Kishitigarbha Bodhisattva Vow Sutra

INTRODUCTION To the Contents Page

Poetry, metaphor and myth can often express the most profound ethical, psychological and spiritual insights and aspirations of a people or culture in a way that communicates to the imagination more immediately than a literal narrative may. The impact of these literary forms lies not only in the written word, but resonates also on some other more subtle wavelength. Perhaps they communicate more to the heart or the intuition than to the intellect. Whatever the reason, great works like the Vedas and the Upanishads, the Mahabharata and Bhagavad-Gita, the Greek myths and epic poems, the Tao Teh Ching, the Zen poems - earth-treasures such as these have all helped to shape the thinking of whole civilizations for hundreds or thousands of years, and thus have influenced the histories and the destinies of the peoples who inspired and absorbed them.

The Buddhist sutras belong to this class of inspired world literature, giving expression as they do to many noble truths, and with some, like the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra and the Avatamsaka Sutra, revealing and making known in a few words ultimate Truth: 'Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form', 'All that we see is a product of the Mind', 'Thou art the Buddha'. The Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha Vow Sutra is presented here, and whether viewed literally, mythically, or perhaps somewhere between the two, it can take its own unique place amongst the sutras - its ever-present underlying theme expressing the great universal truths of love, compassion and responsibility for all beings.

The Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha Vow Sutra

Was first translated from the Sanskrit into Chinese in the 7th century A.D. T'ang Dynasty. The English here has been faithfully translated directly from the original archaic Chinese. In China this sutra has for hundreds of years been one of the most well-known and popular Buddhist sutras, but compared to such Bodhisattvas as Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, the name Kishitigarbha appears to be relatively unknown in the West. According to one Chinese authority on Kishitigarbha, the reason for this obscurity lies in an ancient prophecy foretelling that this sutra would not be known outside of China and Tibet for 2500 years after the time of Buddha - until the Dharma-Ending Age - our present age - which would be ready to receive and understand it. The sutra would then be revealed and spread to distant lands. Regardless of any mystique surrounding this explanation, the fact is that together with Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Samantabhadra, Kishitigarbha is one of the most revered and celebrated Bodhisattvas. Respectively they personify the four basic Mahayana qualities of Great Compassion, Great Wisdom, Great Meritorious Deeds, and in Kishitigarbha: the Great Vow - the vow to save all sentient beings, including the hungry ghosts and the hell beings.

The literal translation of the Bodhisattva's Sanskrit name is "Earth-Store". The name in one sense indicates that any undesirable or troublesome thoughts 'stored' or hidden deep in one's mind or heart may be uncovered and released with the help of Kishitigarbha's divine power - thereby freeing the person from their negative influence. A less literal translation, which more accurately communicates its complex significance to Western readers, could be to render it as "Earth-Treasure". In this freer sense his name expresses the many marvellous aspects of the earth and his mysterious connection with it: the earth is vast, it supports all living beings, it is impartial, it receives the life-giving rain, it produces trees and crops, it holds all planted seeds which will ultimately ripen and come to fruition, it holds many treasures, it produces medicines for suffering humanity, it is not moved by storms. And the earth too, is in its own way a sentient being.

The Earth-Treasure Bodhisattva has a deep relationship with beings of the earth – humans, and especially with those 'below' it - the hungry ghosts and hell beings. Because these are the most difficult to raise into a more fortunate condition due to their previous unwholesome actions, and because of his past vow to save them all, Kishitigarbha has been known as the Teacher of the Dark Regions. "If I do not go to hell to help them, who else will go?" is the famous declaration popularly attributed to Kishitigarbha. No matter what the crime or the karma, he is willing to have a connection with any being, and to help free them from suffering.

The Sutra is fundamentally a teaching concerning karmic retribution, graphically describing the consequences one creates for oneself by committing undesirable actions. This is especially for the benefit of future beings in the Dharma-Ending Age in order to help these beings avoid making the mistakes that will cause them to be reborn in a low condition. With the motivation to help suffering beings always in mind, the sutra is a discourse given by the Buddha in praise of the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha and his heroic Vow, and of the benefits one can receive from worshipping Kishitigarbha and by reading the sutra.

Presented in the form of a seemingly mythic dialogue between the Buddha and Kishitigarbha, the teaching takes place in a certain heaven called Trayastrimsa Heaven, in front of a vast multitude of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gods and ghosts. Immediately prior to his departure from this world, Buddha manifested in Trayastrimsa Heaven so that he might repay the kindness of his mother who dwelt there by speaking the Dharma on her behalf. So from another aspect the sutra deals with filial responsibility - not only that between oneself and one's parents, but also in an ultimate sense of a universal code of duty or responsibility for all living beings, all of whom a Bodhisattva regards with the same kindness, consideration and respect that one should accord to one's own parents. This, together with the practice of acts for the good of all, is the Bodhisattva's vision.

The sutra closes as the Buddha is on the point of entering Nirvana. Throughout the sutra Buddha is concerned for the future beings of the Dharma-Ending Age, and trusts that through Kishitigarbha's divine power, the Bodhisattva will be able to help these beings attain liberation even during this difficult Age - which is the reason his sutra is to be revealed at this time. The Buddha ends his discourse by praising Kishitigarbha before the assembly, entrusting all future beings in the heavens and the worlds to him - proclaiming that any future person who reads the Sutra or who worships Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha will earn extraordinary merits, and ultimately, Buddhahood.

