Kyoto Adashino Nenbutsu-ji 2 of 4

From the mizuko jizo to the bamboo forest

Justin Velgus Oct 05, 2015 - 2 min read

<p>Down the slope is the hall for miscarried children</p>

<p>The main hall was constructed in 1712 and restored by high priest Jyakudo</p>

<p>The main hall is enshrined with a statue of Amitabha. Created by the famous sculptor Tankei, it is a masterpiece of Kamakura period art</p>

<p>A bamboo forest and many fences are the setting of the Jizo statue associated with miscarried babies</p>

<p>Each month through a temple event the statues representing the misscarried souls are enshrined in the main hall</p>

<p>Through the bamboo trees you catch a glimpse of the miscarried children jizo statue hall</p>

Continued from part 1.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is known as Sai-no-Kawara, an area where corpses are left exposed to the elements with no attendants. Although such a practice may seem at first creul from a modern view, this ancient custom allowed visitors to pray for the souls of the deceased directly. A last chance to see the face of a now gone parent allows us to come to grips with the fragileness and quickness of life. Miscarried or stillborn babies known as "mizuko" (water children) are given memorial services in the Hall of Long Life (延命地蔵尊). Putting your hands together to pray in the vicinity of the main hall where the deity Amitabha is enshrined is said to help guide these young souls into a happy afterlife.

The sun begins to set and all becomes silent as I walk the compound this late autumn day. Emerging from some deep emotion inside me, I have a new appreciation for my life in this world. I suppose such a feeling is appropiate for visiting such a place like this.

Click here for part 3

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Justin Velgus @justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティンベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region. Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...