金龙山万佛寺

The Ksitigarbha Hall (Di Zang Hall) was completed in December 2013 and is dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Ksitigarbha is depicted wearing a monk's robe, crowned with a Virūḍhaka hat, holding a staff in his right hand and a wish-fulfiliing jewel in his left, while riding his auspicious divine beast, "Di Ting." The name Ksitigarbha signifies profound qualities: "Ksiti" represents the earth's steadfastness and immovability, while "Garbha" symbolizes deep meditative wisdom, akin to a hidden treasure. Together, the name reflects the Bodhisattva's ultimate realization of a compassionate and resolute heart.

Accompanying Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are two guardians. On his right stands Daoming Monk, a youthful novice, and on his left is Elder Min Gong. It is said that Ksitigarbha once manifested as a Korean prince named Kim Gyo-gak, who sailed to Tang China to study Buddhism. He later attained enlightenment while practicing at Mount Jiuhua and adopted the monastic name Ksitigarbha. The landlord assistant official, Min Gong, moved by Ksitigarbha's virtues, donated the entire Mount Jinhua to him as a temple. Min Gong's son followed Ksitigarbha into monastic life, adopting the Dharma name Daoming. Later, Min Gong himself became a monk, taking his son as his teacher.

The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was once a king in a past life. Witnessing the stubborn and sinful nature of his people, he made a profound vow: he would not attain Buddhahood until all beings in suffering had been liberated and brought to enlightenment. In the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra, it is recorded that Shakyamuni Buddha, during his teachings at the Trayastrimsha Heaven, entrusted Ksitigarbha with a sacred mission. After Shakyamuni's passing and befire the arrival of Maitreya Buddha, in this interim period without a living Buddha, Ksitigarbha would reside in this world, guiding beings across the six realms of existence toward goodness and liberation.

Carrying hisstaff and prayer beads, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fulfills his vast vow of traversing the six realms, rescuing all sentient beings. He vows to remain in the world and procrastinate his attainment of Buddhahood until every last being is freed from suffering and brought to enlightenment.