Jizo Bodhisattva: Guardian of Children, Travelers, and Other Voyagers

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 320 pages
• Published by: Shambhala November 11, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1590300807
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1590300800
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 15.2 ounces

Product Review
"A clear and intelligent portrait of Jizo. This book will appeal to both casual readers and to specialists."—Publishers Weekly

"A wise, compassionate, and fascinating book. Wonderfully written, it is rich with story, a true treasure house." —Joan Halifax Roshi, Upaya Zen Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Interesting and highly accessible. The blend of dharma talk and historical information is skillfully presented and is a welcome model that others who write about Buddhism should consider." —Rita M. Gross, author of Buddhism after Patriarchy

Product Description
Jizo is an important bodhisattva or "saint" of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Most prominent today in Japanese Zen, Jizo is understood to be the protector of those journeying through the physical and spiritual realms. This bodhisattva is closely associated with children, believed to be their guardian before birth, throughout childhood, and after death. Here, an American Zen master offers an engaging and informative overview of the history of this important figure and conveys the practices and rituals connected with him, including a simple ceremony for remembering children who have died. Inspired by her own personal experience with Jizo practice, Bays explains how the Buddhist teachings on Jizo can bring peace to those confronted with suffering and loss.

Reader Reviews
Jan Chozen Bay's book on Jizo marks a pathway to the deepest aspirations of the human being and of the Buddha Dharma. Jizo may set the world standard for the Buddhist vision of a compassionate life where the seeker forgoes continuously personal salvation and Nirvana in order to serve those more needy souls. Most Buddhists are aware of and have a close relationship to Kwan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and, currently embodied by the Dalai Lama. Kwan Yin embodies the subtle touch of a thousand hands. These healing hands customize and specialize in offering compassion for the world. Kwan Yin is often pictured holding a medicine bottle and standing or sitting on top of a dragon and fire and riding the safety of a turtle in the seas of birth and death. Jizo, the guardian deity of children, travelers and others is also the guardian of the Earth Storehouse and Hell Realm. Jizo appears in Japan as a childlike figure with a red bib symbolizing the offering to the sprit of aborted fetuses. Jizo also appears emerging from the Earth -- symbolic of our origination and our profound duty to serve our home world. One of Jizo's spiritual missions is embodied in her simple vow -- "until hell is empty!!" This dedication is to the needs of departed child spirits, the earth itself and the most desperate souls - those in a living Hell This mission of Jizo is profoundly transformative to the Buddhist seeker -- fearless we step forward to do our best to heal the worlds knowing that this is a never-ending journey and that Jizos' path is enlightenment itself. The Way of Jizo contrasts sharply with the many religions concerned with finding the fastest freeway to Heaven.. The Way of Jizo offers us a bold alternative view of life and full time employment. If you are ready Jizo is waiting for you in this deepest, and profoundly hopeful of books