Kshitigarbha, Bodhisattva (Tibetan: sai nying po. English: the Essence of the Earth): one of the eight principal Mahayana students, or 'heart sons,' of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

The 'Eight Heart Sons,' including such notables as Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara, figure prominantly in the various Mahayana Sutras of Northern Buddhism. Kshitigarbha is particularly associated with bringing help and comfort to those in the underworld realm of hell beings.

Jeff Watt 7-2003