Sanhei Mizuko Jizō 三平水子地蔵さんへいみずこじぞう

Sanhei Mizuko Jizō

Just beyond the bridge marking the entrance to the Oku-no-in Sandō, standing on the left side of the path, are three tall, black statues. These are the Sanhei Mizuko Jizō. The word "mizuko" literally means water child, and refers to any baby whose healthy birth was prevented by either miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. Signifying its role in the spiritual care and protection of these children, each of the Sanhei Mizuko Jizō holds a golden fetus in its left hand. Two small infants cling to the statues on the left. The jizō on the extreme left lacks the halo seen on the other two and has a distinctly more female appearance. Though formally identified as the Jizō of Peace, this bodhisattva is popularly referred to as "Maria-sama," due to a presumed resemblance to the mother of Jesus.

Memorial services for unborn children are carried out at temples throughout Japan. Known as mizuko kuyō, these rites are intended to provide comfort and consolation for the grief and possible guilt of the parents of the unborn. While some people say that the services are also meant to avert retribution from potentially vengeful spirits, a Shingon website assures us that this is not the case. Unborn children are strangers to the corruption of our world and, therefore, incapable of anger or vengeance, the website reminds us."

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest