When learning Buddhism, which scripture should you start with?

If you want to read Buddhist scriptures when studying Buddhism, it is recommended to start with the Ksitigarbha Sutra for the following reasons:

1. The Ksitigarbha Sutra is a sutra of filial piety. The foundation of learning Buddhism is to be a good person, and "filial piety" is the foundation of being a good person. This is the root of traditional Chinese culture and is still a truth recognized and followed today. The "Ksitigarbha Sutra" introduces that the predecessor of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva made the great vow "Unless hell is empty, I will never become a Buddha; only by saving all sentient beings can I realize Bodhi" to save his mother from hell. This is all Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. It is caused by the Bodhisattva’s filial piety. Reading the Ksitigarbha Sutra is to learn the behavior of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and we must first start with filial piety.

2. "Ksitigarbha Sutra" is a Buddhist scripture about karma and retribution. Karma and retribution, the six paths of reincarnation are the basis of Buddhism. To learn Buddhism, one must firmly believe in cause and effect. "Ksitigarbha Sutra" introduces the conditions of hell in detail and points out the reasons why people fall into hell. Only when we understand karma and retribution can we not take chances and truly "do no evil and do all good". This power is much greater than the binding force of law and morality.

3. "Ksitigarbha Sutra" is very powerful in eliminating karma. When ordinary people first learn Buddhism, it is often not smooth sailing. They may be hindered by relatives, friends, or enemies and creditors. If you insist on reading and reciting the Ksitigarbha Sutra every day and dedicate your merits, you will be blessed by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s divine power, eliminate karma, and increase your blessings and wisdom. When you learn other Dharma methods in the future, you will get twice the result with half the effort.

4. The language of "Ksitigarbha Sutra" is very simple and suitable for beginners to read. Buddhism was translated in ancient times, and was often obscure and difficult to understand, with profound meanings, such as the Shurangama Sutra, the Mahaprajna Sutra, etc. Beginners to Buddhism have no foundation. If they directly read and recite large volumes of Buddhist scriptures, they will easily feel discouraged. Although "Ksitigarbha Sutra" was translated during the Tang Dynasty, its language is close to modern vernacular, the main content can be understood by ordinary people, and there are not many professional Buddhist terms, making it very suitable for beginners.

Of course, the true meaning of Buddhist scriptures can be fully expressed in non-verbal words. You need to read some relevant annotations to help understand. In addition to reading scriptures, you can also read books about Buddhism written by eminent monks and great sages, such as "The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha", "Understanding Buddhism", "Buddhism of the Right Faith", "Juehai Cihang", etc., to gain an understanding of Buddhism. Initial understanding, establishing righteous faith, and then slowly deepening, step by step.