatural power of our Honoured One, the Shakyamuni Buddha, and at
your kind request, I am now only relating the sufferings in Hells very
briefly. If I am to speak about the sufferings and punishments in Hells
in detail, I cannot fully express them, even through kalpas and kalpas.
Chapter VI: Shakyamuni Buddha Praising Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Shakyamuni Buddha radiated great brilliant light to all the
Buddha-Worlds, as many as the grains of sand on the shores of the Ganges
River. He sent His great voice to all the Maha Bodhisattvas, devas,
dragon-kings, spirits and human beings, as well as the other sentient
beings in the Buddha-Worlds.
\`Listen to me today. I am praising the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva on how
he converted, and will continue to convert, all erring beings in the ten
quarters of space by incalculable Infinite powers and Infinite love and
compassion. I hope you will endeavour in your utmost to protect and
propagate the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, so as to lead all beings to
attain Enlightenment after I enter Nirvana.\`
After Shakyamuni Buddha had spoken, Universal Bodhisattva spoke to the
Shakyamuni Buddha with clasped hands, respectfully, \`I have just heard
your Honoured Self praising the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva for his
incalculable Infinite powers in relieving sentient beings, and hope that
you, the Honoured of the World, will tell us in more detail the ways
and means by which Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva brings happiness and benefit
to sentient beings, so that the future generations may understand and
practice the Teachings.\`
At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha told the Universal Bodhisattva, and all
those who were present, \`Please listen to me carefully; I will tell you
all briefly how Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva converted sentient beings, and
brought them happiness and good merit.\`
Universal Bodhisattva replied, \`Please speak, Honoured of the World, and we shall all listen to you carefully.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha told the Universal Bodhisattva, \`If both males and
females in the future will chant the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
with clasped hands, praising him, paying homage to him, or admiring him,
all those people will be exonerated from the sins that they have
committed even thirty kalpas ago. Universal Bodhisattva, if both males
and females draw the image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with colours, or
make images of him in earth, stone, wood, gold, silver, brass or iron,
and pay homage to him only once, or look at the image of his likeness
only once, all of these sentient beings will be reborn in the
thirty-three Heavens for a hundred births, and will never pass into the
evil realms forever. When their happiness in the Heavens comes to an
end, they shall be reborn in the human world as kings of countries. If
females do not wish to be reborn as females, they must do their very
best to make offerings to the images of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in any
likeness continuously without any retreat. If they always continue to
make offerings with scented flowers, drinks, food, clothing, embroidered
scrolls, money, jewels, etc., such women will never be reborn as
females for thousands of kalpas after this life. If they desire through
compassion to be reborn as females again in order to convert sentient
beings, they may do so. [if they do not wish to be reborn as females,
then through the Infinite powers of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, for
millions of kalpas, they will not be reborn as females.] Again,
Universal Bodhisattva, if there are females who are born with ugly faces
or ill health they may simply pay homage to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva by
looking at his image for a short time with full respect, and such
females will be reborn with beautiful faces for millions of kalpas in
the future. If such ugly females do wish to be reborn as females again
through their merit of paying homage to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
earnestly, they will receive the happiness of being reborn as queens of
countries or daughters of nobles for millions of rebirths and they will
have beautiful appearances.
Again, Universal Bodhisattva, if there are males and females who play
music or chant mantra in praise of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva or offering
scented flowers to him themselves, or if they encourage one or more
persons to follow them by doing the same thing, then all of these beings
will have thousands of spirits and devas protecting them day and night
in the present life and in the lives to come. They will see no evil, nor
encounter any evil or even hear any evil at all forever.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha said to Universal Bodhisattva again, \`If there are
wicked sentient beings jeering and laughing at people and those who make
offerings, praising, paying homage to the image of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, saying that they will get no benefit or merit out of this,
or by turning their faces away from them or trying to encourage one
person or more persons to stop doing such good acts or deeds or by even a
single thought against these people paying tribute to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, then they will be born into the Avici Hell for kalpas and
kalpas and receive heavy punishment even after many Buddhas enter
Nirvana. After their punishment, they will be reborn as pretas for
thousands of kalpas After that, they will be born as animals for kalpas
and kalpas. They may be reborn as human beings after that, but will
suffer great poverty, low births and be handicapped in one way or the
other. Their previous karma will cast them into the evil realms again
very soon.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha again addressed Universal Bodhisattva, \`To ridicule
others for paying respect and making offerings to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva will receive such heavy punishment that it will be more
dangerous by far than to have erroneous view on the transformations of
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and to destroy his images and belittle his
Teachings.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha continued, \`If there are those who are long in the
beds of suffering, whose illnesses are very great, continuing for years
and years, having bad dreams, dreams of fierce devils, seeing their dead
relatives in those dreams or dreaming of travelling in dangerous paths,
or with devils, and, perchance they shout aloud in those disturbing
dreams, all those sufferings are the result of evil deeds done before in
their last lives and their retribution is as yet undecided in its
severity. Even though the ill persons are sick unto death but cannot
die, the karmic reason therefore not being visible to the human eye, if
someone will chant loudly the Ksitigarbha Sutra before images of the
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and will take the cherished belongings of the
ill person锫ewels, raiment or other properties, saying, \`On behalf of
the sick person we are making these offerings and paying homage.\` If
they venerate Buddha images, or make likenesses of Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas, or shall construct pagodas or temples, or endow oil lamps,
or if they shall bestow charity on temples, repeating the verbal part
of the offering in front of the sick person and within his hearing
distance for three times, even though the sick person has already passed
away, such information as mentioned above should be continuous for
seven days loudly. The Ksitigarbha Sutra should also be chanted loudly
during this period. Such benefited persons will be free forever from
being cast into the five Avici Hells for severe punishment. They will
also have recollection of their previous lives in their rebirths.\`
\`If males and females write or copy the Ksitigarbha Sutra, or teach
others to write it, or to make his images, or teach others to do so,
this will produce benefits greater than by the above described way.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha continued speaking to Universal Bodhisattva, \`If you
find persons who chant the Ksitigarbha Sutra, or who have even one
thought of praise of this Sutra, or showing respect for him, pray
persuade them by all means to persevere unremittingly in such work,
never looking back. Tell them they will achieve inconceivable merits ?in
the present and in future.
If sentient beings in the future should see visions of devils, spirits
or other forms, crying, sighing or frightening them, they are their
families in previous lives. All are in evil realms from which they are
unable to emerge and are begging for benevolent acts to be done on their
behalf in order that they may be relieved of their sufferings.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha told Universal Bodhisattva, \`Please tell those who
have frightening visions to chant the Ksitigarbha Sutra before images of
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and, if they cannot do this themselves, they
ask someone else to act for them, for three or seven times. When the
deceased relatives have heard the Ksitigarbha Sutra for a few times,
these deceased ones will find relief and he led to Salvation.
Thereafter, the living ones will not again dream of the deceased
relatives.
If there are people of low birth, being servants of others and without
freedom, please afford them to understand that they are reaping the
results of bad karma from their previous existences. Tell them to repent
and to pay homage to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva for from one to seven
days, chanting the Bodhisattva`s name for ten thousand times. The
resultant good merit of these people of low birth will bring them into
high births for innumerable births and they shall never again fall into
the evil realms.
