Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Fundamental Vows Sutra)

19,954 words

Summary: Ksitigarbha (Di Zang Pu-sa) is a great bodhisattva who vowed to not become a buddha until everyone was released from hell. His birthday is observed on the thirtith day of the seventh lunar month. At or near that time a Dharma Asssembly is held with the chanting of the Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Fundamental Vows, making of offerings, peforming the ritual of transmigration for the deceased, and asking of blessings for the living.

Source 1: motilalbanarsidass.com
Source 2: web.archive.org

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Fundamental Vows Sutra) in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Chapter 1 - Ubiquitous Supernatural Powers of the Exalted Buddha at Trayastrimsa Heaven

Chapter 2 - The Assembly of the Transformations of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Chapter 3 - Observations of Retribution of Human Beings Resulting from Previous Karmas

Chapter 4 - Evil Actions and Retributions of Human Beings of the Samsara World

Chapter 5 - The Names of Different Kinds of Hells

Chapter 6 - Shakyamuni Buddha Praising Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Chapter 7 - Benefiting the Living and the Dead

Chapter 8 - Appreciation of Emperor Yama and His Followers

Chapter 9 - The Chanting of the Buddha's Name

Chapter 10 - The Comparison of Merits for Alms-giving

Chapter 11 - Earthly Spirits Protecting the Dharma

Chapter 12 - The Benefit through Sight and Hearing