Jizo, the guardian deity of children

Jizo is a stone sculpture you may see along the countryside road in Japan. There are various comforting Jizo statues in Asuka, Yamato.

Officially it’s called Jizo Bodhisattva. It is one of the Bodhisattvas which are the objects of worship for Buddhists. It means “Mother of Earth” in Sanskrit. While Buddha is away, from the death till the birth of the future Bodhisattva, it is believed that Jizos are the one to relieve suffering lost people.

In the 6th century during the Asuka period, Jizo Bodhisattvas was introduced from India via the Silk Road. At the entrance to the towns and villages, Jizos have been taking the role of preventing disaster, protecting travellers and keeping children safe.

At the entrance of Tachibanadera Temple, there is still a Jizo keeping eyes on local people’s safety. When you visit Asuka, Yamato, please meet the Jizo with a benign smile!