If inhabitants of Jambudvipa in future times shall, at the advent of
newly born children, cause the parents to chant the Ksitigarbha Sutra
and his name for ten thousand times, then the newly-born children,
whether male or female, will achieve expiation of the sins of their
previous lives and will live long and happy lives. If all those about to
be born into this life have done meritorious deeds in their previous
existences, their lives here will be even longer and happier.
Dwellers in the Jambudvipa world who are guilty of such sins in their
daily life as killing, stealing, adultery, lying etc., are advised to
chant the Ksitigarbha Sutra before images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
for ten days within a month, such as the first day, the eighth,
fourteenth, fifteenth, eighteenth, twenty-third, twenty-fourth,
twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth and thirtieth days, once a day, there will
be no suffering to yojanas of distance, east, west, north and south.
Within the family, everyone, whether young or old, will not again be
born into evil realms for thousands of years.
If people can chant the Ksitigarbha Sutra all the above ten \`fasting\`
days of the month, they will not suffer from sickness and will enjoy
every comfort in life. That is why, Universal Bodhisattva, you ought to
know that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has such vividly great power and has
accomplished so much to bring benefit to sentient beings. Beings in the
Jambudvipa world are closely linked to the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and
that is why when those people hear his name or see his likeness, or hear
even so much as three words, five words, one stanza or one sentence of
his Teaching, will live happily and contentedly in the present birth,
and will be reborn into noble families with pleasant complexion in the
future for millions of rebirths.\`
At that time, the Universal Bodhisattva, having heard Shakyamuni Buddha
praising Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, knelt with clasped hands reverently
and spoke to the Buddha, saying, \`Honoured of the World, I have long
noted the inconceivable Infinite powers of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and
his great vows to bring benefits and happiness to sentient beings. That
is why I inquire about his wonderful powers and his activities in
following and spreading the Teachings, which I promise to follow and
spread by my own efforts. Will the Honoured of the World graciously tell
us the name of this Sutra and indicate to me the ways and means of
propagating this noble teaching?\`
Shakyamuni Buddha replied, \`This Sutra has three names as follows:
Ksitigarbha`s Fundamental Vows.
Ksitigarbha`s Fundamental Practices.
Ksitigarbha`s Fundamental Determination.
Since Ksitigarbha made such great vows kalpas ago to bring happiness and
benefits to sentient beings, it is the duty of all of you to harmonise
yourselves with those vows and to propagate them.\`
After Universal Bodhisattva heard what Shakyamuni Buddha had said, he withdrew with clasped hands reverently.
Chapter VII. Benefiting the Living and the Dead
At that time, Ksitigarbha Maha Bodhisattva said to Shakyamuni Buddha
\`Honoured of the World, I can see that beings in Jambudvipa have
committed sins in actions, words and thoughts. If they have any
opportunity to do good, they act with flagging zeal. When opportunity
presents itself for the commission of evil deeds, they continue in evil.
Such sentient beings are those walking in a mire with heavy loads on
their backs. The farther they go, the deeper they sink and the heavier
the burden.
If they encounter wise persons, they are aided to carry half of the load
or all. Owing to the superior energy of the wise, they not only are
able to give aid, but also to counsel the erring ones to stand firm,
determined to err no more once out of the Slough of evil, thereafter
avoiding all evil ways.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva again said to the Buddha, \`Honoured of the
World The bad habits of those people often originate in something as
small as a mote; but they gradually increase. Their parents, family and
friends ought to perform some benevolence on their behalf when the
erring ones are about to depart from this life. They can either hang
banners bearing sacred texts, or burn oil lamps, or chant the Sutras. Or
they may make offerings before one or more Buddha images, or images of
Bodhisattvas. It is meritorious for the relatives to chant the names of
Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Pacceka Buddhas or even to chant one name or one
title of the above sacred ones in front of the dying person within his
or her hearing. Their sins which may cause them to be cast into the evil
realms for suffering will be expiated solely because their families are
doing these afore-described pious actions on their behalf.
When dying persons have passed away and their relatives continue to
perform meritorious acts on their behalf within forty-nine days
immediately after their death, it is assured that the departed ones will
never be reborn in an evil state, but will go into a Heaven or be
reborn to the human world to enjoy longevity and felicity. The living
relatives of the departed one, because of their pious acts, will
themselves receive inconceivable benefits.
I hope the Honoured of the World, devas, dragons, asuras, pretas,
maharajas, humans and sub-humans will all endeavour to persuade the
dwellers in Jambudvipa not to commit sin by killing or any other deed of
evil, such offering living sacrifices to spirits or gods on behalf of
their departed ones.
Why should you not kill ? Because your deed of offering blood-sacrifice
will not give even the smallest benefit to the deceased, but will
actually increase their sufferings. Their future woe will be more severe
as the result of this bloodshed. If the deceased have done some good
deeds during life that would help them to a heavenly rebirth, or again
as a human, but the evil acts performed on their behalf by relatives
will act against their welfare and delay their progress towards
liberation.
If those dying beings have no good deeds to their credit and, according
to their personal karma, they merit evil births, why should their
families be so ill-advised as to do the sin of killing on their behalf ?
Just as if a person who had suffered hunger for three days and
travelled from afar carrying a heavy load of more than a hundred katis,
and some neighbour suddenly added to the load, the total weight would
become unbearable.
Honoured of the World, it is visible to me that if inhabitants of
Jambudvipa can follow the Buddha`s Doctrines to do good even as the size
of a hair, a drop of water, a grain of sand, one dustmote, they,
themselves, will get benefits personally, according to their own
Karma.\`
Just at that time, an honourable elder known as the Elder of Eloquence,
who had attained the state of never-returned, joined the assemblage. He
had converted beings in the ten quarters of space. In the form of a
transformation with clasped hands, he inquired of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva reverently, \`Bodhisattva, if relatives of erring deceased
beings, whether adult or juvenile, do pious deeds on their behalf, will
great benefit or Salvation come to them?\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva replied, \`My elderly One, under the
supernatural power of the Shakyamuni Buddha, for the benefit ot all
beings of the present and the generations yet to come, may I answer you
in brief. Any sentient being now and hereafter, who hears the name of
but one Buddha or Bodhisattva, or one Pacceka Buddha at his dying
moment, no matter whether this being be sinful or virtuous, he shall be
led eventually to Salvation. If anyone, male or female, fails during his
life-time to do meritorious actions, but lives sinfully, then his
relatives, whether young or old, ought to do good deeds on his behalf
and practise pious observances for him, after his death. The departed
ones gain one seventh of the merits of such good and pious acts, and the
remaining six sevenths rebound to the benefit of the living ones who
practise these acts of piety. That is why beings of the present and the
future should practise meritorious deeds during their life-time when
they are still strong and healthy. The whole merit of offering such good
deeds will be achieved by themselves personally. Time is transient, and
death will come to one at any moment. Within the forty-nine days after
one`s death, one is ignorant of his or her Karma. During the period of
judgement of one`s past deeds, he or she is unable to know what will be
the consequences of the future, and thereby is extremely worried. If one
has done some evil deeds during one`s life-time, one will certainly be
cast into the evil state of suffering. Within the period of forty-nine
days of one`s death, he or she is expecting one`s own children or
relatives to do good deeds on his or her behalf, and thus be relieved of
suffering. After the forty-nine days of one`s death, one is bound to
receive whatever Karma one should deserve. If one has done evil deeds
during one`s life-time, one is subjected to endure sufferings without
any hope of freedom for thousands of years. One`s Karma is able to
induce one to be cast into one of the five Avici Hells, or in one of the
great Hells, and one will continue to suffer for millions of kalpas
forever. Again, my elderly One, if relatives and children of the sinful
one make offerings of vegetarian food to the Buddha, as well as to
monks, after his death, such good deeds will help the sinful to be
relieved out of his suffering. before the meal time of monks, while
vegetarian food is under preparation, no edible things should be thrown
on the floor and be wasted. The living children and relatives of the
deceased should not eat before offering such food to the images of the
Buddha and the Venerable monks. If the living ones are not following the
above advice earnestly, the deceased will not be benefited at all. If
they follow the advice piously and energetically they will get
one-seventh of the merit. That is why, my elderly One, if beings of the
Jampudvipa world can offer vegetarian food, both to the images of the
Buddha and the monks with respect, not only their deceased parents or
relatives will receive the benefit but they themselves, the living ones,
will also be greatly benefited.\`
After what Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had said, millions and millions of
spirits and ghosts who had assembled at the thirty-three Heavens from
the Jampudivipa world decided to follow the Noble Teachings of
Shakyamuni Buddha, (in order) to guide beings to abstain from bad deeds
and to practise meritorious ones. Then the elderly Person retreated with
full respect.
