The Sutra of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's Fundamental Vows

Translators: Tripitaka Sramana Siksananda, Upasaka Tao-tsi Shih

Language: English

Editing: Frank G. French

Publisher: Buddha Educational Foundation, 2000

The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha Sutra of the Fundamental Vows is a Mahayana Buddhist scripture that teaches about the bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who is also known as the earthly treasury, earthly storehouse, or earthly womb. The sutra recounts how Ksitigarbha made great vows to save all beings from the six realms of existence, especially those in the hell realms, and how he displayed filial piety in his past lives. The sutra also describes the karmic consequences of good and bad deeds, the benefits of offering sacrifices to Ksitigarbha, and the protection of Dharma by the Earth God. The sutra is one of the most popular sutras in Chinese Buddhism and is often recited by Buddhists to help the dying and senile, as well as to cultivate compassion and wisdom.