Namo Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha Mahasattva

CHAPTER 1

DIVINE POWER IN

TRAYASTRIMSA HEAVEN

Thus I have heard:

At one time, Buddha Sakyamuni appeared in Trayastrimsa Heaven to preach the Dharma for his mother, Lady Maya. At that time, uncountable Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas from the Ten Directions went there for this instruction. All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas admired Buddha Sakyamuni for his ability to help all hard and violent living beings learn how to achieve happiness and rid themselves of distress. Every Buddha and Bodhisattva sent their envoys to request the World-Honored One's instructions.

When Buddha smiled, millions of bright clouds appeared. The Bright Cloud of Great Perfect Fullness, The Bright Cloud of Great Compassion, The Bright Cloud of Great Wisdom, The Bright Cloud of Great Prajna, The Bright Cloud of Great Samadhi, The Bright Cloud of Great Auspiciousness, The Bright Cloud of Great Blessing, The Bright Cloud of Great Merit, The Bright Cloud of Great Refuge, The Bright Cloud of Great Praise and countless others. Following the bright clouds, he also emitted many kinds of wonderful subtle sounds. The Sound of Contribution, The Sound of Discipline, The Sound of Patience, The Sound of Dauntless Energy, The Sound of Meditation, The Sound of Enlightened Wisdom, The Sound of Benevolence and Compassion, The Sound of Joyous Giving, The Sound of Release, The Sound of No-Outflows, The Sound of Wisdom, The Sound of Great Wisdom, The Sound of the Lion's Roar, The Sound of the Great Lion's Roar, The Sound of Thunderclouds, The Sound of Great Thunderclouds and other endless sounds.

Uncountable billions of heavenly beings, dragons, ghosts and gods from the Saha World and many realms gathered together in the Palace of Trayastrimsa Heaven. They came from the Heaven of Four Kings, the Heaven of Trayastrimsa, the Heaven of Suyama, the Heaven of Tusita, the Heaven of Transformation Happiness, the Heaven of Transformation Comfort, the Heaven of Brahma's Multitudes, the Heaven of Brahma's Ministers, the Heaven of Great Brahma, the Heaven of Little Light, the Heaven of Endless Light, the Heaven of Light and Sound, the Heaven of Little Purity, the Heaven of Endless Purity, the Heaven of Universal Purity, the Heaven of Blessing Birth, the Heaven of Blessing Love, the Heaven of Many Fruit, the Heaven Without Thought, the Heaven Without Upset, the Heaven Without Heat, the Heaven of Good Views, the Heaven of Good Manifestation, the Heaven of Ultimate Form, the Heaven of Mahesvara, the Heaven of Neither Thought Nor Non-Thought. Numerous gods including the God of Oceans, the God of Rivers, the God of Streams, the God of Trees, the God of Mountains, the God of Earth, the God of Swamps, the God of Grains, the God of Days, the God of Nights, the God of Space, the God of Skies, the God of Food, the God of Grass and so on assembled for this teaching. Many ghost kings from other lands and the Saha World also joined this instruction. The Ferocious Eyes Ghost King, Drinking Blood Ghost King, Absorbing Vitality Ghost King, Embryo Eating Ghost King, Spreading Diseases Ghost King, Collecting Poisons Ghost King, Kind Heart Ghost King, Welfare People Ghost King, Protecting and Respecting People Ghost King, and numerous ghost kings all assembled together.

At that time, Buddha Sakyamuni asked Bodhisattva Manjushri, Mahasattva, "Do you know how many Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, dragons, ghosts and gods from other lands and worlds are here in the Trayastrimsa Heaven for this instruction?" Manjushri answered, "World-Honored One, even using my divine power for thousands of aeons, I still would not be able to calculate how many are here." Buddha Sakyamuni said to Manjushri, "Even if I use my Buddha eye, I too cannot calculate them. These multitudes include all whom Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has released, is releasing, and will release from suffering. That is, these multitudes include all living beings who live in the past, present and future!"

Manjushri said to Buddha, "World-Honored One, I have long cultivated good roots and have acquired extensive and profound wisdom. So, as soon as I hear anything the Buddha says, I understand and believe it immediately. However, other living beings may doubt Buddha's sincere words. They might believe them temporarily but they cannot hold the words in their hearts, and will begin to doubt them and then to criticize them. I hope the World-Honored One can provide more detailed information about Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, and tell us what this Bodhisattva did. What kind of vows did this Bodhisattva make that allowed him to achieve this inconceivable thing?"

Buddha told Manjushri, "As an analogy, it is as if in the thousands of worlds, all the grasses, trees, bushes, straw, hemp, bamboo, reeds, mountains, stones, dust and every object is made into the Ganges River. And each grain of sand in the Ganges River becomes a great world. And each speck of dust in each world is compared to an aeon. And within those aeons the specks of dust that would accumulate would also become aeons. Increase this amount a thousand times and this is how long Kishitigarbha has maintained the position of the Tenth Ground - the highest ground or position that a Bodhisattva can reach. Manjushri, the power from Bodhisattva's vow is unimaginable. In the future, if there is any good man or good woman who hears this Bodhisattva's name, who praises, gazes at and worships, who recites the name Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha or makes offerings and who paints, engraves, or moulds an image of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, he or she will go to that area of Heaven called 'Thirty-Three Heaven', more than one hundred times, and will never fall into the evil levels.

