Commentary on Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, Book III & IV

Today is Chökhor Düchen, the festival commemorating the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma. On this special occasion, we are pleased to present to you Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche’s teaching on the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, Book III & IV. By presenting these two precious books, Khenpo Rinpoche’s complete oral teachings on this sutra have been made available.

Previously, we released Book I & II, which cover the first six chapters of the Ksitigarbha Sutra. Book III & IV consist of teachings from the seventh chapter to the thirteenth chapter. These two books are worthwhile to read, regardless of whether one is a Buddhist or not, because they discuss issues relevant to the concerns of modern people, and provide solutions to many of the problems encountered in daily life and spiritual practice.

These two books detail the benefits that one will receive by merely seeing images of Ksitigarbha, hearing the name of Ksitigarbha, and respectfully gazing upon and paying homage to him. In particular, they describe effective methods of dispelling disease and misfortune, increasing intelligence and longevity, attaining higher rebirth states, knowing the whereabouts of one’s lost or deceased loved ones, and so on. Instructions on how to benefit the living and the deceased, and how to dispel the harassment of ghosts and spirits and secure their protection are also detailed. One will learn techniques to maximize virtue when practicing generosity, so that it will bring boundless benefits and happiness from life to life and eventually lead to perfect enlightenment.

In this time of degeneration when people easily succumb to negative emotions and are challenged by numerous external obstacles and disasters, it is extremely difficult to succeed in our aims and accomplish our goals. Nonetheless, if we rely on the great power of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the principal lord entrusted by the Buddha to protect and benefit sentient beings in this degenerate time, all hindrances will be removed and every wish will be fulfilled. One will find inspiration beyond expectation from this series of teachings on the Ksitigarbha Sutra.

May this special gift keep you connected to Ksitigarbha and become a powerful support for you to constantly receive blessings from this great bodhisattva.

For Khenpo Rinpoche’s oral teachings on Ksitigarbha Sutra with simultaneous English translation, please click here.