Jizo Volcanic Stone Statues: Guardians of Children and Travelers

Introduction

Sobat Raita, welcome to the fascinating world of Jizo volcanic stone statues! These distinctive statues, often adorned with red bibs and hats, have become beloved symbols of compassion and protection in many cultures. Join us as we explore their history, significance, and unique characteristics.

Jizo volcanic stone statues, also known as Jizo Bosatsu, are believed to have originated in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). They are typically carved from volcanic rock and depict a bodhisattva, a compassionate being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain on Earth to help others. Jizo is particularly revered as the guardian of children, travelers, and those who have lost their lives.

Historical Role of Jizo Volcanic Stone Statues

As a Brahmin Maiden

According to legend, Jizo was once a Brahmin maiden named Sudhana. She made a vow to save all the children in hell. To fulfill her vow, she transformed herself into a bodhisattva and began her journey to the underworld.

Along the way, she encountered many obstacles, but she never gave up hope. Finally, she reached hell and began to teach the suffering children about Buddhism. Many of them were so moved by her compassion that they were able to escape their torment and be reborn into a better life.

As a Buddhist Monk

Another legend tells of Jizo’s life as a Buddhist monk. He was born into a wealthy family, but he renounced his worldly possessions and became a monk at a young age. He spent many years traveling and teaching the Dharma, and he became known for his kindness and compassion.

One day, Jizo came to a village where a young boy had died. The boy’s parents were heartbroken, and Jizo was moved by their grief. He used his supernatural powers to revive the boy, and from that day forward, he became known as the patron saint of children.

Iconography of Jizo Volcanic Stone Statues

Traditional Iconography

Jizo volcanic stone statues are typically depicted as a monk with a shaved head and a long robe. He usually carries a staff and a wish-fulfilling jewel, and he wears a halo around his head.

One of the most distinctive features of Jizo statues is their red bib and hat. These items are often added by devotees as a way to show their gratitude or to ask for Jizo’s protection. The bib is believed to protect children from illness and harm, while the hat is said to protect them from the sun and rain.

Kṣitigarbha as Lord of the Six Ways

In some depictions, Jizo is shown as the Lord of the Six Ways. This refers to the six realms of existence in Buddhist cosmology: the realms of the gods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, hell beings, and asuras (demigods).

As the Lord of the Six Ways, Jizo is responsible for guiding and protecting all beings through their journey through life and death. He is particularly concerned with helping those who are suffering, and he often appears to them in times of need.

In Buddhist Traditions

Chinese Traditions

In Chinese Buddhism, Jizo is known as Dizang Wang, or Kṣitigarbha. He is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, along with Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra.

Dizang Wang is particularly revered as the guardian of children and the patron saint of travelers. He is often depicted with a child sitting on his shoulder, and he is said to protect travelers from harm and guide them safely to their destination.

Japanese Traditions

Ryōki

In Japanese Buddhism, Jizo is known as Jizō Bosatsu, or Ryōki. He is one of the most popular bodhisattvas in Japan, and he is often depicted with a child standing in front of him.

Ryōki is particularly revered as the guardian of children, and he is often called upon to help those who have lost a child or who are struggling to conceive.

Children’s limbo legend

In Japanese folklore, there is a legend that children who die before their parents go to a special place called Saigoku. Saigoku is a kind of limbo, where children wait until their parents can join them in the afterlife.

Jizō Bosatsu is said to be the guardian of Saigoku, and he often visits the children to comfort them and teach them about Buddhism. He also helps them to pass safely over the Sanzu River, which separates the world of the living from the world of the dead.

Lost pregnancies

In Japan, Jizō Bosatsu is also revered as the patron saint of lost pregnancies. Women who have lost a child often visit Jizō statues to pray for their child’s safe passage to the afterlife.

These statues are often adorned with small stone figures called jizō stones. These stones represent the lost children, and they are often inscribed with the child’s name and date of birth.

Offerings

Devotees often make offerings to Jizō statues in order to show their gratitude or to ask for his protection. Common offerings include flowers, water, food, and toys.

Some devotees also make offerings of red bibs and hats. These items are believed to protect children from illness and harm, and they are often placed on statues of Jizō Bosatsu.

Roadside god

In Japan, Jizō statues are often placed along roadsides. These statues are believed to protect travelers from harm and to guide them safely to their destination.

Jizō statues are also often placed at the entrances of villages and towns. These statues are believed to protect the community from evil spirits and to bring good luck.

Southeast Asian Traditions

In Southeast Asia, Jizo is known as Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. He is particularly revered in Thailand, where he is known as Phra Khittikhan. Phra Khittikhan is often depicted with a child sitting on his shoulder, and he is said to protect children from harm and guide them safely through life.

Mantra of Jizo Volcanic Stone Statues

The mantra of Jizo volcanic stone statues is Om Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Hum. This mantra is said to have the power to protect children from harm, to guide travelers safely to their destination, and to help those who are suffering.

Other Mantras

In addition to the main mantra, there are a number of other mantras that are associated with Jizo volcanic stone statues. These mantras include:

Om A Hum
Om Svaha
Om Vardhani Hum
Om Sarva Tara Hum
Om Vajra Kṣitigarbha Hum

These mantras are often chanted by devotees who are seeking Jizo’s protection or assistance.

Haiku & Senryū About Jizo Volcanic Stone Statues

Jizo volcanic stone statues have been a source of inspiration for many poets and writers over the centuries. Here are a few examples of haiku and senryū that have been written about these statues:

By the roadside stands
Jizō, guardian of children
A gentle presence
A child’s toy offered
To Jizō, a plea for safety
In this uncertain world
A red bib and hat
Jizō watches over children
With a gentle smile

In Popular Culture

Jizo volcanic stone statues have appeared in a number of popular culture works, including:

The anime series “Inuyasha”
The video game “Pokémon”
The manga series “Bleach”
The film “Jizo Statue 1960”

These appearances have helped to introduce Jizo volcanic stone statues to a wider audience and have contributed to their growing popularity.

Explanatory Notes

Here are a few explanatory notes about some of the terms and concepts that are used in this article