"Manjushri, many aeons ago, this Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, was the son of a powerful and rich person. At that time, there was a Buddha named 'Lion-Lightning-Sprint-Vast-Tasks-Complete' who had a very dignified appearance. The son asked what kind of vow he had made to achieve such a dignified appearance. Buddha Lion-Sprint told the son that if he wanted to have this appearance, he would have to relieve all living beings from suffering and distress. So therefore, Manjushri, he made a vow: "From now on for countless aeons, I will provide all kinds of possible ways to relieve all beings from suffering. I will not become a Buddha until they have all been released from pain." So, even after such a long time, he still has not become a Buddha and is still a Bodhisattva.

"Boundless aeons ago, there was a Buddha who lived on the earth. His name was Enlightenment-Flower Self-Sufficient King and he had lived for innumerable aeons. During this time of the Dharma-Image Age, there was a girl who was born in the Brahmin caste, and because she had done so many good deeds everybody admired and respected her. Many gods from heavens protected her every move. However, her mother had improper beliefs and did not respect the Triple Gems. She used many ways to convince her mother of the truth of Buddha's teachings, but her mother died before completely accepting them. Her soul fell into Endless Hell. This daughter knew that her mother who did not believe in cause and effect, resulting in retribution, might have fallen into the evil level because of her karma. To save her mother, this daughter sold all her family possessions and properties to buy flowers and offerings for Buddha. She went to the temple in which there was a shrine to Buddha Enlightenment-Flower Self-Sufficient King, then contributed all her offerings.

"At the temple, gazing at and worshipping the venerable face of Buddha Enlightenment-Flower, this daughter spoke quietly to herself, "Buddha has complete wisdom. If Buddha were still in this world, I would be able to ask him where my mother is. " This daughter cried a long time and gazed tenderly at Buddha. Suddenly, there was a voice in the sky, "Saintly woman, do not grieve too much. I am now going to tell you where your mother is." The daughter placed both her hands together gratefully and answered, "Who are you that has come to comfort and relieve me of my anxiety? Since my mother passed away, I think of her day and night. I do not know where I can go to ask about her." The voice sounded in the sky again, "I am the Buddha you are worshipping, Buddha Enlightenment-Flower Self-Sufficient King. I know you miss your mother more than those ordinary beings. So I come especially to tell you." The daughter jumped up happily after listening to the words. She jumped so vigorously that she hurt her knees and fainted. After she had revived, she said, "May Buddha be benevolent and compassionate. I know that I will not live long - please tell me where my mother is. " Buddha Enlightenment-Flower Self-Sufficient King said, "After your offerings here, go home and meditate on my name. Then you will know where your mother is. "

"The daughter meditated for one day and one night. Unexpectedly, she felt that she had arrived at a shore next to a sea with bubbling, boiling water. Many fierce beasts with iron bodies were flying and running back and forth above the sea. She saw many men and women who were eaten and bitten by evil blood-thirsty animals. She saw many monstrous devils with many hands, eyes, legs or heads. Their teeth grew out of their mouths and were sharp as swords. The devils frightened, chased and seized criminal persons, and twisted their heads and feet together. No one dared to willingly look at these terrifying sights. Because the daughter was meditating on Buddha, she was not afraid of these scenes.

"A ghost king named Poisonless greeted this saintly woman and said, "Excellent, Bodhisattva, why are you here?" The Brahmin daughter asked of the Ghost King, "Where am I?" Poisonless answered, "This is the first ocean of the western side of Big Iron-Fence Mountain. " The saintly woman asked, "I have heard that there is a hell inside the Iron-Fence Mountain. Is that true?" Poisonless answered, "Yes, there indeed exists a hell." The saintly woman asked, "Why am I here?" Poisonless answered, "Only those with either a god's power or those by their karma come here. If it were not because of these two things, you would not be able to come here." The saintly woman asked again, "Why does the sea keep boiling? Why are there so many criminal persons and fierce beasts?" Poisonless answered, "These are those beings who committed bad actions in their past lives. If someone dies and no one arranges proper rituals or does good deeds to relieve their suffering during the first forty nine days after death, and he or she did not have any redeeming merits from benevolent actions when alive, he or she will fall into this hell in accordance with his or her own actions. On the way to hell, it is necessary to cross this sea of suffering first. Four million miles to the east of this ocean is another one, where the beings there suffer twice as much as in this ocean. East of this second ocean is another with even more suffering. These areas are called the Karma Oceans, and are caused by the three causes of karma: body, speech and mind." The saintly woman asked the ghost king, "Where is hell?" Poisonless answered, "Among these three oceans, there is Big Hell. This Big Hell is divided into hundreds or thousands of hells. Each divided hell is completely different from the others. The reason why we called this Hell 'Big' is that these hells are classified into five hundred or more small hells. Each hell contains endless sufferings. Within these five hundred hells, there are thousands of smaller hells which also contain boundless sufferings.

"The saintly woman asked the ghost king again, "My mother recently died, and I wonder where her soul has gone. The ghost king asked the saintly woman, "Bodhisattva, what did your mother do when she was alive?" She answered, "My mother had improper beliefs and disrespected the Triple Gems. At one time she believed, and then soon after again fell into disrespect. Poisonless asked, "Bodhisattva, what is your mother's name?" The saintly woman responded, "Both my parents are of the Brahmin caste. My father's name is Sila Sudarshan, my mother's is Yueh Tili. - Poisonless placed both hands together and told Bodhisattva, "Please saintly woman, return home and do not be sad. The criminal woman Yueh Tili ascended to heaven three days ago. It is said she was saved by the filial piety of her daughter who made offerings at the temple of Buddha Enlightenment-Flower Self Sufficient King For the purpose of saving her mother. Not (only was your mother released from hell, but also as a result those other criminal persons in Endless Hell have been reborn."

After the ghost king had finished speaking, he placed both his hands together in respect and withdrew.

"Within a short time, the Brahmin daughter woke up as if from a dream. Realizing the truth, she faced the statue of Buddha Enlightenment-Flower Self Sufficient King and vowed, "May I use the future aeons to establish as many possible ways as I can in order to release from pain all beings who are suffering from their criminal behavior.

Buddha told Manjushri, "The ghost king, Poisonless, is actually a Bodhisattva named Wealthy Leader now. And the Brahmin daughter is the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha. "

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CHAPTER 2

KISHITIGARBHA INCARNATED

IN THE ASSEMBLY

At that time, millions of divinely incarnated forms of Kishitigarbha from inconceivable, uncountable and unutterable worlds and hells came together to Trayastrimsa Heaven Palace. Buddha used his divine power to lead all Bodhisattvas from all worlds, and all those beings released from the hells to come here. Everybody brought flowers to Buddha. These multitudes were those beings whom Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha had instructed, and who would never regress from Buddha's wisdom. For many aeons, they had floated throughout life and death, suffering in the six levels, with no time to rest. Because of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha's benevolence and compassion, and his great vow, all had attained a certain level of spiritual development. They came happily to Trayastrimsa and reverently gazed at Buddha.

At that time, World-Honored One stretched out his golden arms and touched all the incarnated heads of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva. He said, "I cultivate those hard and violent living beings in the world and in the human condition, subduing their hearts. I hope they can renounce evil and do good deeds. However, one or two-tenths of them still have evil habits. I incarnate myself into billions of forms, and use many convenient ways to save them from suffering. Some of them are very receptive; they believe and practice the Dharma as soon as they hear it. Some of them who have done a few good deeds can become better after I patiently teach and guide them. Some of them are dark and dull - it takes a long time to cultivate them before they will take refuge in the Dharma. Some of them who have heavy karma do not even respect the Triple Gems at all.

"Since such beings have many distinct characters, I always incarnate myself to deliver them from pain and suffering. In order to help them, I incarnate myself in the mountain, forest, stream, plain, river, pond, fountain or well. I show myself not only in the image of Buddha but also in the image of man, woman, heavenly being, dragon, ghost or god. In order to benefit them, I also show myself as an emperor king, Brahma King, Wheel-Turning King, layman, country's king, prime minister, government official, monk, nun, Sound-Hearer, Arhan, Pratyekabuddha or Bodhisattva.

"You, Kishitigarbha, have observed that I have diligently worked for a long time to release hard and obstinate suffering criminal beings. As for those who have not improved, if they fall into evil or suffer from past karma retribution, you should remember what I gently taught and repeated to you in Trayastrimsa Heaven Palace - that is, to release all those beings in the Saha World, until the coming of Maitreya, from suffering forever; and to encounter Buddhas and receive the Dharma. "

At that time, all the incarnated forms of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha from many worlds gathered into a single form and said to Buddha tearfully, "I have been instructed by Buddha for long aeons. I have gained inconceivable divine power and wisdom. The boundless worlds are filled with my incarnations. In order to make them take refuge in and respect the Three Treasures, to escape from life and death forever, and achieve Nirvana's bliss, I have incarnated billions of bodies in every world. Every one I have incarnated has taught hundreds, thousands or billions of people. Even if their good deeds within the Buddhadharma are as little as a hair, a drop, a grain of sand, or a speck of dust, I will gradually save them and make them gain great benefits. Please World-Honored One, do not be concerned for those beings in the future." Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha said to Buddha three times, "Please World-Honored One, do not be concerned for future beings with bad karma."

Buddha then praised Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha and said, "Very good, very good. I am pleased that you have made such a vow. You will achieve your vow and after all have been cultivated and instructed you will attain Bodhi.

