Gods, Kannon, the Great Buddha, and Jizo

Gods (Kami-sama)

Gods are beings who harmonize the natural order of the world.

For example, if it rains today, from a self-centered perspective one might think, “Oh, it’s raining—I can’t do anything today.”But if you live in harmony with the gods, you would think, “Rain… Thank you, Kuzuryu-sama, for nurturing all life in the natural world.”

Without mist, even small insects and plants couldn’t survive. There is nothing wasteful in nature.

Kannon (The Bodhisattva of Compassion)

Kannon leads active spirits (mitama) to the world of learning, guiding them into the spiritual realm.She supports the spirits so they don’t fall into being malevolent or wandering souls.

Kannon appears immediately when called upon.If descendants in the physical world were to receive all the burdens of their ancestors, they would perish.Kannon protects us from carrying everything alone.

For spirits who have just passed away, Kannon can be too divine—sometimes even frightening.Gods are even more awe-inspiring.Kannon teaches such spirits by allowing them to relive the wrongs they committed in life.Wandering spirits (fuyūrei) are not yet ready to be seen by Kannon.

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu-sama)

When one becomes a spirit, the Great Buddha is the first guardian.The Great Buddha is like a nursery school for spirits, offering a place for them to begin learning before they are guided to Kannon’s realm.

There are obedient spirits and those who are not.If a person was humble and receptive while alive, their spirit remains so after death.If not, they remain obstinate even in the spirit world.Even when such spirits reach the Great Buddha, they may wander off again.

The Great Buddha allows such spirits to wander, patiently waiting.Spirits who learn sincerely are dressed in radiant robes, shining brightly.Spirits who haven’t learned remain in tattered robes.Seeing others in beautiful robes inspires envy, which leads them to desire learning and growth.

There is even a story that when someone wakes up drenched in sweat, it’s because the Great Buddha stepped on them during the night as a lesson to correct their mistakes.

Jizo (Jizo-sama)

Jizo’s role is to bring spirits to Kannon’s realm.Among the divine beings, Jizo is the gentlest and warmest.

The Six Jizo (Rokujizo) each have specific roles—some wait for wandering spirits, some offer warmth, some guide, some lead.They work together as a team of six, and together, their power can rival that of Kannon.

Jizo statues usually remain in one place.It is important that we make the effort to visit them and bring our heartfelt thoughts and offerings.