Chapter VIII. Appreciation of Emperor Yama and His Followers⑳he Ruler of Yamadevaloka and Judge of the Dead
At that time, Emperor Yama of the Hells came to Tusita Heaven from
Mahachakravala with an innumerable number of his followers, as listed
below, to pay respect to the Shakyamuni Buddha?
1. Devil-king who possesses a resolute attitude towards the poisonous
group of Evildoers, for evils committed through actions, words and
thoughts are classed as poison. This King of devils leads erring beings
to abstain from bad deeds and to practise a good life by showing them
the poisonous result of committing sins.
2. Devil-king of violent anger. The outer appearance of this King of
devils is frightfully fierce, but his thoughts are compassionate. He
tries to convert stubborn and erring beings from committing bad deeds by
way of being stern although greatly compassionate inwardly. Thus, he
leads the erring to righteousness gradually.
3. Devil-king of Quarrels. Love and hatred, greed and jealousy are the
sources of quarrels. This King of devils shows the harmful result of
quarrels. As a result, he leads the erring to the happy path of harmony.
4. Devil-king who applies the attitude of a roaring tiger. Tigers are
fierce and harmful animals. Evil deeds induce people to commit sins as
harmful as tigers.
5. Devil-king of Disaster. This King of devils illustrates the misery of
being disobedient to elders and the disastrous result that is to follow
later. Therefore, he endeavours to lead such beings to righteousness
6. Devil-king who possesses the power to fly. The flying Yaksas are led to the Path of Righteousness by this King of devils.
7. Devil-king who possesses a pair of strikingly electrical-form eyes.
This King of devils judges skilfully the right from the wrongs He
punishes the wicked with misery, but he bestows upon the meritorious
ones with happiness.
8. Devil-king with Fox-like teeth. Foxes are sly animals. This King of
devils shows the harmful results of being sly and perseveringly reforms
sinful beings to practise good deeds.
9. Devil-king who possesses one thousand Eyes and one thousand Hands.
This King of devils seizes every opportunity to convert de-meritorious
beings and to bring happiness and benefit upon them.
10. Devil-king who swallows fierce animals which cause harm to
people.11. Devil-king who carries stone and sand to fill up seas and
rivers, when necessary, to bring benefit to people.l2. Devil-king who
brings poverty and suffering to sinners so as to see that they suffer
and repent. But he bestows upon the good treasure and happiness as soon
as they start to practise benevolent deeds.13. Devil-king who
distributes food to the good. Fault for the wicked, he makes them suffer
hunger.14. Devil-king who is responsible for punishing all misers who,
though rich, never practise benevolence.
15. Devil-king who controls wicked animals.
16. Devil-king who controls births of beings as well as their length of staying alive.
17. Devil-king who brings sickness to sinners.
18. Devil-king who is in charge of all kinds of danger
To bring danger to sinners for punishment.
To relieve the good from danger.
19. Devil-king with three Eyes, four Eyes or five Eyes.20. Devil-king
who punishes all devils for criminal acts like theft of property or
robbery during their life-time. But for the good, he helps them to
accomplish all their wishes.
All the above-named great Kings of Devils, together with numerous
inferior Devil kings, arrived at Tusita Heaven with Emperor Yama to
worship the Buddha. These Kings of Devils, as well as those of the
inferior group, have different duties to perform, either to punish those
who commit sins, or to bring happiness and benefit to those who do good
deeds.
It is natural through the ubiquitous supernatural powers of the
Shakyamuni Buddha, the Honoured of the World, and the Ksitgiarbha
Bodhisattva that these Kings could be well received in Tusita Heaven,
and they all assembled in a row respectfully.
Just at that time, the Emperor Yama knelt before the Buddha and said,
\`Honoured of the World, we are immensely indebted to your supernatural
powers and valuable assistance of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to enable
all of us to be here to pay homage and respect at this great assembly.
We are exceedingly happy to be blessed with this golden opportunity to
gather here and to have your valuable advice. May your attention be
drawn to a little problem which is puzzling us ? May I have the honour
to request you to be kind enough to supply us with a compassionate
explanation ?\`
The Buddha then told Emperor Yama, \`You are at liberty to ask any
question freely, and I shall provide you with a proper and detailed
answer.\`
Emperor Yama paid full respect to Shakyamuni Buddha, turned with a look
at Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and said, \`My Honoured of the World, it is
indeed a wonderful gesture by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to venture
unremittingly, through various ways and means, to relieve the beings
from the six Directions of reincarnation. But, I wish to know why
beings, who have just been relieved from punishment, commit sins again
which caused them to be cast into the state of Suffering once more.
Honoured of the World, since the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is so
wonderfully compassionate towards erring beings, why must they ignore
following his way to lead a virtuous life and gain Salvation forever? If
you please, my Buddha, kindly furnish me with the necessary solution.\`
The Honoured of the World then told Emperor Yama, \`It is extremely
difficult to control and convert the erring beings of the Samsara world.
There is no doubt that the compassionate Bodhisattva is striving his
utmost to bring erring beings to Salvation through kalpas and kalpas.
Even though sinful beings have been cast into the great Hells for
punishment, the Bodhisattva is trying his best to lead them to live a
virtuous life, and to bestow upon them the power of remembering their
past deeds. Because erring beings of the Samsara world are prone to
commit sins, that is why, shortly after they are relieved from their
sufferings, they will commit sins again and thus receive punishment once
more. It is, in fact, a great pity for the compassionate Bodhisattva to
be working so earnestly through kalpas and kalpas to relieve erring
beings from their sufferings. One example of which is:
A man, having lost his way while returning home, found himself in the
dangerous situation where the surroundings were full of Yaksas, fierce
animals and poisonous insects. By chance, he met a wise man who happened
to know the way of calming Yaksas, beasts and insects.
The wise man, upon seeing the danger, asked anxiously, \`My man, why do
you come this way? Do you have any means of controlling these fierce
animals?\`
Upon hearing such words, the man realised that he was at that moment
walking along a dangerous road. The wise man then caught hold of his
hand and led him out of that dangerous road by showing him the way to
the path of Peace and happiness. Once again, he addressed the man, \`Oh,
my man, be wise now and never tread this road again as once you get
into this way, it is very difficult for you to get out of it and you
will surely perish within.\`
The erring man was so grateful and rejoiced at being led out of danger.
