Some of you may recognize this painting which is hanging in the zendo foyer at Dai Bosatsu, our root monastery. The artist is Ms. Ishikawa who was crippled from birth, lonely and in pain. 

In 1930 on April 8, the anniversary of the Buddha’s birth, circumstances changed, and Ms. Ishikawa vowed to continuously chant the Jizo Dharani and paint one-half million Jizos (the Bodhisattva who protects the vulnerable, children, and travelers, offering compassion to those with difficulties). It took her thirty years.

After that, she renewed her vows and eventually painted another 1.5 million Jizos. When Eido Shimano Roshi visited Ryutaku-ji in Japan, Ms. Ishikawa gave him many Jizos. After she finished her two millionth Jizo, duplicates were made for Ryutaku-ji and Dai Bosatsu Zendo. The image was eventually carved into stone and now welcomes you upon your arrival to DBZ. 

Ms. Ishikawa deeply embodied one of the essentials of Zen – great perseverance and determination. Next month, we will begin a series of teachings on the Three Essentials of Zen: Great Faith, Great Doubt, and Great Perseverance.