O-Jizo-Sama (Jizo)
During the mourning of my most recent IVF loss I came across an article that told of the Buddhist Monk, O-Jizo-Sama, respectfully known as Jizo. He is know as the protector of travelers and children, known for protecting the unborn. The story goes, that the souls of children who die before their parents, are not capable of crossing the fabled Sanzu River (similar to the Styx river in Greek mythology) in the afterlife.
He looks after these souls as they have not had the time on this earth to accumulate enough good deeds (karma) on their own. Parents can collect good deeds for their children in the form of rocks & gift them to Jizo, placing the good deed rocks at his feet for their children. It is believed that Jizo saves these souls from punishment.
We built a waterfall where he resides & we collect rocks (something we’ve actually always have done) and they are placed at his feet, at the base of the waterfall. I can’t explain how much having Jizo has helped. It’s almost like a grave where I can go and speak to my babies, this beautiful garden and waterfall, where I know he is watching over them. I don’t know if this will bring you the comfort it has brought me, but my heart is with anyone going through this journey.
He looks after these souls as they have not had the time on this earth to accumulate enough good deeds (karma) on their own. Parents can collect good deeds for their children in the form of rocks & gift them to Jizo, placing the good deed rocks at his feet for their children. It is believed that Jizo saves these souls from punishment.
We built a waterfall where he resides & we collect rocks (something we’ve actually always have done) and they are placed at his feet, at the base of the waterfall. I can’t explain how much having Jizo has helped. It’s almost like a grave where I can go and speak to my babies, this beautiful garden and waterfall, where I know he is watching over them. I don’t know if this will bring you the comfort it has brought me, but my heart is with anyone going through this journey.
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