Research on the Dizang Belief

Author: General Zhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is one of the most important and influential Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. In Chinese Buddhism, there is not only the concept of the Four Great Bodhisattvas but also the famous mountains and sacred places associated with them. These are Mount Wutai for Manjushri, Mount Putuo for Avalokite?vara, Mount Emei for Samantabhadra, and Mount Jiuhua for Ksitigarbha. The influence of Mount Jiuhua as a sacred place for Ksitigarbha is undeniable, and its legends are extraordinary. However, its formation dates back to the middle and later periods of China's medieval society. Ksitigarbha has a profound and long-standing tradition in China and across much of Asia. As one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha holds a unique position in Buddhism. Among the vast Buddhist scriptures, the number of texts specifically about Ksitigarbha may not be extensive, but their influence is significant and deeply permeates Chinese folk customs and traditions, even forming a distinctive part of China's national psychological and cultural identity. Among the great Bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha manifests in the richest variety of forms. There are many exquisite scrolls depicting Ksitigarbha. Ksitigarbha is also deeply rooted in the folk culture of China, permeating the seven-day mourning observances in Chinese funeral customs and entering various belief systems, such as the City God temples and the Water and Land Rituals. Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Ksitigarbha and his compassionate deeds, one must delve into the depths of history, trace the origins, and even pay homage, seeking and reviewing the Buddhist scriptures and images of Ksitigarbha stored beyond the seas, to comprehend the profound and majestic nature of Ksitigarbha and the enduring reverence of the people over thousands of years. Through folk customs, the intrinsic image of Ksitigarbha in the national psychology is reflected. This book represents an initial attempt in this field, systematically organizing the Buddhist scriptures and literature of Ksitigarbha for the first time and integrating various images from cave sculptures, painted scrolls, and other artistic works. It strives to combine the textual and visual aspects to present a more comprehensive understanding of the beliefs surrounding Ksitigarbha. This book systematically organizes the Buddhist scriptures and literature of Ksitigarbha, combining textual and visual elements to provide a comprehensive introduction to the beliefs about Ksitigarbha.