Who is O Jizo San?

Jizo Bodhisattva represents the wisdom of the earth manifesting as the energy of compassion, particularly towards infants and children, women, travelers as well as firefighters. He helps those on spiritual or physical journeys – people who experience impossible obstacles and feel at life’s crossroads. He is portrayed as a wandering child monk, often wearing a bib, and carrying a pilgrim’s ringed staff which jingles to warn animals of his approach and prevent mutual harm. Jizo also carries the wish-fulfilling, protecting jewel of Truth whose light banishes all fear. Jizo has the ability to travel to animal and hell realms and to assist those who are struggling to free themselves from suffering. Images of Jizo are not worshipped, but are intended to help awaken an energy in us.

In India, Jizo was originally Ksitigarbha, the name for young girls who freed their mothers from hell by spiritual practices and personal sacrifice. Ksitigarbha lived as one of the disciples of the Buddha vowing that he would endure one hundred thousand lifetimes, if necessary, to free all suffering souls. He is considered one of the four main bodhisattvas of Buddhism. This energy and practice traveled the Silk Road as Buddhism came to China, Korea, and lastly Japan where Jizo became a male child monk. In China and Korea, Ksitigarbha is revered as the king of hell due to his ability to remain calm in dangerous fiery places.

O Jizo San has special significance to pregnant women and to those whose children have died, including by abortion. Jizo is revered in traditional Japanese neighborhoods at little street shrines, and images are also placed at crossroads where sweets and flowers are offered to Jizo to thank and appreciate him.

Jizo Peace Center
Mission Statement

Our aim is:
*to increase the awareness of the power and protection of Jizo Bodhisattva
*to distribute Jizo images to all with an interest
*to further prayers for children at risk of abuse and neglect
*to increase children’s awareness and appreciation for the beauty in life
*to increase efforts toward world peace through spiritual practice, harmony with the earth, letting go of anger, and positive communication