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Due to Shakyamuni Buddha's exhortations, Kṣitigarbha has to cultivate all the living creatures in adherence to the Dharma and eliminate all suffering in the period spanning from Shakyamuni's Parinirvana to Maitreya's final birth.
Kṣitigarbha has made the vow: Until the hells are empty (of suffering beings), I will not become a Buddha. ( 地獄不空，誓不成佛 ) Once all sentient beings are saved, I will attain Buddhahood. ( 眾生度盡，方證菩提 ) If I do not descend into hell, who will? ( 我不入地獄，誰入地獄? ) It is through this gesture of selflessness that he became recognized as "foremost in compassion and vows" and has been worshiped by people since ancient times.
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