The
Jizo Peace Center held a Memorial Ceremony on 5/24/09 at 1:00
pm for children and infants who have died at an early age, including
those stillborn, miscarried, or aborted - those who have returned
to the waters of Creation.
Program:
Rev.
Ruth Ratna Handy, founder of the Center, will lead us in meditation
and a talk about Jizo. We will then make little garments for
the mountainside Jizos in silence. A circle for sharing will
follow. Those in attendance have an opportunity to resolve feelings
of grief and loss. People are welcome to bring toys, poems,
or photos to leave with the Jizo statues.
An artist
friend from Japan, Ms. Tomoe Nakamura, will help coordinate
activities and give traditional prayers and stories.
Jizo
(Ksitigarbha-Sanskrit) is a saintly figure throughout Asian
folk-lore. In Japan, he is a wandering child monk who protects
and rescues people from impossible situations, and takes children
who have died "across the river" to the other side.
He is especially helpful to firefighters. Jizo is honored with
the gift of bibs when prayers are made, and hats when prayers
are answered. Children in pre-school and kindergarten classes
learn about and develop an affection for him. Older people feel
an appreciation for the safety Jizo brought to them over the
years.
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