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The sound of the staff's rings is used to urge insects and
small |
In theory, the sound of the rings might scare away dangerous |
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sentient beings like frogs to move from the carrier's path
and |
animals. The faithful might be alerted that there is a monk |
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avoid being accidentally stepped on. |
within earshot in need of alms or able to provide services. |
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Four rings represent the Four Noble Truths |
A four ring monk's staff is carried by novice monks. |
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Six rings represent the Six Perfections |
A six ring staff is carried by a Bodhisattva |
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Twelve rings represent the Twelvefold Chain of Cause and Effect |
A twelve ring staff is carried by a Buddha |
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When an abbot strikes the ground three times and then shakes |
In some sects the staff is a symbol of the Dharma and one of |
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the staff it is to break ignorance and call out to all beings. |
the eighteen objects a traveling Buddhist monk must carry |
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Dìzàng (地藏),
the
Bodhisattva of travelers and children, has a |
Dìzàng is associated with Mount Jiuhua in China, and is |
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staff in his right hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel in his left. |
usually known as Jizo in Japan. |