“Womb of the Earth”. That is what Jizo means. Right here, we stand before the \u5730\u8535\u5c0a Stele. This stele marks the spot of the well where a Jizo statue was found. Let me tell you about the \u58fa\u4e95\u5730\u8535\u5c0a Stele. It is a testament to the enduring faith in Jizo Bodhisattva in Kyoto.
The \u5730\u8535\u5c0a Stele was erected in 1941. It commemorates the well from which the Jizo statue emerged. According to the “Taizamura Travelogue” in Kurokawa Road Shrine, the statue came from this well. Therefore, it was named Tsuboi Jizo. This stele marks that very well.
Jizo, formally known as Jizo Bodhisattva, is a beloved figure in Japanese Buddhism. The name Jizo comes from ancient India. In Sanskrit, Jizo is called “Kshiti Garbha”. This translates to “Womb of the Earth”. Just like the nurturing earth, Jizo protects people from suffering. Jizo offers great compassion.
In Japan, Jizo appears as a shaven-headed monk wearing robes. Because Jizo protects children, the statues often have a youthful, friendly appearance. You can find Jizo statues all over Japan. Jizo faith is particularly strong in Kyoto.
Kyoto locals enshrine Jizo statues to protect specific neighborhoods. Jizo belief has also merged with local deities. These deities are known as Dosojin. This merging creates a syncretic practice called “Shinbutsu-shugo.” Roadside Jizo statues are revered as Dosojin. They protect the area from malevolent forces.
Jizo-sama brings 28 virtues and 7 benefits. These include rescuing people from suffering and protecting children. Jizo is a guardian deity for children. Long ago, the premature death of a child was considered unfilial. Children had to accumulate merits. They endured mistreatment by demons at the riverbank. This allowed them to cross the Sanzu River and achieve Buddhahood.
Jizo Bodhisattva visited the riverbank. He protected children from demons. Jizo guided them to accumulate merits. He helped them on their path to Buddhahood. So Jizo-sama is the savior of vulnerable children in this world.
The \u5730\u8535\u5c0a Stele before us is a reminder of Jizo’s compassion. The stele stands 100 cm tall. It is 17 cm wide and 12 cm deep. The inscription on the north side reads “Ancient Site Tsuboi Jizo-son.” The west side says “Irikawashimo.” It also notes “November 1941.”
As you leave this spot, remember the story of the \u5730\u8535\u5c0a Stele. It is more than just a stone marker. It is a symbol of hope. It is a symbol of protection. It embodies the compassion of Jizo Bodhisattva.