Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Jizo

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French version

Jizo

地蔵地蔵菩薩
alternative words: Jizou, Jizo bosatsu
keywords: buddhism , god
related topics: Bosatsu , Kannon , Heian period , Buddhism
explanation: Between the death of the last Buddha (the historical Buddha Sakyamuni), and the birth of the next (Miroku) to come, Jizo remains on the earth to save the people. Usually he is represented by a monk who carries a stick on the left hand and a chaplet on the right. He had been introduced from China to Japan during Heian period. Later, he has been associated with local gods (Dososhin or Dosojin) to become a protector of the children. His Sanskrit name is Ksitigharbha (womb of earth).