Chibi manifested in a painting I created early in my career as a psychotherapist. The childlike image grew out of Buddhist principles of compassion and loving-kindness I was integrating into counseling. Chibi provided me a personal outlet to process the traumatic experiences my patients shared in our sessions.

I first met Jizo years later while hiking to a hillside temple in Kyoto. There were dozens of old stone figures scattered along the roadside. Some of the round-faced figures wore bright red bibs. I was captivated – who or what did the image represent?

 

My answer came in a Hiroshima garden. I stood beside a tree that had survived the atomic blast. Nearby was a shrine holding a large statue – the same image, the same red bib I had seen on the road. The statue was Jizo Bodhisattava, the protector of all people, our host explained, “but most of all we think of him as the protector of children.” The story began 2500 years ago when Jizo promised Buddha he would remain on earth until every soul was finished suffering. Jizo is revered throughout Asia as the guardian of women, children, and travelers.

 

 

Returning home, I searched for a Jizo of my own.  I found a small stone statue, worn from 250 years of weather.  I created a small shrine and found comfort as I meditated, embracing the tiny child inside me. I painted images of Jizo. One morning as I painted, the image of Chibi pushed through my consciousness to the canvas …and onto Jizo’s chest.

 

When my husband saw the painting, he said, “You should make these images into jewelry – they will help people.”

 

Sometimes we all feel small like infants longing to feel safe; to be seen, heard and understood. Now my Jizo holds Chibi to his chest, where he is often depicted carrying a pearl or precious stone to light the darkness. I hope you embrace Jizo and Chibi so they may comfort you and bring you light.

– Valerie Johns