Classical grave stone

Classical grave stone

Religions-Sites; Religions-Buddhism; Arts-Sculpture

This shape is common to the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism and reflects its doctrines. The five geometric shapes of this stupa-like grave stone signify the five elements shared by all living things (from bottom to top, cube, sphere, pyramid, hemisphere, drop): earth, water, fire, air and space. Each of these elements has its own "seed" syllable or mantra, that is carved into the stone here in its Sanskrit form.

7/7/2002

Gardiner, David L. , 1957-

Colorado College

Materials may be used for educational, non-commercial purposes only. Acknowledgment to be given to the IDEAS image database and the photographer. Photographer retains copyright.

image/jpeg

still image

cocrejpn0154

Japan

Wakayama (Prefecture), Koyasan (inhabited place)

1080336

34.216667

135.583333

640 w x 480 h, 72 ppi