Bosatsu

Mizuko Jizou

This Bosatsu is a deity who enlightens people in the six worlds (the realm of hell, of hungry spirits, of beasts, of anger, jealousy, and constant war, of human beings and of heaven) since Shaka entered nirvana till Miroku comes down. Those who try to attain enlightenment will gain wealth in the present world and paradise in the second life. Jizou is believed to have its origins in Tang dynasty in China, it came to Japan during the Heian period. Many Jizou take form a priest style with a sacred gem in their left hand and a bishop's staff (khakkhara) in their right. Ordinary people began to worship them from the Kamakura-era, they are familiar in such roles as Koyasu Jizou (easy childbirth), Kosodate Jizou(easy child rearing), Mizuko Jizou(protecting unborn children) and Roku Jizou (six realms).