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CHAPTER 3

OBSERVING THE KARMA

OF ALL BEINGS

Buddha Sakyamuni's mother, Lady Maya, reverently placed both her hands together and asked Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "Saintly One, those beings of the worlds have different karma. What kind of retribution do they deserve?" Kishitigarbha answered, "Some of the infinite lands have hells, the others do not. Some lands have women, the others do not. Some lands have the Buddhadharma, the others do not. Some lands have Sound-Hearers and Pratyekabuddhas, the others do not. The hells do not all have the same retributions." Lady Maya asked Bodhisattva, "I would like to know what retributions the beings in the worlds will receive." Kishitigarbha replied, "Saintly mother, please listen and I will give you a general explanation." Buddha's mother said, "Saintly One, please tell me."

Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha told the saintly mother, "The criminal retributions are as follows: Anyone who is not filial or does not respect his parents, or anyone who kills or hurts his parents will fall into Endless Hell for an indefinite period of time. Anyone who hurts or injures Buddha, slanders the Three Treasures or disrespects the sutra, will fall into Endless Hell for an indefinite period of time. Anyone who damages or steals from the temple, makes a monk or nun disobey the rules, practices sexual acts in a temple or kills people, will fall into Endless Hell for an indefinite period of time. Anyone who pretends to be a monk or a nun but fails to keep the rules of Buddha in his or her heart, wastes objects in a temple, cheats a follower of Buddha or goes against the Buddha's disciplines, will fall into Endless Hell for an indefinite period of time. Anyone who steals money, food, clothing or takes anything from the temple without permission, will fall into Endless Hell for an indefinite period of time." Kishitigarbha continued, "Those beings who commit such crimes will fall into Endless Hell. It is also impossible to ask for a momentary pause from these sufferings.”

Lady Maya asked Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha again, "Why are those hells called 'Endless'?" Kishitigarbha replied, "Saintly mother, there are eighteen big hells, then five hundred major hells which have different names and thousands of secondary hells with different names, too. All hells are within the Iron-Fence Mountain. Endless Hell is eighty thousand miles in circumference, ten thousand miles high, and the buildings and walls around it are made of iron. The hell is surrounded by a wall of flames making it impossible to escape. Within this hell, many secondary hells are connected together and they also have different names. There is just one hell here which is properly named 'Endless'. This hell is made of solid iron, is eighteen thousand miles in circumference and its wall is one thousand miles high. Below and above is all burning fire. There are iron snakes and dogs chasing and breathing out fire along the wall. Inside this hell is a bed that extends for ten thousand miles or more. One suffering here can see himself lying on that bed. And when thousands of people are suffering there, they each would see themselves lying on that bed, too. These are retributions for the bad karma caused by the offenders.

"Furthermore, many criminal people suffer from all kinds of pain. The sufferings are as follows: There are several hundred or thousand skeletons and evil ghosts with sword-like teeth and lightning-like eyes dragging criminal people by copper claws. One kind of skeleton has hands like big iron spears that shoot through bodies, mouths, noses, bellies or backs. They throw criminal people back and forth through the air. Some skeletons put criminal people on the bed and let iron eagles peck at their eyes or iron snakes twist their necks. Nails are driven into their joints, and their tongues pulled out and ploughed through; their intestines are drawn and cut out. They are forced to drink molten copper and hot iron is used to brand them. These karmic retributions are for thousands of lives and are all caused by the beings themselves. Having been through so much pain, they are still unable to leave the hells. Even though the hell has come to an end or has decayed, they will be conveyed to another hell. When the former hell has also decayed, they will be sent back yet again. These are the karmic retributions proceeding in Endless Hell.

"This is a hell that is basically established for these five kinds of karmic retributions, so it is called Endless Hell. The reasons why it is called Endless Hell are: First, suffering continues day and night, and there is no end. Therefore, it is called Endless Hell. Second, no matter how many people are there, either one or a great many, the hell is always full. Therefore, it is called Endless Hell. Third, the pains they suffer are without end. They use a variety of implements such as forks, sticks, eagles, snakes, wolves and dogs, mills, saws and files that pierce, pound, grind, saw and chop. Large pots, iron nets and ropes, iron horses and donkeys, and molten iron are used to boil and flay one alive, bind, and pour molten iron over one's body. When they are hungry and thirsty, they are forced to swallow iron pellets and drink iron fluid. These sufferings will continue for countless years. Therefore, it is called Endless Hell. Fourth, regardless of race, sex, age, wealth, or whether dragons or gods, heavenly beings or ghosts, if any of them have karmic retributions caused by criminal behavior, they will all suffer together. Fifth, anyone in hell will pass through many lives every day and night. It is impossible to rest even for a moment. They will never be reborn as human beings until all karma has come to an end. Because of this never-ending life and death, it is called Endless Hell."

Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha told saintly mother, "I have described Endless Hell in general. If you want me to explain everything in detail about Endless Hell, I could not finish in one aeon." After listening to Kishitigarbha's words, Lady Maya sorrowfully placed both her hands together, bowed in worship, then withdrew.

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CHAPTER 4

BEINGS' KARMIC RETRIBUTION

At that time, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, said to Buddha, "World-Honored One, relying upon your divine power, I am able to transform myself into many forms to save all beings in billions of worlds from their karmic retribution. If it were not for your benevolent power, I would not be able to transform myself. Now I am again bidden by Buddha to relieve those beings in the six levels. Yes, World-Honored One, please do not be concerned.

