大雄寶殿佛像前方，供奉兩尊悲願菩薩：觀世音菩薩與地藏菩薩。二者代表大乘佛教中最重要的悲願實踐，分別對應現世救苦與幽冥度脫。

「菩薩」是「菩提薩埵」的簡稱，意譯為「覺有情」，即具備自覺、覺他、覺行圓滿的修行者。觀音與地藏皆已發大菩提心，安住於利他行中，長劫不退轉。

觀世音菩薩，《妙法蓮華經．普門品》中記載，眾生若稱名號，觀音即應聲救度，故有「千處祈求千處應」之說。觀音與阿彌陀佛、大勢至菩薩共為「西方三聖」，引導眾生往生極樂淨土。

地藏菩薩則以「地獄未空，誓不成佛」為本願，《地藏本願經》中載其誓願救度一切罪苦眾生，特別是幽冥界有情。因此，地藏信仰常見於清明、盂蘭盆與超薦法會中。

觀音菩薩與地藏菩薩，一在娑婆應現，一於幽冥守護，合為佛法中慈悲與願力的實踐。兩尊菩薩的供奉，不僅具象徵意義，更是信仰依止與修行榜樣，提醒眾生發心學行、利樂有情。

In front of the three Buddha statues in the middle, Avalokitesvara and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvas stand as embodiments of compassion, revered for their profound vows in Mahayana Buddhism. They represent the essence of practice, offering salvation in this world and redemption in the realms beyond.

“Bo”  “Sat” in Chinese derived from “Bodhisattva” (Awakened Being with Compassion), signifies one who seeks enlightenment for self and others, perfecting their practice. Both Avalokitesvara and Ksitigarbha, with great resolve, dedicate countless eons to altruistic deeds, unwavering in their commitment.

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, as described in the Lotus Sutra’s Universal Gate Chapter, responds to the cries of those in distress, delivering them from suffering. Known as “the one who hears calls for help from all directions,” Avalokitesvara joins Amitabha Buddha and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva as the “Three Saints of the Western Pure Land,” guiding beings to the blissful Pure Land.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva vows in the Ksitigarbha Sutra: “Until the hells are empty, I shall not attain Buddhahood; only when all beings are saved will I reach enlightenment.” This pledge to rescue all suffering beings, especially in the hell realms, makes Ksitigarbha central to Ching Ming, Ullambana, and other assemblies of deliverance.

Together, Avalokitesvara’s presence in this world and Ksitigarbha’s guardianship in the hell realms embody the Dharma’s compassion and resolve. Enshrined here, they are not only sacred icons but also models of practice, inspiring us to cultivate aspiration and benefit all beings.