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Buddha Statues & Japan — July 2011

Hello Readers,
Knowledge Updates for July 2011. This month the newsletter is “abbreviated,” as I’m visiting my hometown in steamy Minnesota.

A Modern Day Miracle?
Six Jizō and the Killer Tohoku Earthquake.

In the wee hours on the morning following the March 11 Tohoku earthquake, aftershocks struck the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, causing an outdoor grouping of Six Jizō statues in Iiyama City 飯山市 to shift their position. Originally facing south, the statues turned about 90 degrees to the east, in the direction of nearby Sakae-mura village 栄村, as if to protect the villagers from harm. Indeed, Sakae-mura itself experienced three aftershocks in less than two hours, each about intensity 6.0. Village roads and railways were damaged, and over 2000 villagers were evacuated. But there were no causalities!! Not surprisingly, villagers say that Jizō saved them from bodily harm. The statues are each about 70 cm high, made of stone. There are actually seven Jizō in the grouping, but the first Jizō (the leader) did not change his position, whereas the other six turned on their bases to face Sakae-mura. Today they are venerated as protectors of the village, even though they are located in nearby Iiyama. (Note. Thanks to my longtime friend Gabi Greve for bringing this story to my attention. The story appeared originally in the Asahi Shimbun (June 9, 2011).

Six Jizo Statues Change Direction

The first Jizō (the leader) did not shift; the other six turned to face Sakae-mura.

More about Roku Jizō 六地蔵　(lit. = Six Jizō)
Six Jizō and Six States of Existence. Jizō Bosatsu vowed to assist beings in each of the Six Realms of Desire and Karmic Rebirth, in particular those in the hell realm, and is thus often shown in groupings of six. In Japan, groupings of six Jizō statues (one for each of the Six Realms) are quite common and often placed at busy intersections or oft-used roads to protect travelers and those in “transitional” states. Jizō also often carries a staff with six rings, which he shakes to awaken us from our delusions. The six rings likewise symbolize the six states of desire and karmic rebirth and Jizō’s promise to assist all beings in those realms. Worship of the Six Jizō can be traced back to the 11th century in Japan, but this grouping has no basis in Mahayana scripture. Its origin is probably linked to a similar grouping of Six Kannon (one for each of the six realms) that appeared in the early 10th century in Japan’s Tendai 天台 sect.
Six Realms (from lowest to highest, from worst to best)
  1. Hells (Skt. Naraka, Jp = Jigokudō 地獄道)
  2. Hungry Ghosts (Skt. Preta, Jp = Gakidō 餓鬼道)
  3. Animals (Skt. Tiryasyoni, Jp = Chikushōdō 畜生道)
  4. Bellicose Demons (Skt. Asura, Jp = Ashuradō 阿修羅道)
  5. Humans (Skt. Manusya, Jp = Jindō 人道)
  6. Heavenly Beings (Skt. Deva, Jp = Tendō 天道)

Japanese Ceramics &
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery in Kyoto

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the world-class ceramics gallery of longtime friend and ceramics connoisseur Robert Yellin. Just a few minutes walk from the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto, this gallery is located in a magical Showa-period Sukiya-style house built for a wealthy tea and kendo patron. In later years, it was the residence of Tea Master John McGee, who returned to Canada to create a Tea room and center. The spirit of Tea and wabi-sabi pervades the house and as such is the perfect stage for the many shibui ceramic art works offered by Yellin. In addition, the house (and its garden) act as the perfect stage for presenting new works online at Japanesepottery.com. If you visit the gallery, please say “Schumacher sent you” to receive a special discount on listed prices. Yellin is a longtime Japan resident, pottery journalist, and ceramic specialist who collects and sells pieces by some of Japan’s most celebrated artists and up-and-coming potters. Robert also operates an online learning center devoted to Japanese pottery at http://www.e-yakimono.net
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery – Photo Tour

Current Exhibitions

» Tokyo National Museum. July 20 through September 25, 2011 . Kukai’s World: The Arts of Esoteric Buddhism. This exhibition introduces masterpieces of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, with a focus on the period when philosophical elements maintained a strong presence in the works. Along with objects brought by Kukai from Tang China, works directly related to him are also featured, such as his writings and sculptures produced under his instruction. If you are in or near Tokyo, don’t miss this exhibition.

» Kyoto National Museum. July 16 to August 28, 2011. 
Creatures’ Paradise: Animals in Art from the Kyoto National Museum.

» Nara National Museum. Special Exhibitions Page. On to India! Xuanzang’s 30,000-Kilometer Trek. July 16 through August 28, 2011. Secret Treasures & Sacred Image of Yoki Tenman Jinja: “The Hallowed Yoki Shrine at Hatsuse.” July 16 through August 28.

Enjoy the summer.
mark from his hometown in minnesota

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