Antique Japanese Stone Buddha Jizo | 24J-553-3

This is an antique Japanese Jizo (Jizo Bosatsu) from late Meiji period (1890's). Jizo is one of the most beloved & revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism & is the embodiment of the Bodhisattva Vow, the aspiration to save all beings from suffering. He is the protector of women, children, farmers & travelers in the six realms of existence. The function of this great Bodhisattva is to guide travelers in both the physical & spiritual realms. in Japan, it is customary to place statues of Jizo at the intersections of roads & streets so that the correct path will be chosen. Jizo, as carved in the statue, is often depicted as a child-monk, or as a pilgrim. He sometimes carries a staff with six jingling rings (called Shakujo) to announce his friendly approach to prevents harm to small animals & insects in his path. He is also often shown holding the Dharma Jewel (called Hoju) which is a calming light which banishes all fear. Jizo is believed to save our souls for the 5.67 billion years after the demise of Sakyamuni until the future when the second Buddha Miroku finally appears in this world. He is the only Bodhisattva portrayed as a monk having a shaven head because of his refusal to become a Buddha until "all the Hells are empty" by transporting rescued souls from hell to paradise. He is one of the most beloved of all Japanese divinities because he works tirelessly to ease the suffering & shorten the sentence of those who fall into hell. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (sanskrit for Jizo) came to Japan around the sixth or seventh century AD with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. He is first mentioned in the Nara period (710-792 AD) but the height of his popularity was during the late Heian period (794-1192) when the rise of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect intensified fears about hell in the afterlife & the efficacy of Jizo. It will be a perfect piece for your garden. 8"W x 5"D x 19 1/2"H color may be different under indoor & outdoor lighting.Shipping Disclaimer: The listed price is valid for shipping within the mainland United States (continental 48 states) only. An additional shipping surcharge will apply for orders shipped to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, & FPO addresses. Please contact us before purchasing for a shipping quote to these locations.Our pricing includes shipping from Berkeley, CA. For larger items, we utilize moving (white glove) or trucking services (door-to-door). Shipping fees may vary by zone, & adjustments will be made accordingly. Antique Japanese Stone Buddha Jizo | 24J-553-3