Jizo, the patron saint of travellers and the weak, is their protector. It was created in Japan and portrays a Bosatsu (Bodhisattva). This is someone who has attained enlightenment yet refuses to enter Nirvana. By remaining in this life, they will be able to guide others to enlightenment.
It represents a monk collecting merit for the afterlife in Bhuddist religion.
What Does The Jizo Statue Mean?
Jizos represent Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Jiz Bosatsu), an enlightened being worshipped particularly in East Asian Buddhism. Jizo Bosatsu is typically portrayed as a Buddhist monk. Earth Stone, Earth Treasury, Earth Womb, or Earth Matrix are all variations of his name.
Between the departure of Gautama (Sakyamuni) Buddha and the emergence of Maitreya Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva swore to instruct all beings of the six worlds. He also promised that he would not become a Buddha until all those imprisoned in hell were liberated.
He is known as the earth bodhisattva and is thought to be the bodhisattva of all people locked in hell, as well as the guardian of the souls of children who have perished, aborted foetuses, travellers, and children in general.