Before his departure, the wise man again said to him, \`Whenever you
meet any of your friends or strangers, either male or female, tell them
that this road is full of danger. If they come to this road by mistake,
they will lose their lives. Tell them not to be foolish and not face the
danger-unnecessarily.\`
The compassionate Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva relieved erring beings from
their sufferings and directed them either to Heaven or to the human
world to enjoy great happiness.
These beings were then made to realise how one must suffer according to
one`s misdeeds, and how one could enjoy according to one`s good actions.
Then, they would never again commit sins and be cast into the Hell
anymore. It is very similar to one who had lost his way home, and by
mistake found himself on the dangerous road, and was finally taken out
of danger by a wise man. He too must remember never to tread such a
dangerous road again.
Whenever he met a friend or a stranger, he advised them not to tread
that dangerous path. When one is free from danger, he should have the
wisdom of not touching such a risk again. If one enters such a dangerous
path once more by mistake, it reveals that he does not have sufficient
understanding, and may lose his or her life therein. It is similar to
one being cast into the evil realms for suffering.
The compassionate Bodhisattva tries his best to lead beings out of the
Hells and directs them on the way to Salvation, or to be reborn as human
beings. They might be ignorant of the results of sins and commit evil
again; and according to the Karma, they would be cast into Hell to
suffer without any hope of being released.\`
At that time, the Devil-king of Poison, the Poison of evil actions,
words and thoughts, said to the Shakyamuni Buddha respectfully with
clasped hands, \`Honoured of the World, we innumerable Kings of devils
from every corner of the Samsara world are either to bring benefit and
happiness to human beings or cause them sufferings according to their
deeds. We have travelled to all corners of the Universe, and we are
convinced that there are more evil than good human beings. We promise
you that whenever or wherever we come across a male or female in any
part of the world who, though seen practising only a small fraction of
good, or making any kind of offerings to the images of Buddhas or
Bodhisattvas, or be heard chanting a sentence or poem of the Sutras, my
followers and I shall treat such persons respectfully, as if we pay
homage to the Buddhas of the present, past and the future. We shall
instruct our followers and the spirits from different places to protect
such virtuous beings. We shall never allow any unhappy occasions,
disease or any undesirable events to happen, not only to their homes,
but also in places close to their residences.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha was highly delighted and said, \`Well, well, since
Emperor Yama and your followers are ready to protect such virtuous
beings, I shall also instruct the Ruler of Brahmaloka and the Emperor of
the thirty-three Heavens to protect you all.\`
After the interesting discourse, the Devil-king, who is in charge of the
longevity of people`s lives, rose up from the assembly and spoke to
Shakyamuni Buddha, \`My honoured of the World, it is my duty to be in
charge of the longevity of human beings in the human world, either
during their life-time or after their death. It is my earnest wish to
bring benefit and happiness to human beings, but I observe with sadness
that many of the human beings do not realise my intention to relieve
them. As a result, evil ones are not at peace during their life-time or
after their death. When people in this human world are expecting birth
of a boy or girl, they should practise meritorious deeds, for such good
deeds bring benefit and happiness to the family. My followers and
spirits of that place will not only protect both the mother and the
newly-born child, but will bestow upon them and their relatives great
peace and happiness joyfully. For this reason, when a child is born to a
family, it is desirable not to kill any animals as supplement for any
tonic to the mother, or to invite friends or relatives in the child`s
honour by offering or entertaining them with wine, meat and music. Such
ways of celebrating the birth of a child will never bring happiness to
both the mother and the child. For when a pregnant woman is ready for
delivery of her child, there are numerous evil devils seen by the side
of the mother to suck her blood.
In order to safeguard the mother, I usually order the spirit of that
place to come and protect the mother and child and to bring them peace
and happiness. When the mother and child are at peace after birth, they
should make offerings to the spirits to express their gratitude for the
protection given. If, instead of offering to the spirits, friends and
relatives are entertained by the killing of animals, both the mother and
the newly-born child will suffer punishment.
When a person in this human world is nearing death, I always try my best
to relieve this dying person, irrespective of whether the being is a
good or evil person, from being cast into the evil State. If this dying
person has been doing good deeds during his or her life-time, my power
of relieving him or her will be successful.
Even in the case of a person who has done good deeds throughout his
life, there may be innumerable evil spirits in the form of their past
parents or relatives to tempt the dying person to the evil State of
suffering. If the dying person has done bad deeds during his life, these
evil spirits will no doubt be successful in arresting him or her to the
State of suffering.
Honoured of the World, if people in the Samsara world, either male or
female, be seen unconscious during their moment of death when they
cannot distinguish the good from the bad, and at such a moment they will
not be able to see or hear, that is the time for the relatives of this
dying person to chant the Sutra and to make offerings to the images of
the Buddha, as well as the Bodhisattva, for these good deeds will help
to drive away the evil spirits. The Buddha and the Bodhisattva will keep
the dying person away from the evil State.
Honoured of the World, if all dying persons have an opportunity of
hearing only the name of one Buddha or one Bodhisattva, or the chanting
of the Sutra, or even the chanting of one sentence or one poem of any
Sutra, I can assure you that these dying persons will be kept away from
the five Avici Hells. If a dying person has committed only small evil
deeds which will cause him to be cast into the evil State for
punishment, he will be relieved upon hearing the name of the Buddha or
Bodhisattva, or even the chanting of the Sutra.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha then told the Devil-king who is in charge of Birth and
Death by saying, \`It is very kind of you to make such a strong vow
with your Infinite Loving Kindness to protect human beings, male or
female, during their life-time or after death. I earnestly hope that you
will try your best to carry out your vow without any retreat, so that
you will be able to relieve all these erring beings to Salvation and to
bring them everlasting happiness.``
The Devil-king who is in charge of Birth and Death said, \`Please do not
be worried, for I shall continuously try my utmost to protect the
beings in the Samsara world, both at the moment of their birth and at
the moment of their death, and thus enabling them to be in peace and
happiness. I strongly look forward to the occasion when all human beings
will listen to my words so as to achieve real Salvation and to attain
great benefit.\`
At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha told Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, \`This
Devil king of Birth and Death has been a great King of Devils for many
thousands of lives. He. has done his best to protect human beings at
their moment of birth and at their moment of death. In fact, he is not a
devil, as so supposed to be, but out of compassion and great Infinite
Loving Kindness, he transformed himself into the form of a devil. He
will attain Buddhahood after one hundred and seventy kalpas by the name
of Nirlaksana Buddha. He will live a long life for countless and happy
kalpas in a world named Purity.
The story of this great King of Devils is beyond thought or description and persons converted by him are also unaccountable.\`
Chapter IX. The Chanting of the Buddha`s Name
At that time, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said to Shakyamuni Buddha,
\`Honoured of the World, let me now declare how human beings in the
future will acquire great benefit and happiness, during their life-time
and at the moment of their death. I anticipate you to be congenial
enough to listen to me.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha then disclosed to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, \`It is
because of your compassionate Infinite Loving Kindness that you long to
assert about a possible tendency of relieving all the erring beings from
the six States of reincarnation. Of course, it is the proper time now.
