KAMAKURA, isn’t it?

I love the statues, did you try to head butt any of the ones with red beanies? :)

Quite impressive! How many statues are there? I noticed they are all not alke. The faces are different and the ears show some variation. Obviousy there were many sculptors involved.

Yes, it’s in Kamakura (Hase, actually)

There are hundreds of statues there. They are arranged in rows in garden in the temple grounds. There are four or five basic models and many are hand made. The faces are supposed to represent the different expressions of man. Jizo is the protector of children’s souls and these have been purchased and placed by people concerned for the soul of an unborn child.

I didn’t head-butt the red hatted Jizos because I knew Mom didn’t have any cookies with her.

I saw an interesting documentary about the women who knit said red beanies and make the bibs for the statues. It is a life-long hobby/obsession/compulsion for these women. Methinks it is a sign that there is not nearly enough counselling available for those who choose to terminate their pregnancies.

in fact, hasedera is mostly concerned with souls of children who have been aborted.
hasedera is a very sad temple. very mysterious.

Actually, Niji, the 1000 jizo are just one small part of the temple complex. There is a sutra library, a shrine and cave dedicated to Benten, a hall for Daikoku, a large Amida Buddha, and of course the famous 11-headed Kannon that’s housed in the main temple.