Jizo Bodhisattva, also known as Earth Store King Bodhisattva, is one of the most revered Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. With his endless compassion, he has vowed to fulfill all sentient beings in suffering until the hells are completely emptied, and only then will he achieve enlightenment.
The Power of Jizo Bodhisattva
The Great Vow of Jizo Bodhisattva and his deeds of salvation are recorded in the Jizo Bodhisattva’s Ben Wang Jing Sutra (《地藏菩萨本愿經》). According to the Sutra, Jizo Bodhisattva made a grand wish “not to become a Buddha until the hells are emptied,” and vowed to save all sentient beings in the hells, disregarding his own accomplishments for the benefit of all sentient beings.
In the Hall of the King of Hell, Earth Store Bodhisattva relentlessly saves the dead. He patiently guides the lost souls, helping them to eliminate their sins and be reborn in a good path. Whether it is someone who has committed the most heinous crimes or someone who is suffering at the end of his life, Jizo Bodhisattva is always there to help them with his endless compassion.
Jizo Bodhisattva protects all sentient beings
Jizo Bodhisattva often manifests his divine powers to guide practitioners and teach them the right way of life. He advises sentient beings to do good deeds with a good heart and repent their sins in order to achieve liberation. By making devotional offerings to Jizo Bodhisattva and reciting sutras and mantras, one can also attain immeasurable blessings.
Jizo is honored as the “Teacher of the Last Dharma Age”. His spirit of compassion is not only inspiring, but has also become an eternal spiritual support for Buddhist practitioners. We should sincerely pay homage to Jizo Bodhisattva and emulate his compassionate wishes, so that we can work together for the benefit of all sentient beings and move towards the time of Ultimate Bliss in the West.