At that time, Buddha Sakyamuni told Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "Those beings who have not been liberated are very unstable. Bad habits cause karma, good habits cause good fruit, and whether habits are good or bad, beings are all influenced by environment. They transmigrate within the five levels like a wheel turning without stopping. They have been through many hardships for aeons. Like a fish swimming into a net and thinking that it is in a flowing stream, when the fish breaks out from the net, it becomes trapped again. Such beings are what I am always anxious about. But now, you are going to accomplish your vow to help the criminal people. So I have no need for concern."

When Buddha spoke these words in the meeting, a Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, named Self-Existent King asked, "World-Honored One, what vow makes the Buddha praise Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha so much? Please World-Honored One tell us." Buddha answered Bodhisattva Self-Existent King, "Listen, listen, and think of what I am about to say. Many aeons ago, there was a Buddha named ‘All-Knowledge- Accomplished One’. This Buddha is worshipped by heavenly beings and people. He has wisdom and is perfect in clarity and conduct. He can be released from life and death. He is omniscient and acts as an advocate and mediator. He is the highest sage and the greatest instructor of heaven and people. That is why this Buddha is respected by heavens and people. The lifespan of this Buddha is sixty thousand aeons. He was a king of a small country before he became a monk. While he was a king, he had a good friend who was also a king of a neighboring country. They both cultivated themselves by doing ten good deeds to help others. The citizens of their countries used to commit many evil acts, so the two kings decided to set up possible ways to help people to give up evil and return to virtue. One king made a vow that he may soon become a Buddha to help all beings. The other king made a different vow, saying that he would never become a Buddha unless all beings suffering from their criminal acts were saved and gained peace and happiness, and attained Bodhi.

Buddha Sakyamuni told Bodhisattva Self-Existent King, "The king who wished to become a Buddha first is Buddha All-Knowledge Accomplished. The other king who wished to help people but refused to become a Buddha first is the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha.

"Moreover, long and infinite aeons ago, Buddha Pure-Lotus-Eyes came into the world. This Buddha's lifespan is forty aeons. The immortal Buddha, Pure-Lotus-Eyes existed during the Dharma-Image Age - at the time when images were used for worship. There was an arhan who instructed many people little by little with his fortunate merits. This arhan met a woman, Bright Eyes, who prepared sacrificial offerings for him. The arhan asked her what she wanted. Bright Eyes answered, "I have prayed and given offerings in memory of my mother since the day she died. I wish to know where my mother is now." The arhan felt compassion for Bright Eyes. He meditated and saw that her mother had fallen into an evil level and had suffered great pain.

The arhan asked Bright Eyes, "What did your mother do when she was alive? She is now suffering in hell." Bright Eyes answered, "My mother loved eating fish, especially baby fish. She fried or boiled thousands of baby fish, willfully, as she pleased. Please noble one be merciful and help my mother. " The arhan felt compassion for her and advised Bright Eyes, "Reverently recite the name of Buddha Pure-Lotus-Eyes and draw an image of him to benefit all those beings either living or dead."

So Bright Eyes sold all her favorite things as soon as she heard the arhan's instructions. Then she asked a painter to draw the Buddha's portrait. She gave offerings in sacrifice, and with a reverent heart sorrowfully wept as she worshipped the Buddha. Unexpectedly one night, as if in a dream, she saw a Buddha who was as tall as Mount Sumeru, emitting bright and shining light. This Buddha told Bright Eyes, "Your mother will be soon reborn in your house. She will be able to speak soon after she feels hunger and cold.

After some time, a maidservant of Bright Eyes family bore a baby. This baby could speak three days after her birth. Bowing her head and crying, she told Bright Eyes, "One has to suffer the consequences and retributions of one's own doing throughout life and death. I was your mother. I stayed in hell for a long time. Since we parted, I have fallen into hell several times. Because of you, I am born here as a servant. But I will die early; I will only live until I am thirteen years old. After I die, I will fall into an evil level again. Do you have any way to relieve me from these sufferings?" After listening to the words of the servant's baby, Bright Eyes realized this baby was her mother. She asked her sorrowfully, and with tears, "When you were my mother, do you know what you did to make you fall into an evil level?" The baby answered, "I am suffering this retribution due to the karma of killing and slandering. If it were not for you saving me from suffering, I would not be released from such karma." Bright Eyes asked about the situation in hell and the baby answered, "It was so horrible that I dare not remind myself of it again. And the sufferings there cannot be stated even in thousands of years."

Bright Eyes wept and wailed after listening to the baby's statement. She swore into empty space, "May my mother leave hell forever and not fall into evil again after her thirteen years on earth. Please all Buddhas from the Ten Directions have mercy upon me; listen to my solemn pledge for my mother. If my mother can leave the three evil levels forever, and does not take any humble position or ever be born as a woman, I vow, in front of Buddha Pure-Lotus-Eyes that from now on I will save and work towards cultivating all beings in all worlds, hells and evil levels out of suffering. I do not want to become a Buddha until all of them become Buddhas. "

Bright Eyes then clearly heard Buddha Pure-Lotus-Eyes who told her, "Bright Eyes, you have great benevolence and compassion to make such a great vow for your mother. After your mother finishes thirteen years' retribution, she will be born into the Brahmin class for one hundred years. In her next life, she will again be born into the Land of No Concern for uncountable aeons. Then, she will become a Buddha to help to cross over as many human and heavenly beings as there are sands in the Ganges.

