Jizo+Statues

Jizo statues are statues representing Ksitigarbha, one of the four principal bodhisattvas in East Asian Mahayana Buddhism. This entity is depicted as a Buddhist monk. In Japan, he is known as Jizo, and is one of the most loved of all the Japanese divinities. These statues are commonly seen by roadsides and in graveyards. Normally he is seen as the guardian of children, especially children who died before their parents.

In Japanese mythology, it is said that the souls of children who die before their parents are unable to cross the Sanzu River on their way to the afterlife because they have not had the chance to perform enough good deeds and because they have made the parents suffer. It is believed that Jizo saves these souls from having to pile stones eternally on the bank of the river as penance, by hiding them from demons in his robe, and letting them hear mantras.

These statues can sometimes be noticed wearing tiny children's bibs, which are put there by parents hoping that Jizo will protect their lost children. Many times the reasoning behind this is the parents thanking Jizo for keeping their children from serious illness.