Kishitigarbha Bodhisattva Vow Sutra

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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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. "

After Buddha finished, there was a Bodhisattva named Universally Expansive who placed his hands together and said to Buddha with respect, "Today, World-Honored One glorifies Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha who has such unbelievable divine powers and virtues. World-Honored One, for the sake of all future beings of the Dharma-Ending Age, please tell us how Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha will benefit people. May gods, dragons, the eight divisions, and all those beings in the future accept Buddha's instructions."

At that time, the World-Honored One said to Bodhisattva Universally Expansive, "Listen, listen. I will explain in general about Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha - how he benefits the human and heavenly beings with

his blessings and merit." Bodhisattva Universally Expansive answered, "Yes, World-Honored One, we would all be pleased to know."

Buddha told Bodhisattva Universally Expansive, "In the future world, any good man or good woman when hearing the name of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, places both hands together, glorifies, bows and admires Kishitigarbha, this person can be relieved of sins from the past thirty aeons. Universally Expansive, if any good man or good woman paints Kishitigarbha's portrait, or using clay, stones, glue, varnish, gold, silver, copper or iron to engrave or erect a statue of Bodhisattva for worship, this person can be born a hundred times in Thirty-Three Heaven and will never fall into the evil levels. Even if his welfare in heaven comes to an end and he is born in the world, he still can be a king. That is, he will still have great merits.

"If there is a woman who dislikes being a woman, she can reverently worship the portrait of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha day after day; or she can offer fragrant flowers, food, clothing, paintings, flags, money or treasures as offerings, and after she ends this life, for hundreds or thousands of aeons she will be born in a world where there exist no women. She will not be born a woman unless she mercifully wishes to be a woman to help and cultivate others. She will inherit the merit power from these offerings to Kishitigarbha and will not be a woman for hundreds or thousands of aeons.

"Again, Universally Expansive, if there is a woman who hates herself, is ugly and constantly ill, she can gaze at and bow in front of Kishitigarbha's image with sincere devotion, and in a moment she will have a countenance of good fortune. Even though this person does not hate being female, she can be reborn as a king's, minister's or virtuous person's daughter, or a minister's wife and she will have perfect features. Because she concentrates her heart with sincere devotion, on gazing and bowing to Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, she can gain such merits.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, if there is a good man or good woman who can play music or sing to extol before the Bodhisattva's image, who can offer fragrant flowers or who can persuade one or many people to worship Bodhisattva, such people will be protected by many spirits day and night, and will hear no evil things, not to mention personally experiencing evil things or accidents.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, in the future world, if evil people, evil gods or evil ghosts ridicule or slander that good man or good woman who reverently makes offerings and praises, gazes at and bows to Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha's image, by saying that this is completely without advantage or merit, or laughs at, or talks behind their backs, or persuades others to slander together, even if they only slander in one thought - the retributions from these peoples' slanders will be to suffer great pains in Great Arbi Hell for an infinite time. After finishing the sufferings in hell, they will become a hungry ghost. Through a thousand aeons, they will become an animal. Then through a thousand aeons, they will become a human being. However, even when they have become a human, they will still have a hard life, for example, crippled, weak or poor. Because they are often upset and distressed by the evil karma that twists their hearts, they will again soon fall into evil. Therefore, Universally Expansive, to slander others' offerings, not to mention having an evil mind to destroy the Dharma, will cause such retributions.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, in the future, anyone who has a long illness and can neither live nor die, who always dreams of evil ghosts or dead families, or dreams of walking on dangerous roads with spirits and in which these situations continue for months to years, and has a chronic disease, groans in his dreams, and always feels grieved and unhappy, must have done something wrong or evil causing these retributions. This is all due to their past karma road, which is a judgement that has not been decided, and which is not allowing them to die, or to recover either. Most of the ordinary men or women cannot distinguish why these phenomena happen. If anyone suffers from this kind of thing, this sutra should be read once aloud. In addition, one may take any favorite article of the sick person, such as clothing, treasures, manors or houses, to give to charity or sell for offering and making Buddhas' or Bodhisattvas' images. In front of the sick person's face, he should speak loudly that he would like to give these up on behalf of the sick person. One could also build a temple, light an oil-lamp, or donate money to a shrine.

Speak this three times in front of the sick person and make sure that he hears what you say clearly. If he has already been in a coma or has breathed his last, you can still speak these words and read this sutra aloud for seven days. Because of this, after the person dies, his past heavy crimes can be released forever, including the five crimes which will lead him to Endless Hell. In his next life, he will always know the things that happened in his former life.