Buddha told Bodhisattva Self-Existent King, "The arhan who helped Bright Eyes at that time is now the Bodhisattva Inexhaustible-Intention. The mother of Bright Eyes is the Bodhisattva Liberation. And Bright Eyes herself is now the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha. Throughout many aeons, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has crossed over all beings by his benevolence and compassion. He has made as many vows to rescue living beings as there are grains of sand in the Ganges.

"In the future, if any man or woman does not do good deeds, does bad deeds, does not believe in cause and effect, is licentious, uses false and reckless speech, who quarrels a lot, or slanders the Mahayana, such people who create this karma must certainly fall into the three evil levels after they die. However, if one meets a wise person who even in the time it takes to snap the fingers, and who guides him to take refuge in Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, he will be pardoned for the retributions in the three evil levels. If he can respect with all his heart, gaze at, worship and praise, offer fragrant flowers, clothing, food or various kinds of jewellery and valuables to Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha he will enjoy the most wonderful happiness and welfare in heavens for boundless time in the future. Even if his welfare in the heavens has come to an end, he can be born as an emperor for hundreds or thousands of aeons. And he can also remember what happened in his previous life. Bodhisattva Self-Existent King, Kishitigarbha has such a great divine power that will benefit all beings. You, Bodhisattva, keep the sutra in mind and proclaim it extensively."

Bodhisattva Self-Existent King answered Buddha, "World-Honored One, please do not be concerned. Billions of Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas here will certainly proclaim this sutra around the worlds, and with Buddha's divine power, help all beings." Bodhisattva Self-Existent King placed both his hands together reverently, bowed and knelt in worship, and withdrew after finishing his statements.

At that time, the Four Heavenly Kings from the east, west, south and north rose from their own seats, placed both their hands together respectfully and asked Buddha, "World-Honored One, a long time ago Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha made a great vow. Why are there still many who have not yet crossed over? Now, he again makes another vow. Please, World-Honored One, explain it to us." Buddha told the four kings, "Excellent, excellent. Now, for your benefit and for the advantage of all beings from heavens and worlds now and in the future, I am going to explain how Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha benevolently helps all beings suffering from their crimes in both life and death in the Saha World, and all the possible ways he uses." The Four Heavenly Kings said, "Yes, World-Honored One, we would like to know."

Buddha told the Four Heavenly Kings, "Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has helped and released all those beings from long time past to now, but he still has not completed his great vow. He has great benevolence and compassion for the suffering beings of this world. Because he observes that the causes of the beings' karma and their retribution are like grass that creep and spread fast, he again takes another strong vow. Therefore, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha shows billions of convenient ways to help and cultivate all beings in the Saha World.

"Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those who kill any creature not to kill, otherwise they will die young. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those who steal things or rob people not to steal or rob, otherwise they will be poor and receive a hard lot. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those licentious people to give up lustful behavior, otherwise they will be born as birds in future lives. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those people who have abusive tongues not to speak bad language, otherwise their own relatives will fight with one another. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those who are fond of slandering others not to libel anyone, otherwise in their future lives they will become mutes or their mouths will ulcerate.

"Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people with hateful hearts not to hate or be angry with anybody, otherwise in their future lives they will be ugly and crippled. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades mean people to be generous, otherwise their wishes will be never fulfilled. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those people who drink and eat without limitation to control themselves, otherwise they will suffer pain from hunger and thirst and throat diseases. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those who go hunting willfully to stop hunting, otherwise they will die in terror. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those who are mean to their own parents to show filial piety or devotion to them, otherwise they will die in natural disasters.

"Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades those who set fires on mountains, forest or woods never to do that again, otherwise they will die in insanity and confusion. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades step-parents not to torture their step-children, otherwise in their future lives they will be lashed. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to catch fish and birds, otherwise they will lose their own children. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to slander the Three Treasures, otherwise they will become deaf, blind or mute in their future lives. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to disrespect the Dharma, otherwise they will fall into evil levels forever.

"Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to destroy anything in the temple, otherwise they will transmigrate among the hells for an endless time. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to insult or falsely accuse monks or nuns, otherwise they will be animals forever in their future lives. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to hurt living beings with boiling water, fire or sharp knives, otherwise they will suffer the same pain as they did to others. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades monks or nuns not to break the Sangha's rules, otherwise in their future lives they will be animals and they will suffer hungry retributions. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to ruin objects without any reason or use anything which does not belong to them without permission, otherwise they will never obtain what they want.

"Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to be proud, otherwise they will be born in low positions and be enslaved by others. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to stir up or incite trouble between people, otherwise they will have no tongue or hundreds of tongues as their retribution. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha persuades people not to argue irrationally or disobey the right way, otherwise they will be born in a barbarous frontier.

