Prior to crossing the Gobyonohashi Bridge and entering into the most sacred part of Okunoin, where the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, is located, you will come across a row of bronze statues, These mostly depict the Bodhisattva Jizo who looks after children, travellers, and the souls of the deceased, particularly those of deceased children. Continue reading “Mizumuke Jizo In Okunoin”
Regular readers of my reviews will know that I enjoy visiting old cemeteries for the fascinating insight they provide in terms of social history and, for the more famous cemeteries, the opportunity to visit the graves of well known people from history. Continue reading “Folklore within Okunoin”
One of the things that stood out when we visited the Okunoin Cemetery was the abundance of small, childlike statues/memorials dressed in mostly red hats, red bibs and other children’s clothing. Perhaps the blanket of white snow, in place when we visited, made them stand out more than they might otherwise have. Continue reading “Protector of Deceased Children – Okunoin”
Mist and clouds shrouded the surrounding hills. Snow was gently falling. The wind was cold and biting. Still, when we visited, an extraordinary energy pervaded Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery and one of its most holy places. Continue reading “Okunoin Cemetery”
The Rambling Wombat 