Inori no Mori祈りの杜working title

Bodhisattva (bosatsu)

Yotenga Jizō

預天賀地蔵よてんがじぞう

An illustration of Yotenga Jizō created for this site
An original illustration made for this site.

Listed as one of the Jizō Bosatsu belonging to the group of the Six Jizō (Roku Jizō).

This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.

English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む

The name and role of Yotenga Jizō

Listed as one of the Jizō Bosatsu belonging to the group of the Six Jizō. It is described as a being that leads the heavenly beings to enlightenment.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Tracing the form and traditions

It is said to hold a wish-fulfilling jewel in the left hand while the right hand forms the teaching mudra (seppō-in).

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Close to the suffering of the six worlds

The Six Jizō are a form of devotion to Jizō Bosatsu, who saves the beings of each of the six realms: hell, hungry ghosts, animals, ashura, humans and heavenly beings. They have been enshrined at places such as cemetery entrances, with prayers for the salvation of the dead. Seen together, the six figures express Jizō's work of bringing salvation to every circumstance.

Source: 浄土宗

The Six Jizō have more than one set of names

Shōhōin lists six figures including Yotenga Jizō, and another six including 地持地蔵. The combinations of names, forms and attributes are not fixed. This site also keeps the two sets separate; it does not mean that all twelve form a single set of Six Jizō.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院

Related kami and buddhas

Sources (in Japanese)