Material: Copper casting. (The bottom can hold holy objects)

Size: Height 8 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, **Ksitigarbha** (Sanskrit: Kṣitigarbha, Tibetan: སའི་སྙིང་པོ།, transliteration: Sai Nyingpo) is an important bodhisattva, known for his profound compassion and vow to save sentient beings from suffering. The following is an overview of the meaning and origin of Ksitigarbha in Tibetan Buddhism:

1. The meaning of Ksitigarbha

1. **Saving sentient beings in the six realms**:

- Ksitigarbha is famous for his great vow of "not becoming a Buddha until hell is empty", which symbolizes his endless compassion, and is particularly focused on saving sentient beings in the evil realms such as hell and hungry ghosts. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is regarded as the incarnation of compassion who guides sentient beings out of the sea of ​​suffering in reincarnation.

- In the context of Tibetan Buddhism, the role of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva complements that of other Bodhisattvas (such as Avalokitesvara and Manjusri), who share the mission of saving sentient beings.

2. **Guardian and Purification**:

- Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is considered a symbol of "earth", representing stability, tolerance and nourishment. He protects the earth, purifies the karma of sentient beings, and helps practitioners overcome their inner obstacles.

- In the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is often prayed to eliminate bad karma and protect practitioners from external and internal obstacles.

3. **Association with Pure Land**:

- Although Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is often associated with the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha in the Pure Land Sect in Chinese Buddhism, in Tibetan Buddhism, he is more often seen as an independent incarnation of compassion, focusing on salvation in this world rather than a specific Pure Land guidance.

2. The Origin of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

1. **Scripture Basis**:

- The image and teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are mainly derived from the Kṣitigarbha Sūtra, which records the vows and deeds of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in detail. Although this scripture is more popular in Chinese Buddhism, there are also corresponding teachings and traditions in Tibetan Buddhism.

- In the Tibetan Buddhist Tripitaka, the relevant teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva may appear in different forms and be integrated into the practice of tantras or deities.

2. **Unique Interpretations in Tibetan Buddhism**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva may have a certain degree of integration with certain deities (such as Vajrapani Bodhisattva or Dharma Protectors), reflecting its protection and purification functions.

- Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the practice of tantras, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is sometimes regarded as one of the deities in the tantras, related to specific rituals, mandalas or visualization practices.

3. **Cultural integration and dissemination**:

- After the worship of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was introduced from India to the Central Plains, it was gradually integrated into the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism as Buddhism was introduced into Tibet. Although Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is not as widely worshipped as Guanyin Bodhisattva or Manjusri Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism, his compassionate image is still deeply rooted in the hearts of practitioners.

- In Tibetan Buddhist temples or art, the statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva rarely appear alone, but more often appear as one of the Bodhisattvas, together with other deities in mandalas or murals.

III. The practice of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Rituals and prayers**:

- Tibetan Buddhists may pray for the elimination of karma, salvation of the dead, or protection of themselves through specific Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva rituals. These rituals usually include mantras, visualizations, and offerings.

- Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva mantras (such as "Om Hahaha Bisma Ksitigarbha Soha") may be used in specific practices in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in ceremonies to liberate the dead or purify bad karma.

2. **Relationship with samsara**:

- The vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are closely related to the teachings of the "Six Paths of Reincarnation" of Tibetan Buddhism. He is seen as being able to penetrate the six paths, especially the hell path, and save suffering beings, which is consistent with the compassion and altruism emphasized in Tibetan Buddhism.

IV. Differences from Chinese Buddhism

- In Chinese Buddhism, the image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is more deeply rooted in the folk, and is closely related to filial piety and the salvation of the dead (such as the title of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva). In Tibetan Buddhism, the role of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is more inclined to tantric practice and deity visualization, and less emphasis is placed on the folk salvation function.

- In the art of Tibetan Buddhism, the image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva may be different from that of Chinese Buddhism, usually more symbolic, and integrated into the Tibetan thangka style.

V. Summary

In Tibetan Buddhism, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva represents boundless compassion and salvation power, especially in helping sentient beings escape from the evil path and purifying karma. His origin is related to the classic inheritance of Indian Buddhism, and has been uniquely interpreted in the Tibetan tantric tradition. Although Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is not as prominent in Tibetan Buddhism as Guanyin or Manjushri, his profound vows and protective functions ensure that he still has a place in practice and rituals.