Please speak promptly, as I am about to enter Nirvana. I wish to bless
you with success in discharging the strong vow, so that I shall have no
worry about human beings in the future.\`
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva told the Exalted Buddha, \`Honoured of the World, I name below a list of Buddhas for your hearing -
1. Ananta, (Immeasurable) Buddha
Innumerable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha by the name of Ananta
(Immeasurable) Buddha. Any male or female, who has a chance of listening
to the name of this Buddha, even only entertaining a short thought of
respect for him, will enable one to escape forty kalpas of Suffering
from Birth and Death. People will attain infinite happiness if he or she
makes images of this Buddha, gives offerings and to admire him.
2. Precious Nature Buddha
Again, innumerable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha by the name of
Precious Nature. Any male or female, who has a chance of listening to
this Buddha and creates a thought of respect towards him, will finally
attain Buddhahood.
3. Padmapani Buddha
Again, there was a Buddha by the name of Padmapani, one of the forms of
Avalokitesvara (Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy) holding a lotus. Any
male or female, who has the opportunity of listening to the name of this
Buddha will merit by a rebirth in the six Deva Lokas (i.e. Heaven of
Desire) for one thousand times and be within the bliss of Buddhahood.
4. Simhananda Buddha
Innumerable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha by the name of Simhananda
Buddha (a term designating authoritative or powerful approach). Any male
or female, who is within the chance of listening to the name of this
Buddha and thinks of him with deep respect, will benefit in the meeting
of countless Buddhas with their blessings, by finally attaining
Buddhahood.
5. Krakucchanda Buddha
Again, there was a Buddha by the name of Krakucchanda (the first of the
Buddhas of the present Bhadrakalpa, the fourth of the seven ancient
Buddhas). Any male or female, who has a chance of listening to the name
of this Buddha, and be of earnest respect to him by admiring him, will
become Mahabrahmanas at an assembly of one thousand Buddhas during the
Bhadrakalpa. With blessings from this Buddha, he or she will attain
Buddhahood later. One can get better merit if one chants the name of
this Buddha earnestly.
6. Vipasyin Buddha
Again, there was a Buddha by the name of Vipasyin. Any male or female
who has a chance to listen to the name of this Buddha, will not be cast
into the evil State of Sufferings. He or she will always be reborn in
the Heaven, or as human beings, to be benefited with great happiness.
7. Ratnaketu Buddha
Again, innumerable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha by the name of
Ratnaketu Buddha. Any male or female, who happens to listen to the name
of this Buddha, will never be cast into the State of Sufferings, and
will always be reborn in Heaven to enjoy great bliss.
8. Precious Light Buddha
Again, there was a Buddha by the name of Precious Light. Any male or
female, who happens to listen to the name of this Buddha, and to think
of him with respect, will become an Arahat within a short period.
9. Kasaya Buddha
Again, there was a Buddha by the name of Kasaya. Any male or female, who
has a chance to listen to the name of this Buddha, will escape one
hundred kalpas of punishment of Birth and Death.
10. Mahabhijna Jnanadhibhu Buddha
Again, there was a Buddha by the name of Mahabhijna Jnanadhibhu . Any
male or female, who has a chance of listening to his name, will have the
opportunity of meeting innumerable Buddhas to preach to him or her, and
finally attain Buddhahood. There are also other Buddhas as in the
following:?
1. The Buddha by the name of Pure Moonlight.
2. The Buddha by the name of King of Mountains.
3. The Buddha by the name of King of Purification.
4. The Buddha by the name of Victorious Wisdom.
5. The Buddha by the name of Accomplishment of Wisdom.
6. The Buddha by the name of Superiority.
7. The Buddha by the name of Wonderful Voice.
8. The Buddha by the name of Full Moonlight.
9. The Buddha by the name of Moon-like Face as well as a great number to be acquainted with.
Honoured of the World, all beings whether from the Heaven or from the
human realms, either male or female, of the present or the future, who
can chant the name of one of the above Buddhas, will gain immeasurable
merit. He or she will receive more merit if he or she chants the names
of more Buddhas. Such beings will attain great benefit during their
life-time, or even after death. They will never be cast into the evil
State of sufferings. If the relatives of the dying person chant the name
of only one Buddha, the dying person will be relieved from the
punishment of his sins (except the punishment in the Avici Hells). The
punishment in the Avici Hells is so great that the sinners who commit
great sins will find it difficult to escape from such punishment through
millions of kalpas.
If others can chant the names of Buddhas for the dying person, his or
her punishment will gradually be lightened. It is better if the dying
person can also chant the names of Buddhas, for he or she will receive
immeasurable happiness and avoid countless punishment for misdeeds
committed while alive.\`
Chapter X. The Comparison of Merits for Alms-giving
At that time, the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, under the supernatural power
of Shakyamuni Buddha, rose from his seat and knelt down with clasped
hands by saying to Him, \`Honoured of the World, I can see that the
comparison of merits for almsgiving differ from each other in small or
great ways. Some receive their reward for only one life, some receive
their reward for ten lives, and even some receive great bliss for
hundreds of thousands of lives. I do not know the reason why it differs
in such a great way and hope that you will graciously explain it to
me.\` The Shakyamuni Buddha replied, \`Now, I shall give you the
comparison of merits, whether great or small. As rewards for the
sentient beings who practise alms-giving in the Jampudvipa, I tell all
who are assembled here at the thirty-three Heavens and I hope you will
listen to me carefully.\` Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said to Shakyamuni
Buddha, \`I`m quite doubtful about this, and I would like to hear the
comparison of merits for alms-giving.\`
The Shakyamuni Buddha said, \`If kings, nobles, honourable elders, Maha
Ksatriyas, Great Brahmans in Jampudvipa (the Continent situated at the
South of Mount Sumeru, comprising the world we live in), come across
people who suffer great poverty, or unreformed beings, if such people as
those mentioned give alms to them through great compassion, love and
kindness, smilingly, and give gifts to those poor beings with their own
hands, or through their representatives, and talk to them in consoling
tones, such donors of gifts gain merit as great as the total number of
grains of sands in the Ganges River. It is because these donors of gifts
are practising Infinite Love and Kindness even to the poorest and the
lowest births and unreformed beings, that is why for hundreds of
thousands of lives they receive their well-earned good merits of the
seven jewels of riches. They are well provided for in good food and
clothing in those lives yet to come. Again if kings, nobles and Brahmans
come across Buddhist images of Buddhas, temples or pagodas,
Bodhisattvas, Arahats, and all Pacceka Buddhas in the lives to come, if
they prepare alms-giving and offerings, offering them personally, such
generous donors will be reborn as kings of the thirty-three Heavens
receiving great bliss for three kalpas. If these donors transfer their
merit to the beings of the ten quarters of space these donors will
become Mahabrahma devarajas, kings of the eighteen Brahmalokas, for ten
kalpas continuously. Again if in the future, kings, prime-ministers,
nobles, honourable elders, Maha Ksatriyas and Brahmans come across
Buddhist pagodas and temples or Buddhist Sutras and images which are in
bad condition and with determination for their repair, or rebuild them,
such generous donors whether they practise alms-giving themselves or
persuading others to do alms-giving or charitable acts, whether they
persuade one person or many hundreds of thousands of people to practise
the same charitable acts, these charitable donors will be reborn as
Chakravarti for hundreds of thousands of lives. Those who have been
encouraged and persuaded by the above donors to practise alms-giving
will be reborn as kings of small countries for hundreds of thousands of
lives. If, moreover, they transfer their merit to others in the presence
of the Buddhas, pagodas or temples, such great donors of gifts will all
attain Buddhahood.
