At that time, strengthened by the majestic powers of the Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva-Mahasattva stood up from His seat, kneeled down on His right knee and brought His palms together. Reverently, He addressed the Buddha:

“O Bhagavat! I have been observing sentient beings who have been reincarnating on their karmic paths, and I appraised their meritorious blessings according to the dana they have performed. Some exerted great effort, and some did very little. Some of them enjoyed their blessings in only one lifetime, others enjoyed their blessings for ten lifetimes, and there were some who received great benefits for hundreds or thousands of lifetimes.

What would make such immense differences? I solely wish that you, Bhagavat, will explain that to me.”