Post by silver on Aug 28, 2013 23:01:21 GMT -5
Was fascinated to learn about Jizo from an incoming email conversation and felt like sharing.
Are you familiar with Jizo? In working with mom's of babies who have died, including those who choose termination--for whatever reason--Jizo is such a helpful guide. He is a child monk who is much revered in the Buddhist tradition and in Japan and China, there are shrines to Jizo in the public places as well as in homes. He is known to be a protector of women and children and particularly accompanies the souls of babies and children who have died to the other side.
As abortion does not carry the same kind of stigma in those cultures--but just as much pain and grief--many women and families revere Jizo and are so comforted to have him as a guardian over their babies' souls. I have several statues of Jizo--his sweet face is so peaceful.
===========================================================================
Many Japanese, even today, believe Jiz? will save them at any time, in any situation, without any conditions or stipulations beyond simple faith. Even those who have already fallen into the pit of hell are promised assistance. Jiz? is thus very popular and depicted in countless forms throughout Japan. Many originated in recent centuries and are unique to this island nation (not found elsewhere in Asia). It is no exaggeration to say that nearly all villages and localities have their own beloved Jiz? statues, which are frequently given unique names defining their specific salvific functions.
www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml
Are you familiar with Jizo? In working with mom's of babies who have died, including those who choose termination--for whatever reason--Jizo is such a helpful guide. He is a child monk who is much revered in the Buddhist tradition and in Japan and China, there are shrines to Jizo in the public places as well as in homes. He is known to be a protector of women and children and particularly accompanies the souls of babies and children who have died to the other side.
As abortion does not carry the same kind of stigma in those cultures--but just as much pain and grief--many women and families revere Jizo and are so comforted to have him as a guardian over their babies' souls. I have several statues of Jizo--his sweet face is so peaceful.
===========================================================================
Many Japanese, even today, believe Jiz? will save them at any time, in any situation, without any conditions or stipulations beyond simple faith. Even those who have already fallen into the pit of hell are promised assistance. Jiz? is thus very popular and depicted in countless forms throughout Japan. Many originated in recent centuries and are unique to this island nation (not found elsewhere in Asia). It is no exaggeration to say that nearly all villages and localities have their own beloved Jiz? statues, which are frequently given unique names defining their specific salvific functions.
www.onmarkproductions.com/html/jizo1.shtml