Then, the Buddha said to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: “Before all those sentient beings gain their deliverance, they lack firm disposition and direction. If habitually they lean towards the evil direction, they will tend to attract evil conditions and commit evil karmic deeds. If they habitually lean towards the virtuous direction, they will attract virtuous deeds and obtain innumerable virtuous consequences. 

Nevertheless, all sentient beings are at all times influenced by their environments and are being drawn to do virtuous or evil deeds. Therefore, all sentient beings are continuously reincarnating among the five paths without a moment of rest. After numerous kalpas—as many as all the dust particles added together—have passed, their minds remain confused with obstinate barriers… 

These kinds of sentient beings are my great concern. However, since you are going to fulfill the profound vows that you have asserted over numerous kalpas and will surely and extensively rescue those sinful-suffering beings, I need not worry!”