Dharma Sharing · 2021-02-17
Comic Edition of the Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: Free Distribution
On 17 February 2021, Soul Love Center shared an announcement about free distribution of a comic edition of the Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Combining images and text, the comic presents stories from the sutra as an accessible introduction to Ksitigarbha's original vows, care for parents and the making of vows.
Important: the original announcement was published in 2021. Please confirm with the centre by WhatsApp or email whether copies remain available, whether free distribution continues and how to collect a copy. This page does not indicate current stock or guarantee availability.
Ask About Free Distribution on WhatsApp contact form
What Is the Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?
The Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is often called the Ksitigarbha Sutra. The commonly used edition has three fascicles and thirteen chapters. The electronic Taisho Tripitaka edition in CBETA attributes the translation to Shikshananda, a Tripitaka monk from Khotan during the Tang dynasty.
Set against the Buddha Shakyamuni teaching his mother in Trayastrimsa Heaven, the sutra recounts Ksitigarbha's vows and practices in previous lives. It includes the stories of the Brahmin maiden and Bright Eyes, who make vows to liberate their deceased mothers. Readers commonly turn to it to explore Buddhist themes such as Ksitigarbha's original vows, filial care, cause and effect, and the liberation of sentient beings.
Overview of the Thirteen Chapters
| Chapter | Title | Overview of themes |
|---|---|---|
| One | Spiritual Powers in the Palace of Trayastrimsa Heaven | The Buddha teaches his mother in Trayastrimsa Heaven and introduces Ksitigarbha's original vows from earlier lives |
| Two | The Assembly of the Manifested Bodies | Ksitigarbha's manifested bodies assemble to receive the Buddha's entrustment |
| Three | Observing the Karmic Conditions of Sentient Beings | Lady Maya asks about the karmic conditions of sentient beings, and Ksitigarbha answers |
| Four | The Karmic Consequences of Beings in Jambudvipa | Accounts of Ksitigarbha's previous lives and the causes, effects and karmic consequences experienced by sentient beings |
| Five | The Names of the Hells | The names of the hells and Ksitigarbha's vows and practices to liberate beings from suffering |
| Six | The Tathagata's Praise | The Buddha praises Ksitigarbha and explains the merit of hearing the sutra, making offerings and related practices |
| Seven | Benefiting the Living and the Deceased | The living cultivate merit, and relatives perform meritorious acts for the deceased |
| Eight | The Praise of King Yama and His Assembly | King Yama and the ghost kings ask about karmic consequences and protection for sentient beings |
| Nine | Reciting the Names of Buddhas | Ksitigarbha explains the circumstances and benefits of reciting the names of past Buddhas |
| Ten | Comparing the Merit and Conditions of Giving | Ksitigarbha asks about differences in the merit of giving |
| Chapter Eleven | Protection of the Dharma by the Earth Deity | The earth deity Firm and Stable explains the circumstances of protecting Ksitigarbha's teaching |
| Chapter Twelve | Benefits of Seeing and Hearing | The Buddha explains to Avalokiteshvara the benefits of seeing and hearing Ksitigarbha's name and image |
| Chapter Thirteen | Entrusting Humans and Celestial Beings | The Buddha entrusts Ksitigarbha with guiding future sentient beings towards liberation |
The Brahmin Maiden and Bright Eyes: Stories of Filial Care and Vows
The Brahmin maiden
The sutra recounts how the Brahmin maiden, remembering her deceased mother, pays homage to and recollects the Buddha, later vowing to liberate sentient beings. Her care for her mother provides the starting point for the themes of vows and practice.
Bright Eyes
Another story describes Bright Eyes making offerings and vows for her mother, connecting this with Ksitigarbha's previous lives. Through these narratives, the sutra presents religious ideas about filial care, cause and effect, and liberation.
Guidance for Reading the Sutra
The sutra's accounts of hells, karmic consequences and rebirth belong to Buddhist belief and scriptural narrative. Readers can approach them according to their own religious background and understanding. A comic edition offers an accessible introduction; for deeper understanding, consult the sutra itself and reliable Buddhist commentaries.
What Does “Free Dharma Distribution” Mean?
“Creating Dharma connections” is a Buddhist expression for establishing positive connections with the teachings or other people. Free distribution of reading material is a form of sharing that allows interested readers to encounter the scriptures.
Soul Love Center's original announcement is dated 17 February 2021. Current stock and free distribution arrangements cannot be confirmed from that old announcement. Please contact the centre first rather than assume copies remain available or can definitely be obtained.
Further Reading: Buddhism, Reiki, and Body, Mind and Spirit
Buddhist scripture distribution and Usui Reiki courses are separate offerings; learning Reiki requires neither a Buddhist background nor religious belief. Cathy Wong shares that her personal practice integrates Reiki, the I Ching and Buddhist wisdom. See the following articles:
- Latest News: Buddhist Sutra Comics and Other Updates
- About Soul Love Center
- Teacher Profile: Cathy Wong
- What Is Usui Reiki? A Complete Introduction
- The connection between I Ching Philosophy and Reiki Healing
- What is the integration of body, mind, and spirit?
Frequently asked questions
Can I Still Obtain the Comic Edition of the Ksitigarbha Sutra?
The centre shared a free distribution announcement on 17 February 2021, but this page cannot confirm current stock or collection arrangements. Please enquire first via WhatsApp 9121 4927 or email Soullovecentre@hotmail.com.
How Many Chapters Are in the Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?
The commonly used edition has three fascicles and thirteen chapters. CBETA's electronic Taisho Tripitaka edition attributes the translation to Shikshananda, a Tripitaka monk from Khotan during the Tang dynasty.
What Is the Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Mainly About?
Set against Shakyamuni Buddha teaching his mother in Trayastrimsa Heaven, the sutra recounts Ksitigarbha's earlier vows and the stories of the Brahmin maiden and Bright Eyes. It discusses filial care, cause and effect, making vows and liberating sentient beings.
What Does “Creating Dharma Connections” Mean?
“Creating Dharma connections” is a Buddhist expression for establishing positive connections with the teachings or others. Buddhist reading material is often shared free of charge for interested readers.
How Can I Enquire About Receiving the Comic Edition?
You can contact us through WhatsApp 9121 4927 or email Soullovecentre@hotmail.com to enquire about current stock, collection methods and related arrangements.
Important note: this article introduces Buddhist scriptural content as religious and cultural information. It does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Free distribution arrangements are subject to confirmation by the centre.
