Word 022
In the quiet corners of Nara's neighborhoods, small stone figures stand in silence.
At the edge of a lane, beside a field, halfway up a flight of stone steps — they are simply there, watching over those who pass by.
Rain or shine, their expression never changes. Only a gentle smile, always present.
How many years have they stood witness — to how many joys and sorrows carried by how many souls?
Always there by your side,
always smiling with warmth.
Even when bad things happen, even when it hurts — that smile never wavers.
With more experience and wisdom than anyone,
yet humbler than anyone.
I want to be just like you.
The Jizō of Nara say nothing. And yet, simply by being there, they teach.