"If any good man or good woman writes this sutra by hand or teaches others to write it, or paints or moulds the Bodhisattva's image or teaches others to paint or mould, he will certainly gain a great deal of merit. Hence, Universally Expansive, if you see anyone read or recite this sutra, praise this sutra even with a single thought or respect this sutra as soon as he hears it, you must use every way to urge them to study hard and not to regress. They can obtain inconceivable merits both now and in the future.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, if those beings in the future dream of many gods, ghosts or even forms, and are always grieving, crying, distressed, sighing, terrified or anxious, they must have relatives from their past lives who have fallen into evil, and these relatives are unable to save themselves and have no way to ask people who have fortune and power for help. You should tell these people to do many convenient things to help their relatives get far away from the evil level.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, using your divine power, you should make those people read this sutra in front of the images of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Or ask anyone to recite this sutra three to seven times for themselves. Thus, these relatives who remain in evil can be released after reciting this sutra. And they will never again dream of those spirits.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, in the future world, if the people of lower positions, such as servants, slaves or people who are not free realize the former karma and wish to repent, they may gaze at and bow to Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha's image, and with sincere devotion recite Kishitigarbha's name ten thousand times during seven days. Such people after they finish this life will be reborn in noble families for thousands of lives and they will not suffer the pain of evil.

" Moreover, Universally Expansive, in future generations around the worlds, no matter what type of people they are, if they recite the inconceivable sutra for seven days for their new born babies, male or female, and again recite Kishitigarbha's name ten thousand times, these babies will be released from their past retributions, can be easily raised and will enjoy longevity. If the baby is born by his own fortune, his happiness and life will increase.

"Moreover, Universally Expansive, if those beings in the future can recite this sutra once in front of any Buddha's or Bodhisattva's image during certain ten days including the first, eighth, fourteenth, fifteenth, eighteenth, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth and thirtieth days of the lunar calendar, they will be safe, without any disasters. The neighboring families, both young and old, will be far away from evil. On these certain days the offences of living beings will be gathered together and judged, since all behavior or thoughts of those in the worlds are karma and an offence - not to speak of such offences as killing, stealing, debauching or slandering willfully. If people can recite this sutra once a month on the special ten days, their families can be free of every kind of disease and their clothes and food will be opulent.

"Universally Expansive, you should know that Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has such unspeakable, great divine power to benefit all who worship. All beings of the worlds have a deep relationship with this Mahasattva. As long as they hear the Bodhisattva's name, see the Bodhisattva's image or listen to a single paragraph, sentence or even a few words from this sutra, they can enjoy wonderful pleasure, peace and happiness today, and be reborn with fine features in noble families in the future million lives."

At this moment, after listening to the Buddha glorify the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Bodhisattva Universally Expansive knelt down, placed his hands together and said, "World-Honored One, I have known of the great, inconceivable divine power of Bodhisattva's vow for a long time. In order to make those beings in the future understand the benefits, I therefore ask Buddha and we shall keep this in our hearts. World-Honored One, what do we call this sutra? And how do we proclaim this sutra?"

The Buddha said to Universally Expansive, "There are three names for this sutra. One is the Kishitigarbha Vow Sutra, another name is the Kishitigarbha Past Conduct Sutra, the other name is the Kishitigarbha Powerful Vow Sutra. Because so many aeons ago this Bodhisattva took such great vows to benefit all beings, you should proclaim this sutra in accord with these vows. "

After Universally Expansive heard this, he placed his hands together, and withdrew.

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CHAPTER 7

BENEFITS FOR DECEASED AND

EXISTING BEINGS

At that time, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, said to Buddha, "World-Honored One, I have observed sins of thought or action from everyone in all the worlds. Even though they do a few good deeds their kind hearts soon regress. If they fall into a bad circumstance, their evil thoughts will continue. It is as if these people are walking in mud carrying a heavy stone on their shoulders. The longer they walk, the harder they step. Their feet sink in mud and they cannot get themselves out. If they meet a knowledgeable person who can carry some or all the stones for them, this knowledgeable person has great power to help and persuade them not to go any further. After they arrive at a smooth plain, the knowledgeable one soon teaches them how to examine themselves and not to go through the mud again.

“World-Honored One, the minor offences accumulate into major ones. Since most of these people have such bad habits, in order to help them to be reborn into a better life, their parents or relatives should make offerings or oblations for them after they pass away. They can hang pennants, light oil lamps or make statues of Buddha or Bodhisattva. They can also recite the sutras or the names of the Buddha and Bodhisattva. They should make sure that they keep every single word deep in their minds. Though these beings have fallen into evil karma, their criminal offences can be eliminated by oblations and offerings in their name by their family or relatives. If their family or relatives can do many good deeds for the dead during the first seven days, the dead can avoid evil forever and be reborn in heaven or as a human and enjoy wonderful happiness. In addition, the people who promote benefits for the dead can also obtain endless merits.

