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Why Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Offer Toba for the Deceased
The purpose of the Memorial Altar at Myosenji Temple is for offering Toba Memorial Tablets for the benefit of the deceased. This is a very significant practice of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
The word Toba is Japanese for the word Stupa in Sanskrit. The original form of a Stupa in ancient India was that of a burial mound. Many different forms of stupas developed over the years in both India and China. The five-story pagoda is one of the most commonly known forms of a stupa.
In Nichiren Shoshu, the Toba memorial tablet also takes the form of five levels. The five levels signify the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and ku (non-substantiality). The bottom level of the Toba is shaped like a square. This represents earth. The second level is in the shape of a circle, representing water. The third level, denoting fire, is a triangle. The fourth level, in the shape of a semicircle, represents wind. At the top of the Toba is the level representing ku. It is shaped like a jewel signifying the “treasure of fulfillment.” Nichiren Daishonin, the founder of Nichiren Shoshu, taught that all phenomena in the universe are composed of these five elements. This, of course, includes the human body. Therefore, the Toba signifies the body of the deceased.
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To learn more about the Buddhist view of life and death, happiness and hardship, visit our Temple for our Introductory lecture series (in-person and online). Awaken your Buddha nature by learning about the daily Buddhist practice of chanting.