![]() ![]() These are the ones who have found their way back to solid ground, to the cliff’s edge, where their vantage point gives them a wide perspective on the truth of the interconnectedness of all beings and things. And like Jizo, they may find the great potential within the human spirit to turn toward goodness in the midst of devastation, and in this way, animate their capacity for compassion and wisdom. Those who have survived abuse, addiction, bullying, or systemic oppression may be called to step out of the darkness of suffering and, like Jizo, bring others with them. Others enter professions where they can help people who suffer in ways they have experienced themselves. Some survivors of terrible adversity resort to causing harm as a kind of revenge against the world. ![]() This marriage of darkness and light, of suffering and redemption, speaks to the conditions that Jizo encounters, and that we meet in the hell realms and charnel grounds of our own lives. The image can be seen only when projected onto a dark surface. But there’s another element that must be present: darkness. Jizo’s great capacity for compassion remains hidden until it is revealed by light. If we are the mirror reflecting the world, then embedded deep inside us is the invisible bodhisattva who liberates suffering beings. ![]() Although it appears to be solid metal, the mirror holds a secret. Rays emanate from her head as if she stands in the middle of the sun, and her staff seems to strike the earth in order to open the gates of hell. The outline of this shaved monk’s head with her robe draped low across her chest is outlined in dark and surrounded by a pool of glowing reflected light floating on the wall. This image is hidden inside the cast bronze. It seems to be a normal, if exquisitely crafted, mirror.īut remarkably, when the mirror is aimed so that light reflects off of its surface and onto a dark wall, an image of Jizo Bodhisattva is projected on the wall. On its highly polished front surface, I see my face looking in, just as with any glass mirror. On the back of this particular mirror is a relief of a dragon. Such mirrors are rare and sacred objects produced by only one Japanese family who still practices this ancient, mysterious craft. During a recent trip to Japan, I had the chance to see a “magic mirror” made entirely of cast bronze. ![]()
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