"Thus, now, in front of the Buddha, World-Honored One, gods, dragons and all others, both human and non-human, I urge all beings in all worlds not to offer sacrifices to the spirits of deceased persons by killing creatures or calling on ghosts or spirits. Why? Because offering sacrifices by killing has not the slightest merit for the deceased persons at all. On the contrary, it will increase their burden, because their relatives make more offences for the deceased. The deceased person's spirit has to defend itself against the spirits of the sacrificed creatures. This might risk the rebirth of that person in heaven or the human world. Not to mention the deceased who, while he was alive had few merits, and thus according to his karma, has to suffer pains in the evil level. How could his relatives increase his karma?

"For example, it's like a person who has eaten nothing for three days and is carrying baggage which weighs more than one hundred kilograms. Unexpectedly, his neighbor asks him to bring some extra things for him. Now his burden is heavier than before. World-Honored One, I have observed that as long as beings in all the worlds do good deeds for Buddhadharma, no matter as small as a hair, a drop of water, a grain of sand or a speck of dust, they will obtain all merits themselves."

While these words were being spoken, there was an elder named Great Eloquence who has advocated the Dharma since long ago, cultivates all beings from the Ten Directions, and is always incarnated as an elder. He placed both hands together with reverence, then asked Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "Mahasattva, after those beings in all the worlds have died and their relatives do good deeds for them, offer vegetarian foods or plant all kinds of good things, can the deceased obtain merits and be released from pain and suffering?"

Kishitigarbha answered, "Now, by Buddha's power, I will explain this in general. Elder, if those beings today or in the future hear a name of Buddha or a Bodhisattva on the day they die, no matter whether they are guilty or not, they can be released from suffering. If anyone does many evil deeds while alive and his or her relatives do good deeds for them after their death, the deceased will receive a seventh part of the relative's merit. The remaining merits belong to his or her relatives. If good people today and in the future can promote goodness by themselves, they can obtain every merit.

"After death the Great Ghost of Impermanence will take the spirit of the deceased away without warning. At that time, nobody knows whether the spirit's future is good or bad. During the first forty-nine days after death, the deceased does not hear anything. At that time, he will be judged in a court arguing his karmic retribution. He will not be reborn until the trial. Before the trial in hell, the deceased has already felt distress, not to speak of suffering in the evil level. The deceased longs for help from his children or relatives during these forty-nine days. After forty-nine days, he will follow his own karmic retributions and suffer. These kinds of criminal persons usually cannot be released for hundreds or thousands of years. If the being has ever committed one of Five Endless Offences, he or she will fall into Endless Hell and suffer all kinds of pain for an indefinite time.

"Moreover, elder, if beings with such karma die, the relatives can make offerings. Their relatives should prepare or eat vegetarian food and not throw rice-water or vegetable leaves on the ground. They should not even eat before offering it to Buddha and the monks. If they waste the food, eat before offering it or are too lazy to learn about Dharma, the deceased will obtain no merits at all. If their relatives are diligent and are reverently devoted to Buddha and the Sangha, the deceased will receive a seventh part of the merit. Therefore, elder, if those beings in all the worlds can honestly and reverently offer vegetarian food to the Three Treasures after their parents or relatives die, both the living and the dead can obtain all the merits."

While Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha spoke these words, millions of ghosts and gods in Trayastrimsa Heaven Palace from all the worlds made endless requests for helping the suffering. And the elder Great Eloquence bowed and withdrew.

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CHAPTER 8

ADMIRATION FROM GHOST KINGS

At that time, from the Iron-Fence Mountain, many ghost kings and sons of the heavens came to the Trayastrimsa Heaven where Buddha taught the Dharma. Those who came included Evil Poison Ghost King, Evil Doing Ghost King, Dispute Ghost King, White Tiger Ghost King, Blood Tiger Ghost King, Red Tiger Contagious Ghost King, Disaster Ghost King, Flying Body Ghost King, Lightning Flash Ghost King, Wolf Teeth Ghost King, Thousand Eyes Ghost King, Eating Beast Ghost King, Rock-Carrying Ghost King, Exhaustion Ghost King, Calamity Ghost King, Food Ghost King, Wealth Ghost King, Domestic Animal Ghost King, Fowl Ghost King, Beast Ghost King, Mountain Spirit Ghost King, Birth Ghost King, Life Ghost King, Disease Ghost King, Danger Ghost King, Three Eyes Ghost King, Four Eyes Ghost King, Five Eyes Ghost King, the Fire Spirit King, the Great Fire Ghost King, the Dharma Protector King, the Great Dharma Protector King and so on. There were also thousands of major and minor ghost kings who live in all the worlds and rule over specific areas.

These ghost kings and sons of heavens, by the divine power of Buddha and Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, all came to the Buddha's assembly in Trayastrimsa. They reverently stood beside the Bodhisattva.

At that time, Yama, Son of Heaven, knelt down, placed his hands together and asked, "World-Honored One, inheriting the divine power of Buddha and Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, and having good merits, we, sons of heavens and all ghost kings, join this great assembly in the Trayastrimsa. Now, we have a small doubt we would like to express. May Buddha be merciful and explain it to us." Buddha told Yama, Son of Heaven, "Whatever you ask, I shall explain it to you."

