Ksitigarbha
by Cheryl McClure
Title
Ksitigarbha
Artist
Cheryl McClure
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
While visiting with family in Japan, I was amazed by the beauty of the Ksitigarbha statue at Mt. Osore.
Kṣitigarbha (Sanskrit: meaning "Earth Womb") is a famous Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva who is especially popular in Asian countries where he is worshipped as Dizang in China and Jizō in Japan. Renowned for his vow to postpone achieving Buddhahood until all hells are emptied, Kṣitigarbha is regarded as a savior figure of immense compassion who seeks to save beings trapped in hell. His famous vow, recited by many Buddhists, is, "Not until the hells are emptied will I become a Buddha; Not until all beings are saved will I certify to Bodhi."
Usually depicted as a monk with a nimbus around his shaved head, he carries a staff to force open the gates of hell and a wish-fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness.
Interestingly, Kṣitigarbha shares many similarities with the Christian doctrine of the Harrowing of Hell, which correspondingly posits that Jesus descended into Hell before being resurrected in order to save those in hell. Whether these similar beliefs emerged separately or were influenced by each other is an interesting point of scholarship. Today, many followers of the world's religions are beginning to acknowledge their many similarities and to engage in dialogue.
Uploaded
August 23rd, 2012
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Viewed 510 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 03/28/2024 at 9:56 PM
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Comments (15)
Cheryl McClure
Thank you to the buyer in Calgary, Canada for purchasing my print and supporting my love of art and photography!