Why Did Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Vow Not to Become a Buddha Until Hell Is Empty?

(This translation only includes content pertaining to IIP #152 Q-2 and a link to Vajra Sutra Discourse 21)

This question is from Lianhua Huijuan of Hong Kong.

Q2: 1) Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva vowed not to become a buddha until hell is empty. Why is that so?  Why wouldn’t he have opted for Buddhahood given the fact that one is more powerful when one becomes a buddha?

2) I am not a bright disciple. I have difficulty learning some of the mantras in sadhanas such as the Offering Mantra, the Rebirth Mantra and the Ushnishavijaya Mantra. Instead of performing a sadhana, I was wondering if I could just recite the True Buddha Sutra and Hundred Syllable Mantra as replacement? Thank you, Grandmaster.

A2: I find it pretty amazing that this disciple is able to recite the True Buddha Sutra and the Hundred Syllable Mantra but unable to chant the Offering Mantra, the Rebirth Mantra and the Ushnishavijaya Mantra. The Hundred Syllable Mantra is actually quite difficult to memorize. Everyone should not just memorize it, but also memorize it by heart. On the other hand, the Offering, Rebirth and Ushnishavijaya mantras are relatively easier to memorize.

The Offering Mantra goes like this, “Om-sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-da, ee-da-mooh, gu-ru la-na, man-cha-la, kan, nee- lee-yeh, dah-yah-mee.” The Rebirth Mantra, “Na-mo a-mi-doh-poh-ye, doh-ta-ga-doh-ye, doh-deh-ye-ta, a-mi-lee-doh-poh-pee, a-mi-lee-doh seh-den-poh-pee, a-mi-lee-doh pek-ga-lan-deh, a-mi-lee-doh pek-ga-lan-doh, ga-mee-nee, ka-ka-nah, zhi-doh-ka-lee, so-ha.” That’s it. As for the Ushnishavijaya Mantra, I have had the opportunity to learn the simplified version. It is a secret mantra, “Om-ah-hum, pu-long, ah, pu-long.” I recited it quickly to make sure you didn’t catch that. “Om-ah-hum, pu-long, ah, pu-long” is the Ushnishavijaya mantra I have been reciting in secret.

Gosh! How odd is this! I find it hard to understand why you can recite the True Buddha Sutra and the Hundred Syllable Mantra but not the Offering, Rebirth, and Ushnishavijaya mantras. I don't get this - not sure what exactly is the issue inside your mind? I can’t see inside your head. You should be able to. I am sure you will be fine. 

I shall now answer your first question regarding the significance of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s vow of not becoming a buddha until the hell is empty, and why wouldn’t Ksitigarbha have opted for Buddhahood given the fact that one is more powerful when one becomes a buddha?

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva made a pledge to reside in the Hell Realm and to only become a buddha when hell is empty. In reference to this pledge, he is known as “Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of the Great Vow” (Dayuan Dizang Pusa). Not only is Ksitigarbha well known for this great aspiration,  he is also the Lord of the Netherworld by virtue of his vow. Furthermore, his pure land is called Cuiwei Pure Land. Ksitigarbha is Grandmaster’s principal deity and his power is vast and infinite. In terms of the stages on the path to enlightenment, Ksitigarbha’s level of attainment is above the “tenth bodhisattva stage (level of attainments)”. This was his vow.

In Buddhism, we mainly talk about Ksitigarbha’s vow because his vow was extremely great. In fact, his power is equivalent to that of a buddha’s. He is a bodhisattva of Wonderful Enlightenment, which is higher than the highest stage of bodhisattva of Absolute Universal Enlightenment. 

Although Ksitigarbha is equivalent to a buddha, this buddha is willing to stay in the netherworld to save sentient beings of the three evil paths; thus, staying in the Hell Realm to save the beings in hell. This is his great vow. In fact, to carry out his salvation mission, Ksitigarbha manifested in the six realms of existence: Heavens, Human, Asuras, Hells, Hungry Ghosts, and Animals Realms. Ksitigarbha’s vow is the greatest among all bodhisattvas. Therefore, he is extremely powerful. 

What is the point of attaining Buddhahood? I sometimes wonder to myself – what is the whole point of becoming a buddha? After one becomes a buddha, one doesn’t really do much. One merely sits around and receives  offerings from everyone. One may feel bored if this goes on every day. (A disciple said: It’s better to be a bodhisattva) You are absolutely right. One doesn’t necessarily need to become a buddha. In fact, it’s better to be a bodhisattva. There are two types of nirvana: nirvana without residue [Anupadhisesanirvana], and nirvana with residue [Sopadhisesanirvana]. There are occasions when a buddha enters  nirvana without residue where he permanently resides in Buddhahood receiving offerings from everyone. Besides accepting offerings, there is nothing much left to do. With all this free time, these buddhas relieve the boredom of Buddhahood by touring around to enjoy life. In contrast, as a bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha unconditionally carries out his vow to save sentient beings. I will elaborate more on this subject of unconditioned dharma when  discoursing the Vajra Sutra later. Essentially, Ksitigarbha is known as “Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of the Great Vow” by virtue of his vow. He made this vow when he first started spiritual cultivation. In carrying out his vow, Ksitigarbha unconditionally saves sentient beings in the spirit of bodhicitta. Therefore, it is wonderful that Ksitigarbha made this noble vow and his power is equivalent to that of a buddha.

Vajra Sutra Discourse 21 by Living Buddha Lian-sheng on Oct. 3, 2021

Translated by TBTTs

Translator: Lynn Ang

Editors: Simon Chin and DJ Chang