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Jizo Bodhisattva: A Beacon of Mercy in Ancient and Modern Japan
Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 18:24・2024/04/09
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 4.0 sec. at ƒ/8
Classic Negative film simulation
Just beyond the Niōmon Gate at Gumyoji Temple, I encountered a serene courtyard adorned with small stone statues of the Jizo Bodhisattva. Revered in Buddhism, Jizo is a beloved figure, often depicted as a gentle monk with a staff and a wish-fulfilling jewel.
These statues symbolize his role as a protector of travelers and a guardian of children, reflecting his compassionate nature and the cultural significance he holds within Buddhist temple grounds.
These small stone statues, affectionately known as O-Jizō-Sama or Jizō-san, represent the Buddhist Bodhisattva who has vowed to delay his own Buddhahood until all suffering souls are freed from the underworld. Jizo, often depicted as a humble monk, is revered as a deity of mercy, offering protection to travelers and children.
Throughout Japan, I have seen these statues near cemeteries and roadsides, frequently adorned with red caps and bibs, which symbolize prayers for the safety and well-being of children. Their presence in the Gumyoji Temple courtyard adds to the tranquil and compassionate atmosphere of the temple.
Jizo Bodhisattva holds a special place as the protector of children, particularly those who are stillborn or die young. In Buddhist tradition, these souls are believed to be in a state of limbo, unable to cross the river to the afterlife. They also dress the statues in red caps and bibs, symbolizing their prayers and the protective power associated with Amida Buddha. Beyond safeguarding children, Jizo is revered as a guardian of travelers, pregnant women, and lost souls, reflecting his boundless compassion and care.
In modern Japan, Jizo statues continue to be adorned with red hats and bibs, and are often surrounded by toys. These offerings are made by parents who believe Jizo has healed their child from a serious illness or to honor the memory of a deceased child, helping their soul in the afterlife. These longstanding customs are complemented by the contemporary practice of Mizuko Jizo, where grieving parents purchase small Jizo statues to pray for the souls of their aborted or miscarried children.
This blend of tradition and modernity highlights the enduring significance of Jizo Bodhisattva in Japanese culture, providing solace and support to families in times of deep emotional need.
Glossary
- 地藏菩薩 / Jizō Bosatsu: A Bodhisattva who will certainly attain Buddhahood, but for a time, has renounced the blissful state of Nirvana (freedom from suffering), and vowing to remain on earth in various guises (reincarnations) to help all living beings achieve salvation.
- お地蔵様・地蔵さん / O-Jizō-sama・Jizō-san: An term of endearment among Japanese for the Jizō Bodhisattva.
References:
- Google Maps: Gumyoji Temple’s Niōmon Gate / 弘明寺の「仁王門」
- Japan Tourism Agency: Jizo Bodhisattva Statue (English)
- Japan Tourism Agency: Jizo Statues (English)
- Mark Schumacher: Japanese Buddhist Statuary (English)
- Nippon Communications Foundation: Jizō: Japan’s Protector of Children and Sufferers in Hell (English)
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