At that time, Yama, Son of Heaven looked at Buddha with respect, turned his head towards Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha and said, "World-Honored One, as we have observed, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has used hundreds and thousands of convenient ways to help and cultivate the suffering offenders of the six levels. He never feels tired. This great Bodhisattva has such inconceivable divine power. But these beings fall into evil soon after they are relieved from their criminal retributions. World-Honored One, since this Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has such unimaginable divine power, why do not all beings follow the Dharma and be relieved from pain forever? Will World-Honored One please explain this to us."

The Buddha told Yama, Son of Heaven, "Those beings of the worlds are hard-minded. It is difficult to subdue them. This Great Bodhisattva has saved these beings for a long, long time. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha uses every possible way to point out their own basic karma relationships and make them realize the things which they did in their former lives. However, all beings have a pattern of bad habits, and they quickly fall into the same pattern again. This Bodhisattva has taken many aeons to help and save them.

"For example, if someone accidentally walks onto a dangerous road and gets lost among the many devils, tigers, wolves, lions, snakes and scorpions on this road, this person will be attacked immediately. If this person happens to meet and heed the advice of a wise and knowledgeable person, then he could avoid those evil beasts. The person does not know how dangerous this situation is until he hears the wise and knowledgeable person's advice. Soon after, the person wants to get out of that situation. This wise person leads him away and protects him from those evils, and when he arrives to a safe place, he is peaceful and happy. Then, this wise person tells him, 'Do not walk this road from now on. Those who walk this road will live a difficult and dangerous life.' The person who was once lost appreciates him very much. Before leaving, the wise person says, 'If you see your friends, relatives or any person walk by, whether they are male or female, you should let them know that this way is full of evil. Anyone entering this road will have their lives threatened. Do not allow any beings to walk this way.' In this way, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha helps and cultivates the criminal beings by his benevolent and compassionate heart. Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha helps them be reborn as human beings or heavenly beings and thus obtain peace and happiness. Because they know the sufferings of retribution, when they are released they will be reluctant to go through the pain of evil again. That person will never walk that dangerous way again since he was saved by the wise person. Besides this, he also persuades others not to walk along this dangerous road. And since he has been there before, he will certainly not walk that way again. If he is still confused and makes the same mistake, and does not realize that he himself has been on this dangerous road before, he will lose his life. This is the same as falling into evil. Although Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has used all kinds of useful ways to release them and allow them to be reborn into heaven or as a human being, those beings will still fall into evil again. If he has heavy karma, he will stay in hell with no definite time to be released from suffering. "

At that time, Evil Poison Ghost King reverently placed his hands together and said, "World-Honored One, we, the many ghost kings in the worlds have different jobs, some of us are advantageous and help people, some of us hurt people. Our karmic retribution causes us and our retinues to travel throughout all the worlds and do more evil than good. While we are passing through a house, a town, a castle, a village or a farm, if we see any man or woman do a tiny benefaction, hang a pennant or streamers of silk before a Buddha's image, prepare a little incense or flowers to offer the Buddha or Bodhisattva, or recite even just one sentence or word of the sutras, all of us will salute this person as we do to Buddhas past, present and in the future. We will also order all powerful ghosts and gods of the lands to protect this person and never let any evil thing, disease or bad luck draw near to this person's house, not to mention to themselves." The Buddha praised the ghost king, "Very good, very good. All of you and Yama also can support and protect these good men and women. I will ask Brahma King and Shakra to protect you as well."

After this, another ghost king named Life Master said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, in accordance with their retributions, I am in charge of humans' lives. Their lives and deaths are governed by me. Fundamentally, I am willing to help them. But, because they do not realize my true heart, they have little happiness and peace when either bearing children or dying. Why? If people could offer some benefactions to increase the merits of their own family when they are going to have either a son or a daughter, the God of Land would be happy to protect the mothers and children to obtain happiness and peace. Even their relatives could obtain merits, too. On the other hand, they should not kill any creature for offering as food to a woman who has just given birth. Neither gather relatives together to eat meat, drink wine, sing songs and dance in celebration of the new born baby. This behavior will make the mother and baby lose peace and happiness. Why? Because uncounted evil ghosts and monsters would like to eat the offensive- smelling blood at childbirth. I have already ordered the God of Land to protect the mother and child and make them peaceful and happy and without any disaster. These people should offer more benefactions to thank this god for the happiness and peace they obtain. However, not only do they show little gratitude but they also kill creatures and gather relatives for celebration. Therefore, their retribution is caused by themselves. They deserve the damage. The mother and child will also suffer.

