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. Jizo therefore has special significance for pregnant women and for parents who have lost children. In JIZO BODHISATTVA, Bays, an American Zen master and a pediatrician, offers an easy-to-read 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 from illness, accident, miscarriage, or abortion. Inspired by her personal experience with Jizo practice, she explains how the Buddhist teachings on Jizo can help us to confront suffering and loss. Bays writes for those who are grieving or for anyone with an interest in Buddhism and Zen. She describes some of the rich and diverse ways in which Buddhism is practiced and gives readers an understanding of the Buddhist view of life and death.
目次
Foreword Preface Introduction Jizo in America 1 Jizo in Japan 15 The Water-Baby Jizo 37 Jizo Bodhisattva, Protector of Children 59 The Stone Woman Dances 81 The Pilgrimage of Jizo Bodhisattva 95 Jizo Bodhisattva and the Path of Pilgrimage 115 The Ring Staff 145 The Cintamani Jewel 157 The Six Rings and the Six Realms 165 Earth Store Bodhisattva 191 Practicing with Jizo Bodhisattva 207 A Simple Ceremony of Remembrance for Children Who Have Died 233 Appendix 239 References by Chapter 255 Glossary 263 Acknowledgments 269 Index 271 Permissions 279 About the Author 281