The reward for practising such great merit is beyond all description.
If, in the future, kings, prime-ministers, nobles, when they see aged
ones suffering from disease, women giving birth, if they have but one
momentary thought of sympathy, to give them aid, medicines, food and
drink, or bathing, so as to assure them some measure of peace and
happiness, such merits are inconceivable and donors of these things will
always be reborn as a Suddhavasodeva for one hundred kalpas. After this
period, they will be always reborn in the Six Deva Lokas (i.e. The
Heavens of Desire) for two hundred kalpas. Finally, they will attain
Buddhahood, but prior to that, for hundreds and thousands of births,
they will never be reborn as dwellers in evil realms, or hear any voice
of suffering. If kings of countries or Brahmans in the future can
practise such meritorious deeds, they will receive boundless blessings.
If they transfer their merits to others, whether great or small merit,
they will be reborn as cakravatis and finally attain Buddhahood.
That is why, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, you should do your utmost to
encourage sentient beings to practise meritorious deeds by following
these examples. If virtuous people in the future will practise
meritorious deeds even as small as a hair, or a grain of sand, or a
dustmote, they will receive blessings and benefits which cannot be
expressed by examples, as they will be so great.
If virtuous people of future times meet with images of Buddha,
Bodhisattvas, Pratyeka Buddhas or Cakravartis and make offerings to
them, they will also receive numerous blessings and benefits, and will
always be reborn either as humans or devas, enjoying great bliss. If
such people will transfer their merits to the beings of the ten quarters
of space, such donors will get great benefits and blessings beyond all
statement by examples.
If virtuous persons of future times comes across Mahayanist Sutras or
hear only one stanza or even one sentence of the Sutras and have a
feeling of deep respect for that utterance, or if they sincerely praise
the Sutras, or make offerings piously, they will receive innumerable
merits. If they will transfer their merits to the beings of the ten
quarters of space, their blessings are beyond all words.
If virtuous persons of future times come to new Buddhist pagodas, new
temples, new Mahayanist Sutras, and make offerings, paying homage with
reverent attitudes of deepest respect, and if they come across old or
destroyed ones, and make a vow to repair or restore these structures or
shall encourage others to do this meritorious work with them, such
virtuous people who respond to this encouragement shall be born as kings
of countries for thirty lives and the encouraged himself will always be
reborn as a Cakravarti, and will preach Buddhadharma to the kings of
countries. If virtuous people of future times will practise good deeds
according to the Buddha`s Teachings, or make offerings for repairing
Buddhist pagodas or temples or mending Buddhist Sutras, their merit,
small as a hair though it be, or a dustmote or a grain of sand or a drop
of water, if they will transfer such merits to beings of the ten realms
of space, such meritorious persons will receive inconceivably great
bliss for hundreds of thousands of lives. If they will transfer their
merits to their family and relatives, their relatives will receive
happiness for three lives. To give one benefit is to receive hundreds of
thousands in return. That is why, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the merit of
alms-giving is of such magnitude.\`
Chapter XI. Earthly Spirits Protecting the Dharma
At that time, the Spirit of the strong earth said to the Shakyamuni
Buddha, \`Honoured of the World. In the past, I have paid homage to
innumerable Maha Bodhisattvas who possessed inconceivable honour and
wisdom, and who have converted boundless sentient beings. Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva made strong and deep vows among these Bodhisattvas.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has great relationship with the sentient beings
in Jampudvipa. Such as Manjusri, Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas,
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Maitreya Buddha, all of whom make
hundreds of thousands of transformations to convert the erring beings of
the six Directions of Reincarnation and their vows have already been
achieved. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva made strong vows, as many as the
grains of sands of the Ganges River, to convert the sentient beings of
the six Directions of Reincarnation. Honoured of the World, I can see
that the sentient beings of the present and future can make images of
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in iron, brass, silver, gold or simple drawings,
and enshrine them in cases either of earth, stone, bamboo or wood and
keep the cases in a neat place in the south of their residence of
purity, and pay homage to the Bodhisattva with the deepest reverence and
earnest admiration and make scented offerings, such pious persons will
receive ten kinds of benefits around their residences. What are the ten
kinds of benefits? They are as follows:
1. Their soil will be rich by producing good harvest.
2. The whole family will be in peace forever.
3. All deceased relatives will be born in the heavens.
4. All the living relatives will have longevity.
5. All of their aspirations will be achieved.
6. They will never suffer the danger of flood and fire. >
7. All bad becomings will be done away with.
8. They will never have bad dreams.
>9. They will be protected by guardians wherever they go.
10. They will always come across holy conditions.
Honoured of the World, sentient beings at present and in the future will
receive the same kinds of benefit if they practise the same kind of
merit and offerings at their residences. Honoured of the World, if
sentient beings in the future keep the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra or
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva`s images in their homes or if they also chant
the Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva or make offerings to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, I shall do my very best to protect such persons day and
night always, and they will never come across floods, fires robbery,
theft, destructive calamities or any other disastrous happenings, either
big or small.\` Shakyamuni Buddha told the Spirit of the strong earth,
\`You are powerful and other spirits cannot be compared to yourself. It
is because all the sentient beings in the Jampudvipa are protected by
you. Every material, from the grain of sand to the most precious jewel,
is produced from the earth through your Infinite powers; and you are
praising the meritorious deeds of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Your merits
and your powers are a thousand times greater than those of other earthly
spirits. If sentient beings of the future make offerings to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, or chant the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, or lead a
meritorious life according to the Teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva,
you should protect them all with your supernatural powers and prevent
all of them from suffering, and not even allow them to come across any
unhappy circumstances, or even allow such unhappy happenings to come to
their ears. They are not only protected by your good self, but they are
also protected by the devas. By paying homage to the images of
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva or chanting the Ksitigarbha Sutra, they will not
only be protected by divine beings but will be free from the ocean of
sufferings and finally attain Nirvana.\`
Chapter XII: The Benefit through Sight and Hearing
At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha, the Honoured of the World, was
radiating various kinds of great, blazing, perfectly coloured lights
from the crown of His head. The head controls the whole body and the
crown of the head is the superior of the whole. The Buddha radiated
light from the crown of His head to show to the gathering that He
himself also has the highest respect for the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and
his Sutra.
After radiating different kinds of lights, the Buddha also produced
wonderful sounds. His intention of showing light and producing sounds
was to communicate to the gathering that excellent benefit can be
obtained from sight and hearing.
The different colours of light revealed to the gathering that sentient
beings of different types might be ignorant in committing sins and be
cast into the Hells for punishment, yet they would have every
opportunity and pleasure of being relieved by the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva out of their sufferings and also be guided to the Path of
Righteousness and finally attain Buddhahood. For light represents
transcendental wisdom, which enlightens beings in every corner of all
universes without any exception.
