Jizo Bodhisattva

February 1, 2002
Bodhisattva means "enlightenment being" in Sanskrit i.e., one who is ready to pass over into nirvana and merge into oneness with the universe. The bodhisattva, however, postpones nirvana out of compassion for others, vowing to help them until they are able to make the journey. Like Christian saints, bodhisattvas mediate between human and divine realms; they often work miracles, and much like patron saints they have areas of special interest or competence. A mostly legendary figure regarded as a protector of children and the weak as well as a healer, Jizo Bodhisattva is widely revered. Bays, a pediatrician specializing in child-abuse prevention and a Zen priest who heads the Larch Mountain Zen Center in Oregon, presents a clear and intelligent portrait of Jizo. Displaying a gift for communicating emotions, she also shares how that figure has affected her personal experiences with children and helped her deal with collective pain. This book will appeal to both casual readers and specialists in public and academic libraries, especially those with substantial religion collections. James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.