"Furthermore, throughout the worlds, I will help the people who are about to die, regardless of whether they are good or evil, not to fall further into evil. My power to help them is increased when they have done good deeds. When benevolent persons are going to die, hundreds or thousands of evil spirits will turn into the same form as their parents or relatives, and encourage them to be a part of their evil horde. It will be even more difficult for a person who has done many evil deeds to get away from evil. World-Honored One, when men or women in all the worlds are going to die, they are incapable of clear thinking, they cannot tell good from bad, their eyes are unable to see and their ears are unable to hear. If their relatives make offerings to Buddha for them, recite the sutra and recite Buddhas' or Bodhisattvas' names, these good deeds will help the dead people turn away from evil and all the devils and ghosts will retreat. World-Honored One, if anyone who is about to die hears a Buddha's or Bodhisattva's name or one sentence from a Mahayana sutra, these people can be relieved from the Five Endless Offences. As for the minor bad karma which would basically lead them into evil, this can be relieved immediately."

Buddha told Life Master Ghost King, "You have great benevolence to make such a great vow to protect all beings, both alive and dead. In future generations if anyone, male or female, faces life and death, do not forget the vow you have made, and be sure to release all the beings from hardships and allow them to observe happiness and peace."

The ghost king replied to Buddha, "Please do not be concerned. I shall do my best to protect all beings in all the worlds so that they will have happiness both at the time of birth and at the time of death. I hope they will believe my word so they will be released, receive happiness, and earn numerous merits."

At that time, Buddha told Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "This Life Master Ghost King has already been a great ghost king for thousands of generations. Supporting and protecting all those beings between life and death is the benevolent merciful power of his vow. He is now incarnated as a ghost king, but in reality he is not a ghost. One hundred and seventy aeons from now, in an aeon named Tranquility, he will be a Buddha named No Appearance Thus Come One. His kalpa will be named Happiness. The world he lives in will be called Pure Dwelling and his age will be uncountable. Kishitigarbha, everything about this great ghost king is unimaginable. The people he has saved, is saving and will save in all the worlds and in the heavens are innumerable."

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CHAPTER 9

BENEFITS FROM RECITING BUDDHAS' NAMES

At that time, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I am going to speak on the benefits for those beings in the future worlds. Between life and death, they can all receive great benefits. Please World-Honored One, hear my words." Buddha told Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "At this time you wish to raise your benevolent and merciful heart, to save and cultivate the suffering beings and speak on inconceivable things. Speak quickly because I am about to enter Nirvana. Complete your vow soon, so I need not be concerned for all those beings now and in the future. "

Bodhisattva said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, a long time ago, there was a Buddha named Limitless Body. Any man or woman who has heard his name and shows a respectful heart may be pardoned of the heavy crimes of previous and forthcoming aeons. He or she will obtain endless welfare by making offerings or painting images. In addition, a long time ago, there was a Buddha in the world named Jewel Nature. If any man or woman hearing his name, and in the snap of the fingers makes a wish to take refuge in Buddha Jewel Nature, he or she will never regress from the Buddha's way. There was also a Buddha named Lotus-Victory. Any man or woman who hears, with the deepest ear, this Buddha's name, or concentrates on reciting this Buddha's name can be born in the Six Desire Heaven a thousand times.

"Besides, endless time ago, there was a Buddha named Lion Roar. Any man or woman hearing his name who can follow this Buddha for one moment, that person will meet uncountable Buddhas, be ordained and be prophesied as a future Buddha. There was another Buddha named Victorious Contemplation in the past. Any man or woman who hears his name and worships or praises him with the utmost mind will be a Brahma King in the assemblies where one thousand Buddhas are gathered and will be ordained and prophesied as a future Buddha. There was a Buddha named Vipasin in the past. Any man or woman who hears this name will never fall into the evil level and will be born in heaven with the most wonderful pleasure.

"Besides, endless time ago, there was a Buddha named Jewel Victory in the world. Any man or woman hearing this Buddha's name will never fall into the evil level and will enjoy wonderful happiness. There was a Buddha named Jewel Appearance. Any man or woman hearing this name who raises a deferential heart will soon earn the Arhanship fruit. There was a Buddha named Kasaya Banner in the past world a long time ago. Any man or woman hearing this name can be pardoned of the crimes of life and death for one hundred aeons. There was another Buddha named Great Penetration Mountain King in the past. Any man or woman who hears this name will meet endless Buddhas to speak Dharma for him or her. And he or she will surely achieve Bodhi.

"There were also innumerable Buddhas in the past, including Buddha Pure Moon, Buddha Mountain King, Buddha Wise Victory, Buddha Pure Name King, Buddha Accomplished Wisdom, Buddha Unsurpassed, Buddha Wonderful Sound, Buddha Full Moon, Buddha Moon Face and so on.

"World-Honored One, the beings, regardless if they are men or women now and in the future, as long as they can recite a Buddha's name, they will have endless merit. They can obtain still more merit by reciting more Buddhas' names. These people can earn great merit between life and death, and they will not fall into the evil level on earth.

