Jizo

bodhisattva (bosatsu) that assists unborn babies and children through the afterworld

Jizo (Jizou) usually has a halo and carries a staff although there are also simple, rustic Jizo statues. According to Buddhist tradition, after death one has to go through a trial every seven days for forty-nine days. During the second part of this journey, children are trying to obtain Buddha's compassion by piling up stones. The reason they have to beg for mercy is because it is considered a sin to die before one's parents. The bodhisattva Jizo, also called O-Jizo-san, vowed to save condemned souls, and he helps the children make it to the Pure Land.

Talking About Buddhism
Yoshihito and Vardaman