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Jizo

World Religion
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A beloved Bodhisattva in Japanese Buddhism, known as the protector of children, travelers, and souls in the underworld.

Detailed Definition
Jizo Bosatsu is a compassionate figure who vows to help all beings, especially those suffering in the hell realms or children who have died. He is often depicted as a gentle monk. In poetry and folklore, Jizo represents boundless, tender compassion that extends even to the most lost and vulnerable. He is a symbol of hope, comfort, and the promise that no one is beyond the reach of a merciful heart. His image evokes a serene, protective presence in a world of suffering.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Japanese Buddhist poetry, Jizo protects children and travelers: “Stone Jizo—red bib, gentle eyes, guardian of lost souls”; In contemporary verse, Jizo symbolizes compassion: “Jizo stands where roads fork—offers silence to the grieving”; In diasporic poetry, Jizo connects to heritage: “Grandmother left Jizo at temple—now I carry his kindness”; Poets use Jizo as hope: “Even in war zone, Jizo waits—holding space for peace.”
Additional Notes
Jizo statues, often adorned with red bibs, comfort souls in the underworld (Sai no Kawara); he delays his own Buddhahood to aid children and travelers; in poetry, Jizo embodies compassionate presence amid suffering—offering a gentle, maternal figure of mercy in a world of karmic consequence.
Also Known As
Jizō Bosatsu Ojizo-sama
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