Journal Lake Tama: Yamaguchi Kannon

[thomas]

This thread is for the general discussion of the journal entry Lake Tama: Yamaguchi Kannon. Please add to the discussion here.

 

[Lothor]

I've often been around Lake Tama and seen that temple but not stopped tn explore it. By the way, is there a walking path around Lake Sayama?

 

[thomas]

I've often been around Lake Tama and seen that temple but not stopped tn explore it. By the way, is there a walking path around Lake Sayama?

Not according to the map. There seems to be a footpath but it stops in the middle of nowhere. I’m planning to head back by bike to explore Sayamako. Google Maps shows some castle ruins, too.

 

[Davey]

Google Maps shows some castle ruins, too.

Maybe @Hiroto Uehara can tell us a bit more.

Nice article Thomas.

 

[Buntaro]

This thread is for the general discussion of the journal entry Lake Tama: Yamaguchi Kannon. Please add to the discussion here.

Thomas,

I thought I’d write a little note about Jizu statues, which are featured in one of the Yamaguchi Kannon photos. I have visited many temples in Japan, and I was always puzzled by Jizu statues at temples. Some temples have hundreds of Jizu statues, and one temple must have had over a thousand. Why so many?

As it turns out, they are what I call “abortion statues”. When a couple in Japan has an abortion, they often feel a certain amount of guilt. They buy a Jizu statue, which gives the ‘unborn child’ an object to ‘ensoul’, helping the couple feel better. Many statues even have a small article of clothing knitted by the couple.

The next time we visit a temple with Jizu statues, we can reflect on the unhappiness each Jizu statue symbolizes.