"Any relative, even if there is only one relative, who can recite Buddha's name aloud for the person who is going to die, can allow the person to be pardoned of all karmic retribution except the Five Endless Offences. Though the Five Endless Offences can make them fall into hell for millions of aeons and not be released, if their relatives recite Buddha's name for them when they are about to die, or if they recite the names themselves, their offences can generally also be eliminated. The merit they earn will be uncountable, and their offences will be eliminated."

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CHAPTER 10

COMPARING THE MERITS OF MAKING OFFERINGS

At that time, relying on Buddha's divine power, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, rose from his seat, knelt down, placed his hands together in front of the Buddha and said, "World-Honored One, as I have observed, the charitable deeds which all beings do are all different. Some benefactions can benefit people for one generation. Another for ten generations, some for a hundred or a thousand generations. Why is this? Please World-Honored One, explain it for us. " Buddha told Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "Now, here in the Trayastrimsa Heaven Palace, I am going to explain the comparative merits which are earned from the virtuous act of giving done by those living beings in the worlds. You should listen to thy explanation carefully.

Kishitigarbha replied to Buddha, "I have had doubts about this matter, therefore, I will be glad to listen."

Buddha told Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, "In the worlds, there are kings, prime ministers, officials, elders, Kshatriyas, Brahmins and so on. Suppose they do favors with benevolent hearts for the poor, blind, deaf, mute or crippled, asking others to help, or comfort the suffering with tender words - the merits they gain will be the same as making offerings to Buddha. Why? Because if they can stimulate great benevolent and compassionate hearts for the poor and crippled, they can obtain merits. They can own the seven treasures completely, not to mention food and clothing.

"Moreover, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, if any king or Brahmin offers sacrifices or makes contributions to Buddha's temple or to the images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Sound-Hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, the king or Brahmin will certainly be Shakra god for three aeons and enjoy the most wonderful happiness. If they can dedicate to all beings in the Dharma-World the merits which they earned by their contributions, these kings can always be Great Brahma Heaven Kings for ten aeons.

"Furthermore, Kishitigarbha, in the future worlds, if the kings can rebuild or repair any ruined or broken temples or images, or they encourage others to do this, these kings will be Wheel-Turning Kings for hundreds or thousands of generations. The people who help these kings will be the kings of small countries. If they can make vows in front of the temples to dedicate the merits which they obtain from rebuilding or repairing the temples or images, their Buddhadharma will become complete. Their good karma is boundless and limitless.

"Additionally, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, if these kings or Brahmins show mercy and give medicine, food or bedding to old people, sick people or pregnant women and make them peaceful and happy, such welfare and benefits are the best imaginable. They will be a king of Pure Dwelling Heaven for one hundred aeons, they will be a king of Six Desire Heaven for two hundred aeons and they will surely become Buddhas. They will never fall into the evil level and will hear no distressful voice for hundreds or thousands of generations.

"Furthermore, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, the kings or Brahmins who can bestow such a gift will obtain endless merits. If they can dedicate these merits to all those beings around the Dharma-World, they will finally all become Buddhas - not to mention becoming Shakra, Brahma or Wheel-Turning Kings. Therefore, Kishitigarbha, you should persuade all those beings to do this.

"Moreover, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, if any good man or woman can plant the smallest good root, even as little as a hair, sand or dust, their welfare and benefits will be beyond description. Furthermore, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, if any man or woman makes contributions or offers sacrifices when encountering the images of the Buddha, Bodhisattva, Pratyekabuddha or Wheel-Turning King, he or she will obtain endless welfare and always enjoy the most wonderful happiness in the worlds or heavens. If this man or woman can return this merit to those beings around the Dharma-World, this person's merit will be incomparable.

"Furthermore, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, any man or woman who reads a Mahayana sutra, even one single word or sentence, shows a respectful heart, praises it reverently and dedicates the sutra to others, will earn good karma. If the person can dedicate the merits to the Dharma-World, this person's welfare will be beyond description. Furthermore, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, if any good man or good woman worships, praises, places their hands together in respect, and bestows a gift when he or she sees a new Buddha-temple or Mahayana sutra; or who repairs, or cleans up any old, ruined or broken temple or sutra himself, or persuades others to do so, they will be kings for thirty generations. If one leads others in these affairs, he or she may always be a Wheel-Turning King. And this Wheel-Turning King will enjoy using many good ways to cultivate and teach the other kings of small countries.

"Furthermore, Kishitigarbha, in the future world, any good man or good woman who plants a minor root in the Dharma-World, such as making contributions or offerings, repairing a temple or binding a book of sutras, even if these things are as tiny as a hair, a speck of dust, a grain of sand, or a drop of water - if this person can dedicate the merit he or she has earned to those beings in the Dharma-World, this person can enjoy the most wonderful happiness for hundreds or thousands of generations. If one dedicates the merit to one's own relatives or oneself, this person can enjoy happiness for only three generations. Once one abandons one's own merit, he may earn millions of merits. Thus, Kishitigarbha, such are the conditions for bestowing gifts."

