Who is Ksitigarbha?

Posted in Buddhism by admin on February 12, 2008

Ksitigarbha (地藏王菩薩; Dìzàng Wáng Púsà) is one of the four principal Bodhisattvas in Oriental Mahayana Buddhism. The others are Samantabhadra (普賢菩薩; Pŭxián Púsà, Manjusri (文殊師利菩薩; Wénshū Púsà, and Avalokitesvara (觀世音菩薩; Guānshì Yīn Púsà).

Ksitigarbha

These four Bodhisattvas represent the four basic qualities of the Buddha i.e. Manjushri for Great Wisdom; Avalokiteshvara for his Great Compassion; Samantabhadra for his Great Meritorious Deeds; and Ksitigarbha for his Great Vows (to help and liberate all sentient beings residing in the hells). The famous pronouncement of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha “If I do not go to hell to help them there, who else will go?” is the manifestation of this profound vow.

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