The Honoured of the World addressed all those who were present at the
thirty-three Heavens, praising the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva for bringing
inconceivable benefit to devas and human beings, and telling them how
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva practised meritorious deeds during his career of
following the ten stages leading to Buddhahood 镢ever retreating, but
forging ahead to Nirvana. After what Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had said
there was one Maha Bodhisattva named Avalokitesvara who rose from the
seat, kneeling down before the Shakyamuni Buddha with clasped hands, and
spoke to Shakyamuni Buddha respectfully, \`Honoured of the World,
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has great compassion on sentient beings and
practises Infinite Loving Kindness by having incalculable
transformations to lead sentient beings out of their sufferings. The
meritorious deeds and the Infinite powers of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are
beyond description. I heard you, the Honoured of the World, and
innumerable Buddhas of the ten quarters of space all praising
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva saying that the merits of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva are so great that even Buddhas of the past, present and the
future cannot give the fullest account of them.
You, Honoured of the World, have been so kind as to promise to tell all
who are present here the profound activities of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
We earnestly hope that you will be kind enough, for the benefit of the
sentient beings of the present and the future, to describe the
inexpressible benefits and blessings he has conferred on sentient
beings, and thus let every one in the eight categories know how to pay
respect to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in order to attain happiness.\`
The Shakyamuni Buddha told the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, \`You have a
close relationship with the sentient beings of the Samsara world whether
they be devas, dragons, males, females, spirits, devils, and all the
erring beings of the six categories of beings who hear your name, see
your image, admire your dignity, praise your profound kindness, all of
them will proceed straight to the attainment of Buddhahood without
retreat. Before they attain Buddhahood, they will always be reborn as
devas or as human beings enjoying great bliss. When they have earned
enough merits of good deeds then they will meet Buddhas who will predict
their attainment of Buddhahood. Now, through having a great compassion
for the erring beings of the sentient worlds, you request me to tell you
the inconceivable benefit Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva confers on sentient
beings. I will certainly do this and hope that you will listen
attentively.\` Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva replied, \` Please do so,
Honoured of the World.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha told Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, \`When the happiness
of devas in the ten quarters of space in the future or past comes to an
end, they have five signs of decay, and are to be cast into the evil
realms. If these devas, when the five signs of decay are approaching
them, will have the opportunity of seeing the image once, or paying
homage to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva only once, such devas will have
increased happiness and will never be cast into the three evil realms
forever. If these devas make offerings to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva such
as scented flowers, clothing, food and drink, precious jewels, etc.,
they will receive innumerable happinesses and benefits in return. If
sentient beings of the six categories of beings of the present and the
future in different worlds, hear the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at
their dying stage, they will never be reborn to the three evil realms
forever. If parents or relatives of the dying person sell all of his
belongings, riches, properties, and use the money to make images of
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, then the dying person comes to know the
meritorious deeds done on his behalf, although the person should suffer a
severe disease according to his own Karma, but instead he fully
recovers very soon and has longevity. If the dying person loses his life
accordingly to his Karma and should be cast into the evil realms, due
to the meritorious deeds done on his behalf, all of his punishments will
be extinguished, and he will be born as a deva or human being, enjoying
great bliss. If sentient beings of the present or the future who have
lost their parents, sisters or brothers during their early childhood and
think of their deceased relatives when they are fully grown, and long
to know where they have been reborn, such grown up persons can make
images of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, hearing then his name, admiring his
image or paying homage to him from one day to seven days continuously
without any retreat although the deceased relatives may merit being cast
into the evil realms for kalpas, but due to the meritorious deeds
practised on their behalf, they are free from their punishment, and will
be reborn either as devas or humans receiving great bliss. If the
deceased relatives of such meritorious persons have already been reborn
as devas or human beings, according to their Karma, with great
happiness, on account of what their relatives have practised on their
behalf, they shall receive even greater happiness and infinite bliss. If
such grown up persons can continue to pay respect to the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva旧 images continuously, chanting his name for innumerable
times for twenty-one days whole-heartedly, then Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
will appear before them and tell them the exact places were their
deceased relatives have been reborn. Or, through the supernatural powers
of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, they will be taken by him to the
various realms personally, to see where their former relatives are. If
they can chant the name of the Bodhisattva for a thousand times every
day, and continue to do so for one thousand days, the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva will send forth earthly spirits to protect them throughout
their lives, and they will enjoy happiness, prosperity and longevity,
and will not experience suffering or sorrow. Neither will they come
across unhappiness, nor shall evil enter their homes. Finally, they will
attain Buddhahood. If there are people, either male or female, in the
future who desire to relieve sentient beings, to practise compassionate
deeds, to convert sentient beings and to possess great wisdom in order
to get out of their suffering of the Trilokas, such persons, if they see
the image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, chant the name of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, taking refuge in Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, making offerings
or paying homage to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, all their wishes will be
achieved without any obstacle forever. If the sentient beings of the
present and future have innumerable wishes, or they have the desire of
doing innumerable good deeds, they will be successful in all of their
aspirations if they pay respect to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, praising
him, taking him as their refuge or paying homage to his image. If such
persons long for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to protect them forever, they
will see Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in their dreams, to predict that they
will be able to attain Buddhahood. Even if males and females in the
future have great faith in the Mahayana Sutra, and aspire to read and
recite this Sutra, though they are taught by clever teachers, they may
forget it due to their ignorance brought about by previous bad Karma;
but, when they hear the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva or see his image
or likeness and make various offerings to him and place a cup of pure
water in front of him for one day and one night, then with clasped hands
and with deepest reverence, facing South, they may drink the water with
great faith. After drinking the water, they must abstain from all evil
deeds and observe the precepts piously for seven days or twenty-one
days. By so doing, these persons will see the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in
various manifestations in the dream state, showing the Bodhisattva
pouring water of wisdom on their heads. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva will
endow these persons with wisdom. Upon awakening, they will then have
sufficient wisdom to understand the Sutra, remembering every sentence
and stanza forever.
If people in the future suffer from insufficient food and clothing,
unsuccessful in whatever they wish to do, always attacked by sickness or
disastrous happenings, and no peace in their family life, separated
from their beloved ones, see only dreadful things in their dreams, or
are met by other calamities that befall them, if such sorrowful beings
hear the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, or see his images, or chant
his name for ten thousands times with deepest reverence, their
unhappiness will disappear gradually. They will live in peace and
happiness. If virtuous people in the future, due to their personal
business or public affairs, or any other important functions, have to
travel through deep forests, to cross rivers or seas with strong rapids,
or to walk on dangerous paths, such people, if they chant the name of
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva for ten thousand times, then wherever they go or
whatever they do, they will always be protected by spirits and devas
and will have happiness and peace forever. Even if they come across
dangerous animals such as tigers, wolves or lions, they can never do
harm to such virtuous persons.
Shakyamuni Buddha then told Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, \`The
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has a close relationship with the sentient
beings of Jambudvipa. If we want to speak about the happiness and
benefits which Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva confers upon sentient beings, it
will take hundreds of thousands of kalpas and still we would not be able
to cover the full account. That is why you, Avalokitesvara, through
your supernatural powers, should do your utmost to propagate the
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, so that sentient beings in the Samsara
world will have the opportunity to enjoy happiness and peace for
millions of kalpas.\`
At that time, the Shakyamuni Buddha spoke again in stanzas, \`Even if we
spoke for kalpas, we could not describe in detail Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva旧 supernatural powers, which are as many as the grains of
sands in the Ganges River. Seeing, hearing, or paying homage to
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, even for a moment of thought, will bring
innumerable benefits to human beings as well as devas. If human beings,
dragons or spirits are cast into the evil realms according to their
Karma, they will be exonerated from punishment if they take their refuge
in Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. If people who have lost their parents or
beloved ones during their infancy, and wish to know where their deceased
relatives have been reborn, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva will transform
himself into various manifestations and personally show them the places
where their relatives are, providing they make images of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, pay homage to him and continue to chant his name a thousand
times a day for twenty-one days continuously. Even though the deceased
relatives have been cast into evil realms, they will be relieved of
suffering by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. If they continue to chant and do
such virtuous activities, these persons will receive the opportunity of
attaining Buddhahood.
