Mirenchu Fernandez
04-28-2009, 06:01 PM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3476574967_8705896381_b.jpg
Jizo is one of the most loved and venerated figures in Japan, having the express, self-imposed task of helping the souls of dead children. In the Japanese tradition, children's souls are seen to be in special need since they have not lived long enough to accumulate merit to cross the mythical Sanzu River to Heaven and have unwittingly caused grief to their parents (with their untimely deaths).
Jizo helps these infants' souls by hiding them up the sleeves of his robes protecting them from predatory devils and guiding them to salvation, away from eternally having to shift stones by the river bank in penance.
Each stone carved mizuko doll placed at Jizo's feet represents a child who has died before its parents - including stillborn babies and miscarried or aborted ones. Jizo's baby-like features are intended to resemble the children he protects.
Jizo is one of the most loved and venerated figures in Japan, having the express, self-imposed task of helping the souls of dead children. In the Japanese tradition, children's souls are seen to be in special need since they have not lived long enough to accumulate merit to cross the mythical Sanzu River to Heaven and have unwittingly caused grief to their parents (with their untimely deaths).
Jizo helps these infants' souls by hiding them up the sleeves of his robes protecting them from predatory devils and guiding them to salvation, away from eternally having to shift stones by the river bank in penance.
Each stone carved mizuko doll placed at Jizo's feet represents a child who has died before its parents - including stillborn babies and miscarried or aborted ones. Jizo's baby-like features are intended to resemble the children he protects.