"The retributions that I have described in general are what those beings of the worlds cause by their own behavior, language and consciousness. Because of their different karmas, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha uses many kinds of convenient ways to help and cultivate them. After those beings have finished such retributions, they still will fall into hell and there will be no way out for aeons. Therefore, you should protect these living beings and their lands. Do not allow those beings who are confused by their own karma to create more karma. "

After listening to Buddha's exhortations, the Four Heavenly Kings sighed, and with tears in their eyes, placed their hands together, and withdrew.

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CHAPTER 5

NAMES OF THE HELLS

At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, Mahasattva, said to Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "Merciful One, would you please explain for the gods, dragons and the Four Heavenly Kings and all beings living in the future and in the present: where all those beings of the Saha World are suffering from their criminal pain, the names of the hells, and the conditions? These answers will let those beings in the future time of the Dharma-Ending Age know of the retributions undergone by the beings of the Saha World. "

Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha answered, "Merciful One, now, receiving Buddha's divine power and the Mahasattva's power, I will explain in general the names of the hells and the situations of the retributions. Merciful One, east of this world there is a dark Iron-Fence Mountain. This mountain is black and deep and has neither sunlight nor moonlight. Within the mountain there is a large hell called Infinite Hell. In this Infinite Hell is another hell named Great Arbi. In this Great Arbi Hell, there are many small hells as follows:

"Four-Cornered Hell, Flying Knife Hell, Flaming Arrow Hell, Crushing Mountains Hell, Piercing Spear Hell, Iron Cart Hell, Iron Bed Hell, Iron Ox Hell, Iron Clothing Hell, Thousand Blades Hell, Iron Donkey Hell, Molten Copper Hell, Holding-Pillar Hell, Flying Fire Hell, Ploughing Tongue Hell, Chopping Head Hell, Burning Leg Hell, Pecking Eye Hell, Iron Pellet Hell, Fighting Hell, Iron Axe Hell, Much Anger Hell."

Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha said, "Merciful One, such is the unlimited number of hells within the Iron-Fence. In addition, there is the Screaming Hell, Pulling Tongue Hell, Excrement and Urine Hell, Copper Lock Hell, Fire Elephant Hell, Fire Dog Hell, Fire Horse Hell, Fire Ox Hell, Fire Mountain Hell, Fire Stone Hell, Fire Bed Hell, Fire Beam Hell, Fire Eagle Hell, Sawing Teeth Hell, Stripping Skin Hell, Drinking Blood Hell, Burning Hand Hell, Burning Leg Hell, Hanging Thorns Hell, Fire House Hell, Iron House Hell and Fire Wolf Hell. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha said, "Merciful One, in the Iron-Fence Mountain, there are infinite hells as such. In these hells, there are many small hells with many more different names. One, two, three, four hundred or thousand small hells, and they also have different names. "

Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha told Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, "Merciful One, these hells are created by the people themselves who commit these malefactions in all the worlds. The power of karma is so great as to be compared with Mount Sumeru and as deep as the immense ocean. The power of karma can also block the way of Buddhadharma. Therefore, do not ignore a minor evil and think that it is guiltless. There is retribution after one dies, even as small as a hair or fibre, and this must be taken. Even the closest relatives, like father and son, have a different road. Even meeting, they cannot substitute their retribution for each other. Now, relying on Buddha's divine power, I will give a general explanation of the situation in hell. Please Merciful One listen to me. "

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra answered, "For a long time, I have known of the retributions of the three evil levels. I hope the Merciful One speaks so that all beings who do evil acts in the future time of the Dharma-Ending Age rely on and take refuge in the Buddha."

Kishitigarbha said, "Merciful One, the following are the retributions of hells: There is a hell which pulls out a criminal person's tongue and ploughs it with an ox. There is a hell where a mean devil takes out the criminal person's heart and eats it. There is a hell where they cook criminal peoples' bodies in a big cauldron. There is a hell which burns copper pillars and makes criminal persons hold them. There is a hell which uses fire to burn criminal people. There is a hell which is always frozen and icy. There is a hell of endless excrement and urine. There is a hell of flying maces. There is a hell that is full of fire spears. There is a hell in which one's chest or back are beaten. There is a hell where only hands or legs are burned. There is a hell where iron snakes twist and coil around one. There is a hell where iron dogs chase. There is a hell where all ride on iron donkeys.

"Merciful One, such retributions in every hell use hundreds or thousands of instruments of Karma's Way. Those instruments are made of copper, iron, stone or fire. The four materials are caused by the heavy karma of beings. It is nearly impossible to explain all the situations in all hells, because there are hundreds or thousands of sufferings in each and every hell. Now, relying on the divine power of Buddha, I have replied to the request from the Merciful One, and I have only explained in general. Even to the end of aeons, there is no end to explaining all the hells in detail."

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CHAPTER 6

ADMIRATION FROM THE BUDDHA

At that time, the World-Honored One emitted bright lights from his body, illuminating the millions of worlds in which Buddhas lived. Buddha Sakyamuni pronounced in a loud voice, informing all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas, in every world, the heavenly beings, dragons, ghosts and gods, humans and non-humans, "Today, listen to me as I glorify Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva. He shows inconceivable, benevolent, and compassionate divine power to help and protect the suffering. After I reach Nirvana, all of you Bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, dragons, ghosts and gods should employ every possible way to protect this sutra in order to allow all beings to obtain Nirvana's happiness. "