During our visit to many Buddhists temples around Japan we became very familiar with the Jizo statues but our limited Japanese made it difficult to understand the local custom associated with this obviously revered statue.
Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in Sanskrit) is one of Amida Buddha’s attendants along with Kannon (Avalokitesvara) the Goddess of mercy / Lord of Compassion. Jizo is a bodhisattva, one who has acheived enlightenment but as tradition tells us he will not exit the cycle of samsara until all the hell realms are empty. It is Jizo’s role to guide those in the hell realms and this is likely why his image is so commonly seen in cemeteries.
Jizo is a friend to all and embodies optimism, compassion and universal salvation. He is the only bodhisattva portrayed as a monk with simple robes and shaven head, he often holds a staff said to awaken us from our delusions and a jewel which represents giving blessings to those who suffer.
I still haven’t been able to understand exactly why Jizo is often dressed in red or white clothing, particularly hats, scarves, a bib and holding childrens toys, this seems to be a local cultural adaptation in Japan.
