“Lost souls” whispers through the air here at \u516b\u5e83\u5b50\u80b2\u5730\u8535\u5c0a. We stand before a place dedicated to Jizo. He is Japan’s protector of children. But he is also a guide for those suffering in hell.
\u516b\u5e83\u5b50\u80b2\u5730\u8535\u5c0a is more than just a statue. It is a symbol of compassion. Jizo appears as a childlike monk. He is often called O-Jizo-san or O-Jizo-sama. Jizo is a bosatsu. This means he seeks enlightenment. He also helps others find Buddhahood.
Belief in Jizo came to Japan around the eighth century. The Buddha entrusted Jizo to be close to the common people. Nobles prayed to Jizo for help when they lost status. They despaired and believed in rokudo philosophy.
Rokudo means six paths. It refers to six realms of existence. These realms include heavenly beings and hells. Hells are the most feared realm with the deepest suffering. Jizo saves people from the hells and guides them.
Lines of six Jizo statues protect the dead. They guide them to reincarnation in one of the six realms. People also believe Jizo protects villages. He wards off epidemics and evil spirits.
During the Edo period, Jizo became known as a protector of children. It was thought that children who died young went to a limbo. This place is called sai no kawara. It is a riverbank like the River Styx. Children pile stones to atone for causing their parents pain. Demons knock the towers down. Jizo saves the children from this suffering.
That is why you may see small piles of rocks near a Jizo statue.
Local residents often dress Jizo statues in aprons and hoods. This is because of Jizo’s association with children. Some Jizo are Migawari Jizo. They take on one’s suffering. Others are Togenuki Jizo. They remove pain.
One temple has a legend of a monk who prayed to Jizo. The monk’s eye healed but the statue’s eye swelled. Another story tells of a maid who swallowed a needle. She swallowed a paper with Jizo’s image. She threw up the paper and needle. The needle pierced Jizo’s image. This Jizo removes pain caused by needles and thorns.
Jizo usually holds a shakujo staff and a hoju jewel. His simple appearance shows he is close to the people. This familiarity makes Jizo loved in Japan. So remember \u516b\u5e83\u5b50\u80b2\u5730\u8535\u5c0a as a symbol of hope. It is a reminder of compassion for all beings.