No. 011BuddhismShinto & Japanese Buddhism

Jizō

地蔵

Gentle shaven-headed monk who guards children, travelers and the dead

Jizō (地蔵, "Earth Store") is the Japanese name of the bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, who vowed to help beings in every realm until all are free. Devotees picture him as a gentle, youthful monk with a shaved head, standing by roadsides and temple gates. He is a familiar friend more than a distant lord.

People turn to him to protect children, including children who have died, as well as travelers, pilgrims and beings in the realms of the dead. He is central to mizuko kuyō, memorial rites for miscarried, stillborn and aborted children. Japanese statues date from at least the 12th–13th century. Devotees tie red bibs and caps on his statues to keep him warm as he keeps watch. In Kyoto and the Kansai region, neighbourhoods hold Jizō-bon around 23–24 August.

Shop JizōSee the gallery
Jizō

How to recognise Jizō

  1. Shaved headA plain monk's head with no crown, hair or jewels, showing that he lives as a humble monk.
  2. Monk's robesSimple Buddhist robes without the necklaces or crowns that most bodhisattvas wear.
  3. Ringed staff (shakujō)In his right hand, a tall pole topped with a metal loop and jangling rings, often six.
  4. Wish-fulfilling jewel (hōju)In his left hand, a tear-drop or onion-shaped jewel, sometimes with a flame point, which stands for granting wishes.
  5. Youthful, smiling faceA gentle, boyish face with a calm smile.
  6. Red bib and capA red (sometimes pink or green) cloth bib at the neck, and sometimes a red cap or kasa hat, are offerings from devotees.
  7. Small, round formRoadside and modern temple statues are often small, round and child-like.

Names and titles

  • Bodhisattva of the Earth StoreMeaning of Kṣitigarbha, the Earth Store or Earth Treasury
  • Protector of TravelersHe watches over travelers and pilgrims along the road
  • Guardian of the Six RealmsHe guides beings in all six realms of rebirth
  • Keeper of the Great VowHis vow to help every being until all are free
  • The Straw Hats in the SnowKasa Jizō: a poor old man gives his hats to snowy statues

Feast days

  • Jizō-bon24 August, every year (date to be confirmed)

Jizō in the shop

See all 14 Jizō designs

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Jizō
  2. Metropolitan Museum of Art: collection object 53175
  3. Metropolitan Museum of Art: collection object 44891
  4. Order of the Good Death: Cabinet of Curiosities, Jizō statues of Japan
  5. Muza-chan: Cutest Jizō statues
  6. Ritsumeikan University: Jizō page (psy.ritsumei.ac.jp)
  7. Indiana University ScholarWorks: journal article 25292
  8. Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward: English guide (PDF)
  9. Zenshuji Soto Mission: Annual services
  10. William R. LaFleur, Liquid Life: Abortion and Buddhism in Japan; Hank Glassman, The Face of Jizō
  11. Wikipedia: Kasa Jizō

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