On home altars, devotees gather to venerate the serene figure of Kuan Yin, “she who hears the cries of the world” or the flaming-sword-wielding Manjushri. Along roadsides in Japan, small stone statues of Jizo, a diminutive bald man carrying a staff, dot the landscape. They say that he protects the souls of children and travelers.… Read more »
Tag: Jizo
The Bodhisattva Jizo: A Guide For The Weary
Small stone statues dot the Japanese countryside. You will see them along roadways and trails; they appear tucked away in small shrines. They show up in manga (Japanese comic books) and popular films like My Neighbor Totoro. The diminutive bald figure, often rendered with baby-like features is comforting, cute even. This is Jizo, a Buddhist… Read more »
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