I was walking to the office yesterday when I came across this statue. I asked some people about it and learned that it is an O-Jizo Sama statue, an important figure in Buddhism.
According to Buddhist tradition, Jizo is the protector of children. And there is an old story about a farmer who saw an O-Jizo Sama statue by the side of the road in winter. He thought that Jizo seemed cold and gave him a hat. Later, Jizo brought gifts to his home as a way to thank him for his kindness.
Monday, March 9, 2009
O-Jizo Sama
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2 comments:
Is it still winter-cold there, or does O-Jizo Sama wear scarf & hat year round? It reminded me a little of the Jade Buddha statue in Bangkok who has seasonal vests that get ceremoniously changed.
It is still "cold" here. Not like Boston cold, but pretty chilly. I think the O-Jizo Sama only gets a scarf and hat in the winter.
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