We combine theoretical and practical research to explore the essence of religious beliefs

Mt. Osorezan, which is situated on the Shimokita Peninsula at the northernmost tip of Honshū, is known as a gathering place for the spirits of the dead. Every year a grand festival is held there late in July, when worshippers crowd the peninsula. Five stone figures stand in a corner within the sacred precinct. Once I asked an old woman who was putting red caps and bibs on the statues, ‘Who are those figures, and what are you doing?’ ‘Those are Jizō,’ came the prompt reply, ‘And I am here to pray for my departed child.’ The old woman addressed her wholehearted prayers to the statues. But those were not, in fact, Jizō. The stone images represented Five Dhyani Buddhas, deities that do not exactly protect children, according to Buddhist teachings. So how should we interpret this scene? Can one’s faith only be considered true if it follows the doctrine? Or was the faith of the old woman as true as any? After all, her prayers were sincere, even if misguided. The Department of Religious Studies combines theory with fieldwork research to tackle such issues. If you interested, take a look at our website:http://www2.sal.tohoku.ac.jp/religion/