If people wish to practise the Bodhisattva career and get out of the
three worlds of suffering, they should first pay homage to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva旧 image, and all their aspirations will be achieved, and they
will never come across any obstacles. Secondly, if people make a vow to
chant Sutras and lead erring beings to Salvation, although they make a
very good vow, but owing to their previous Karma they are very forgetful
through bad memory, if such persons make offerings to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva such as scented flowers, clothing. food and drink or by
placing a cup of pure water on Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva`s altar for one
day and one night and then drink the water after praying, and if such
persons observe the five precepts for twenty-one days, remembering or
thinking of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva`s name with deepest reverence, they
will attain wisdom after seeing numerous transformations of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva in their dreams, and remember whatever Sutra that comes to
their ears. For hundreds of thousands of births, they will attain such
wisdom through the supernatural powers of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Thirdly, if people suffering from poverty, sickness, misfortune in the
family, separated from beloved ones, troubled dreams, unsuccessful in
whatever they wish for, if such persons pay homage to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva`s image, all their undesirable conditions will disappear.
They are protected by spirits and devas, and will enjoy life with
sufficiency in everything. If people come across dangerous animals,
wicked people, fierce spirits or devils or natural disasters when they
travel in the forests or across the seas, if they pay homage to
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and make offerings to him, all of the forenamed
disasters will be removed.\`
Shakyamuni Buddha said to Avalokitesvara, \`Listen to me. To describe
the supernatural powers of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva would take
endless kalpas and still I could not be able to enumerate them all\`
\`People receive great bliss if they hear Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva`s name
and pay homage to his image and make offerings to him. If they transfer
their merit to the beings of the ten quarters of space, they will be
relieved out of the sufferings of birth and death and finally attain
Buddhahood. That is why, Avalokitesvara, you must familiarise people in
as many countries as the grains of sands in the Ganges River with the
incalculable attributes of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.\`
Chapter XIII. Shakyamuni Buddha`s Instruction to Human Beings and Devas
At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha raised His golden arms, touching
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva`s head, and said, \`Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva,
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, your supernatural power, your Infinite Loving
Kindness, your wisdom and your eloquence! (One could take) millions of
kalpas to praise you and your incomparable activities, yet they can
never give the fullest account. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, remember that I am standing in the presence of such a
multitude, who have assembled at these thirty-three Heavens, to declare
unto you that you must not allow any sentient beings to fall into the
evil state of suffering for even one day and one night. So much the
more, should never allow them to be cast to the five Avici Hells or the
last and the deepest of the eight hot Hells where the culprits suffer,
die or instantly return to suffering without interruption for millions
of kalpas. Sentient beings are prone to evil habits, and when they
reform they easily yield to temptation, backslide and, worst of all, the
bad habits will multiply. That is why it is necessary to have millions
and millions of transformations to aid each erring one according to his
own weakness and avoid it, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, I now place the
guardianship of all these beings into your hands. Encourage even the
slightest of good deeds and encourage beings, either devas or human
beings, male or female, never to discontinue their efforts to practise
even a small act of good deed. It is your profound duty, through your
supernatural powers, to protect such beings and help them to improve
their good deeds with no retreat. In the future, if any beings have
Karma that brings them into Hell, and can remember the name of one
Buddha or one Bodhisattva, or one passage, or even one sentence from the
Mahayana Sutra when they reach the gate of the Hell, then, through your
supernatural powers, you should lead these beings out of their
sufferings. Show them your various transformations and bring them to
Salvation to enjoy Supreme Bliss.\`
At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha spoke in stanzas, \`Now I place in your
hands sentient beings of the present and future, and I exhort you, by
your supernatural powers and obligations, never to allow any sentient
beings fall into any of the evil worlds.\`
At that time, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva knelt down with clasped hands and
spoke to Shakyamuni Buddha, \`Honoured of the world, please do not be
worried; if any sentient beings of the future have only one thought of
respect for the Buddha`s Teachings, I shall endeavour to the utmost to
relieve such people out of the sufferings of Birth and Death and lead
them to Salvation by numerous ways and means. If I come to know any
persons who practise meritorious deeds, I shall make a strong effort to
help them to proceed to Buddhahood without falling back.\`
At that time, one Bodhisattva by the name of Dharmakaya Bodhisattva said
to Shakyamuni Buddha, \`Honoured of the World, since I have come to
this gathering and have heard the Buddha praising the inconceivable
merits of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, please tell me how many kinds of
benefits will accrue to those who hear the Ksitigarbha Sutra, his name,
or pay homage to his images? I ask this in order that I may help beings
in the future.\` Shakyamuni Buddha told the Bodhisattva, \`Listen to me
carefully and I shall tell you in detail. If virtuous people of the
future see the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva`s image, hear the Ksitigarbha
Sutra, chant the Ksitigarbha Sutra, make offerings to Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, pay homage to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, they will get
twenty-eight kinds of benefits as under: -
1. They will be protected by devas and dragons.
2. Their ability to do good deeds will increase.
3. Opportunities for doing good will increase.
4. The will to approach Buddhahood will continue unfailingly.
5. Such people will enjoy sufficiency of food and clothing.
6. They will be free from all diseases.
7. They will never suffer from floods or fire.
8. They shall not fall victims to robbery and loss of goods.
9. They will be respected and admired by people.
10. They will be protected and assisted by spirits and devas.
11. Females shall be reborn as males.
12. The females will become daughters of kings and nobles.
13. They will be reborn with good complexion.
14. They will be reborn in the heavens for many lives.
15. They will be reborn as kings or rulers of countries.
16. They will have wisdom to recollect their previous lives.
17. They will be successful in all their aspirations.
18. They will have happy family relations.
10. They will be free from all disastrous happenings.
20. They will be free from bad Karma forever.
21. Wherever they go, they shall be safe.
22. They shall always have peaceful dreams.
23. Their deceased relatives will be free from sufferings.
24. They will be reborn with happiness.
25. They will be praised by divine beings.
26. They will be intelligent and skilful.
27. They will have compassion for others.
28. They will finally attain Buddhahood.
Again, Dharmakaya Bodhisattva, if devas, dragons, devils or spirits hear
the inconceivable merits of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and praise
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, they will attain seven kinds of benefits as
under:
1. They can attain the divine stages quickly.
2. They will be free from bad Karma.
3. They will be protected by Buddhas.
4. They will proceed towards Buddhahood without falling back.
5. The energy of will to do right will be increased.
6. They will have the power to recollect past lives.
7. They will finally attain Buddhahood.
When all these innumerable Buddhas, Maha Bodhisattvas, devas, dragons
etc, from the ten quarters of space, had heard Shakyamuni Buddha
praising the inconceivable, supernatural powers of Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, flowers and precious gems were seen falling down from
Heaven as offerings to Shakyamuni Buddha and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
With clasped hands and deep reverence, they all returned to their own
realms.