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CHAPTER 11

DHARMA-PROTECTION FROM

THE EARTH GOD

At that time, the Earth God Firm and Solid said to Buddha, "World-Honored One, I have respected and worshipped limitless Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas since a long time past. They all possess inconceivable divine power and wisdom to cultivate and help all beings. However, the vow of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, is deeper and weightier than those of the other Bodhisattvas. World-Honored One, this Bodhisattva, Kishitigarbha, has a close relationship with beings in the worlds. Even though Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya all have incarnated themselves into hundreds or thousands of forms to cultivate and help those beings in the six levels, their vows will be completed one day. However, the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha cultivates and teaches all those beings in six levels - the time Kishitigarbha made the great vow to now being hundreds, thousands and billions of aeons.

"World-Honored One, as I have observed, if those beings now and in the future find a clean place located in the south of their own house and use earth, stone, bamboo or wood to make a shrine, or make an image of Kishitigarbha out of gold, silver, copper or iron, or paint an image of Kishitigarbha and place it in the shrine, often burn incense in worship and respect, and salute or praise Kishitigarbha, then they can obtain the following ten benefits:

1. Their land will be very rich and fertile.

2. Their homes and families will be peaceful forever.

3. Their ancestors will be raised to heaven.

4. They will enjoy longevity.

5. They will fulfill their wishes.

6. They will escape floods or fires.

7. They will escape anything that frightens or exhausts them.

And the Buddha again emitted wonderfully subtle sounds and informed all beings, gods, dragons and the others, both human or non-human, "Here in Trayastrimsa Heaven Palace, all listen to me as I glorify the merits that Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has performed for those in heaven and the human world. This is an inconceivable and super saintly thing. It is his certification of the Tenth Ground - the highest ground of Bodhisattva, and shows us that he will never regress from the Buddhadharma."

At that time, there was a great Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, named Avalokiteshvara. He rose from his seat, then knelt down, placed his hands together and said, "World-Honored One, Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, Mahasattva, has a merciful and benevolent heart. He pities the suffering and incarnates himself into billions of different forms to cultivate all beings. All his merits and unimaginable divine power I have heard from the mouths of the World-Honored One and limitless Buddhas. Even all the Buddhas now and in the future cannot extol all of Kishitigarbha's merits. And now, you again want to tell all beings and praise him for all his merits. World-Honored One, please speak of the inconceivable divine power of Kishitigarbha. Then allow the gods, dragons and the others to obtain benefits and merits."

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, "You have a close relationship with the Saha World. If heavenly beings, dragons, men, women, gods, ghosts or all beings suffering from their crimes in the six levels hear your name, see your image, adore you or praise you, they will never regress from the Dharma, and they will always be born in heaven or a human world and enjoy happiness. When their good fruit ripens, they will encounter Buddhas and be prophesied as a future Buddha. Now, having mercy and a kind heart for all heavenly beings, dragons and the others, you come here to listen to my explanation of the inconceivable benefits of the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha. You should listen to me carefully. I shall explain this to you." Avalokiteshvara said, "Yes, World-Honored One, I will be glad to hear your words. "

The Buddha told Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, "Now and in the future worlds, when the heavenly beings are going to complete their happy life there, they will show five signs of decay. Some will even fall into an evil level. When such heavenly beings, regardless of whether they are male or female show the five weak signs, if they can see Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha's image, hear Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha's name, and gaze in worship, they will obtain more merits, enjoy more happiness and never fall into the three evil levels. If they see this Bodhisattva and offer him flowers, clothing, food, treasures or jewels, the merits and benefits they earn will be endless and uncountable.

"Moreover, Avalokiteshvara, now and in the future, if those beings in the six levels who are about to die can hear the name of the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha deep in their ears, they will not go through the pain of the three evil levels. If, for example, one sells the house, treasures, possessions and clothing which belong to this person who is about to die, and uses the money to paint or carve an image of Kishitigarbha - or the sick person himself hears or sees that a relative on his behalf has sold his properties to paint or carve a statue of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha for him. If this person's karma retribution is to suffer a serious illness, then by inheriting these merits, he will recover from the illness soon and will live longer. What if this person's karmic retribution is to fall into the evil levels? By inheriting the merits, his crimes and karma will be eliminated. After he dies he will ascend to heaven and enjoy wonderful happiness. All other crimes will also be eliminated.

