Riding and listening to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva 骑谛听地藏菩萨

In the hearts of countless devotees, there resides a Bodhisattva deeply embodying the spirit of sacrifice. His compassionate vow—“Until all beings are liberated, I shall not attain enlightenment; until hell is emptied, I vow not to become a Buddha”—has moved innumerable followers. This Bodhisattva is none other than the Great Vow Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

The King of Divine Beasts, the Most Revered Auspicious Creature—Diting. The mount of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is a lion-like beast known as “Diting.” Also called the “Unicorn,” “Earth Listener,” or “Good Listener,” Diting is the guardian treasure of Mount Jiuhua. Buddhism reveres Diting as a divine hound. Later generations, recognizing its understanding of Buddhist teachings, its empathy for human nature, and its ability to ward off evil, regard it as an auspicious symbol.