Page 130 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

to relieve beings from their states of suffering and lead them

to Salvation. I shall strive to work hard until the next Buddha,

Maitreya Buddha, comes to the world.” He is also adored as the

“Master of the Six Worlds of Desire,” thus there are depictions

of him being surrounded by a Bodhisattva, an Asura, a Man, an

Animal (horse or ox), a Preta, and a Demon holding a pitchfork,

which symbolises the six different forms he assumes in the six

realms to save the beings there.

In the closing chapter of the Ti Tsang Sutra, Sakyamuni Buddha

gave this advice for the benefit of all human beings:

“Listen to me carefully and I shall tell you in detail. If virtuous

ones of the future see the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s image, hear

the Ksitigarbha Sutra, chant this Sutra, make offerings to Ksiti-

grabha, pay homage to him, they will receive these benefits:

1. ey will be protected by devas and dragons.

2. eir ability to do good will be increased.

3. Opportunities for doing good will increase.

4. ey will strive to attain Buddhahood.

5. ey will enjoy sufficiency of food and clothing.

6. ey will be free from diseases.

7. Floods and fire will not affect them.

8. Robbers will not trouble them.

9. ey will be respected and admired by people.

10. Spirits and devas will protect and assist them.

11. Females shall be reborn as males.

12. e females will become daughters of noble & exalted families.

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