"Moreover, Avalokiteshvara, in the future, if there is a man or woman whose parents, or brothers or sisters die; or if when a person was young, was separated from his or her parents or relatives and wonders where they are or to which heaven they have gone: if they can carve or paint an image of the Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, or can respect and worship him continuously for seven days, constantly and attentively hearing his name and worshipping, then the accumulated merits will allow this person's relatives to be relieved from suffering soon, even though this person's relatives should fall into the evil level for many aeons, and suffer pain because of their karma. The person's relatives can be reborn in heaven, where they will enjoy wonderful bliss. If the relatives by their own merits have ascended to heaven they will possess Buddha's wisdom and have endless happiness. If a person can bow and kneel to the image of Kishitigarbha with an attentive heart for twenty-one days, and recite his name ten thousand times, the Bodhisattva will appear and tell the person where his relatives have gone. Or, in his dream, he will see the Bodhisattva show great divine power and personally lead him to every world to meet his relatives.

"If one can recite the name of Bodhisattva one thousand times a day, continuously for a thousand days, the Bodhisattva will send a god or a ghost to protect and guard him for his whole life and make sure that he lives in affluence. No hardship or sickness will come to him or his house. This person will finally be blessed when Bodhisattva comes to touch his head and predict that he will become a Buddha.

"Moreover, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in the future, when any good man or good woman benevolently makes a vow towards cultivating an helping all beings, wishes to learn about the Dharma an hopes to be released from the three evil levels, if that person sees Kishitigarbha's image, hears his name, follows him with an honest heart or contributes fragrant flowers, clothing, treasures or food in worship, then al their wishes will soon be brought to completion without any obstruction. Moreover, Avalokiteshvara, in the future, any good man or good woman who make millions of wishes, as long as he or she takes refuge in worships respectfully, offers and praises the image of Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha, then all wishes and goals can be realized. If he or she makes a vow for Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha to show his great mercy and protect and guard him or her forever, and dreams that Bodhisattva touches his or her head making a mark, then he or she will finally be a Buddha.

"Moreover, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in the future, what if a good man or good woman cherishes and reverently reads Mahayana sutras and raises a sincere heart in reading sutras, but even though he or she meets a good teacher, soon forgets the contents of the sutra and cannot read or recite it? This is because this person has karmic obstructions from a former life. This person should tell the Bodhisattva reverently when they hear his name or see his face that they are unable to remember or read the Mahayana sutra. And they should offer flowers, clothing, food or even playthings to the Bodhisattva, prepare a glass of clean water, place it in front of Bodhisattva's image for one day and night, then place both hands together, ask to drink the water, face the south, and with a sincere and respectful heart, drink the water. After that, be careful not to drink wine, eat meat and the five pungent plants. Do not be licentious, use false speech or kill living creatures. After seven or twenty-one days, this good man or good woman will see Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha show his limitless body in their dream. Kishitigarbha will himself anoint their head with water. This person will then be intelligent when he or she awakes. Any sutra he or she hears will be remembered forever; not a single word or sentence will be forgotten.

"Furthermore, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in the future, anyone who lacks food or clothing, who cannot obtain the thing he or she wants, who usually falls sick, who always meets evil, whose family is disturbed, who loses his or her relatives, who is often hit by a misfortune or who is terrified in their dreams, they will gradually be removed from those unpleasant things. If they have a reverent and sincere heart when reciting Bodhisattva's name ten thousand times, or while hearing Kishitigarbha's name or seeing his image, they will also obtain peace, happiness and wealth - even in their dreams.

"Furthermore, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in the future, any good man or good woman who needs to enter a mountain or forest, cross an ocean or river, or pass along a dangerous road for personal or official business in a life or death situation or emergency, should first recite Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha's name ten thousand times. Then, this place will be protected by gods and ghosts, regardless of whether he or she walks, sits or lies. He or she will surely be peaceful and happy. Even though they meet a tiger, wolf, lion or any other fierce beast, these beasts will be unable harm them at all. The Buddha told Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, "Bodhisattva Kishitigarbha has a deep relationship with those beings of the worlds. Even through hundreds or thousands of aeons, I still could not convey all the ways he benefits all beings. Therefore, Avalokiteshvara, you should use your divine power to spread this sutra to make sure that all those beings in all worlds can enjoy the merits of peace and happiness through thousands of aeons."

At that time, World-Honored One spoke a verse:

"I observe Kishitigarbha's divine power,

Like the Ganges sand-like aeons,

It cannot be described.

To see, to hear, or to worship are all in a thought;

Endless benefits for humanity and heaven.

Men, women, dragons or gods,

If by their retributions should fall into evil,

Sincerely take refuge in Mahasattva,

Lifespan will increase and karmic obstacles will be eliminated.

If children lose parents' love when they are young,

And wonder where their spirits are,

And they never met brothers, sisters or relatives,

Since they grew up:

Carve or paint an image of the Mahasattva.

Look, worship and adore it without stopping,

Recite the name from seven to twenty-one days.

Translation and introduction copyright © 1997 by Yih-Mei Guo. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical. Including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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