Do those stone figures catch your eye? They are statues of Jizo. I am happy to tell you a story about \u5357\u7121\u8eab\u304c\u308f\u308a\u5730\u8535\u5c0a.
Jizo is a familiar sight in Japan. These figures are often seen as childlike monks. They are affectionately called O-Jizo-san or O-Jizo-sama. Jizo is a bosatsu. This is the Japanese term for bodhisattva in Buddhism. They seek enlightenment. They also help others reach Buddhahood.
Belief in Jizo came to Japan around the eighth century. It was during the Nara period. Mentions of this early faith appear in the J\u016brinky\u014d. This is a work of the period known as The 10-Rings Sutra. Jizo is described as one who Buddha entrusted to be close to the common people. There is no solid evidence that Jizo was deeply revered at first. Nobles in the early Heian period had lost status. They prayed to Jizo for help.
Six Jizo statues may lead into small villages. This is based on rokud\u014d philosophy. Rokud\u014d means six paths. It signifies six realms of existence. People believed that the statues protect the dead from suffering. They gently guide them to be reincarnated into one of the six realms. Jizo would also protect villages. He would defend them from epidemics, evil spirits and other misfortunes.
During the Edo period, one belief spread. Jizo became known as a protector of children. Infant mortality was much higher back then. People thought that children who died young went to a limbo. This was on the sai no kawara a stony riverbank. It is before the Sanzu River. It is similar to the River Styx in Greek mythology. Departed souls crossed this river. The children had to pile stones into towers. They atoned for causing their parents pain. This was their sin of dying too early. Demons would knock down the towers. The child would have to start piling the stones again crying. Jizo could save the children from that suffering. After that festivals for Jizo became a custom. Children could easily participate.
Long-standing Jizo statues are often on roadsides. Local residents dress them in aprons and hoods. This is because of their strong association with children.
Migawari Jizo will take on one’s suffering. Togenuki Jizo removes one’s pain. J\u014dtokuji is a temple in Tokyo. A monk was about to go blind. He prayed to Jizo. His sight got better. The eye of the Jizo statue at that temple became swollen.
K\u014dganji Temple is known for its Togenuki Jizo. A maid swallowed a needle. She was in agony. She swallowed paper with the image of Jizo on it. She threw up the paper and the needle. The needle had pierced through Jizo’s image. This led to the belief that this Jizo can remove pain. It can remove pain caused by needles and thorns.
Jizo is usually shown as a shaven-headed monk. He holds a shakuj\u014d in his right hand. This is a khakkhara staff topped with metal rings. He has a h\u014dju in his left hand. This is a jewel symbolizing Buddha’s teachings. This simple look shows that he is always close to people. That familiarity makes this Buddha so loved in Japan. It is why we gather here at \u5357\u7121\u8eab\u304c\u308f\u308a\u5730\u8535\u5c0a today.