Statue of Ksitigarbha at Land of he Medicine Buddha, Soquel, CA
Ksitigarbha (Di Zang Pu-sa) is a great bodhisattva who vowed to not become a buddha until everyone was released from hell. His birthday is observed on the thirtith day of the seventh lunar month. At or near that time a Dharma Asssembly is held with the chanting of the Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s Fundamental Vows, making of offerings, peforming the ritual of transmigration for the deceased, and asking of blessings for the living.
Chapter One: “Ubiquitous Supernatural Powers of the Exalted Buddha at Trayastrimsa Heaven”
Chapter Two: The Assembly of the Transformations of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Chapter Three: Observations of Retribution of Human Beings Resulting from Previous Karmas
Chapter Four: Evil Actions and Retributions of Human Beings of the Samsara World
Chapter Five: The Names of Different Kinds of Hells
Chapter Six: Shakyamuni Buddha Praising Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Chapter Seven: Benefiting the Living and the Dead
Chapter Eight: Appreciation of Emperor Yama and His Followers— The Ruler of Yamadevaloka and Judge of the Dead
Chapter Nine: The Chanting of the Buddha’s Name
Chapter Ten: The Comparison of Merits for Alms-giving
Chapter Eleven: Earthly Spirits Protecting the Dharma
Chapter Twelve: The Benefit through Sight and Hearing
Chapter Thirteen: Shakyamuni Buddha’s Instruction to Human Beings and Devas
See also the Ullambana Sutra and Vajrasamadhi Sutra for more information on Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.