“Compassion”. That is the essence of what we find at \u5dfd\u5730\u8535\u5c0a.
Here before us stands \u5dfd\u5730\u8535\u5c0a. It is more than just a wayside shrine. It is a testament to a deeply rooted belief in Jizo Bosatsu. Jizo is the protector of children and travelers. He is a beacon of hope for those who have lost their way.
The story of Jizo in Japan is a long one. It began around the eighth century during the Nara period. It was then that the belief in Jizo was introduced from Buddhism. Jizo is a bosatsu. Bosatsu is the Japanese term for a bodhisattva. This means one who seeks enlightenment. This also means one who helps others reach Buddhahood.
The J\u016brinky\u014d or The 10-Rings Sutra describes Jizo. He is entrusted by Buddha to be close to the common people. While not deeply revered at first, nobles in the Heian period prayed to Jizo for help. These fallen nobles despaired. They sought solace in the rokud\u014d philosophy.
Rokud\u014d means “six paths”. It refers to the six realms of existence. These realms include heavenly beings and human beings. They also include asura demigods and animals. The realms also include gaki hungry ghosts and hells. The realm of hells was the most feared. It was a place of suffering. Jizo was needed to save people from this realm.
Lines of six Jizo statues guide people. They protect the dead from suffering. They guide them to reincarnation in one of the six realms. This belief extended to protecting villages. Jizo was believed to ward off epidemics and evil spirits.
During the Edo period, Jizo became known as the protector of children. Infant mortality was high then. Children who died young went to a limbo. This place was called sai no kawara. It is a stony riverbank like the River Styx in Greek mythology. Children there piled stones to atone for causing their parents pain. Demons would knock down their towers. Jizo would save them from this suffering. Festivals for Jizo became a custom.
Roadside Jizo statues are often dressed in aprons and hoods. This is because of their association with children. There are Migawari Jizo. They take on one’s suffering. There are Togenuki Jizo. They remove one’s pain.
Jizo is depicted as a shaven-headed monk. He holds a shakuj\u014d staff with metal rings. He also holds a h\u014dju jewel. This symbolizes Buddha’s teachings. His simple appearance shows he is close to the people. The affectionate name O-Jizo-sama makes him loved in Japan.
As you stand before \u5dfd\u5730\u8535\u5c0a consider the compassion it represents. It is a reminder of Jizo’s role as a protector. It is a symbol of hope for all. Whether you are a traveler or a child at heart may you find solace here. May you carry the spirit of Jizo with you on your journey.