Ksitigarbha has a deep relationship with beings of the earth
humans, and especially with the hungry ghosts and hell beings.
Because these are the most difficult to raise into a more fortunate
condition due to their previous unwholesome actions, and because of
his past vow to save them all, Ksitigarbha has been known as the
Teacher of the Dark Regions.
"If I do not go to hell to help them, who else will
go?"
is the famous declaration popularly crime or the karma, he is
willing to have a connection with any being, and to help free them
from suffering. After he had practiced the perfections of the
bodhisattva for many lifetimes, he was ready for the attainment of
Buddhahood. However, he chose to remain among sentient beings in
this period before the coming of Maitreya Buddha because of his
compassion for all suffering beings. According to his vow, he will
not become a Buddha unless all the sentient beings in the hells are
relieved of their suffering. Ksitigarbha's patient support of
sentient beings in the realms of hells is similar to the earth's
support of all forms of life. Based on this comparison, he bears
the name Ksitigarbha which means "treasure of the
earth".
Praise by Buddha to
Ksitigarbha:
You have generated stability of thought and pure thought (altruism
/ bodhicitta) and eliminated the sufferings of immeasurable
sentient beings. I see (sentient beings) receiving happiness like
the wish granting jewel, and like the vajra you cut the nets of the
doubt (of others). You offer the Destroyer,
Qualified-Gone-Beyond-Ones holy offerings with great compassionate
thought and perseverance. You liberate the sentient beings from the
sufferings with oceans of wisdom. Because you have no fear
(delusions), you have gone beyond samsara.
This is especially beneficial for those who have heavy problems,
serious health problems, big projects or financial difficulties. I
will suggest it is extremely powerful to recite every day at least
four or five times or more, depending on how crucial it is also,
for protection. Even to grow crops well and to protect land and
crops.
It explains in the sutra the extensive benefits and qualities, like
the sky, of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, like skies of benefit to
all beings. There have been experiences, similar benefits received
by those who practice Ksitigarbha.
(from http://www.medicinebuddha.org/ksitigarba.htm)
