Basic knowledge of graves

When managing a grave, it's easy to ask questions at the moment. From cleaning the grave to the memorial service, you don't know what to start with or what to know.
Some of you may want to check various things at the temple, but you may not be able to check with Bodaiji because you live far away.

This time, I will talk about the mechanism of the grave as a basic knowledge of the grave that I want to remember in managing the grave. The grave is a "grave", but each part has a proper name. Remembering the names of the parts as basic knowledge of the grave will be useful for future grave management.

The name of the part is also important in the basic knowledge of the grave

A grave is a "grave", but even if you say "grave" in a word, there are various parts inside.
If you look at a grave at a stone dealer or graveyard, you'll notice that the grave isn't made entirely of stone, but is made up of several parts. In recent years, a wide variety of graves have been made that reflect the hobbies and tastes of the deceased, such as musical notes, hearts, and golf ball shapes. Even in a grave that is a little different from the general grave shape, the big heart and golf ball part and the foundation part are not made of one stone, but are made up of several parts. Is the basis. Of course, each part has a proper name.

"What are the benefits of having the average person remember the name of the part of the grave?"

"Necessary as basic knowledge of graves?"

You may be wondering. If you say so, I think that's right. But think about it. Wouldn't it be easier to explain and talk if you remember the names of the parts as basic knowledge of the grave?

Because the grave is made up of parts, some of the parts may break.
When repairing or replacing parts, you still have to tell the tombstone shop about the situation. In such a case, if you know the name of each part as the basic knowledge of the grave, you can proceed smoothly. Also, when the tombstone shop suggests replacement of other parts or points to be careful of, if you know the name of the part as the basic knowledge of the grave, you will be able to easily get into your head. If you are far from the grave, you may be able to get in touch smoothly if you know the name of the part as the basic knowledge of the grave when you consult with Bodaiji about the grave.

It is also important to know how to make a memorial service and how to clean the grave as basic knowledge. In addition, knowing the name of the part of the grave as basic knowledge of the grave has the advantage of facilitating consultation on management.

Basic knowledge of graves! Part name

From here, let's introduce the names of the parts one by one as basic knowledge of the grave.

This is also the basic knowledge of graves, but the type most often seen in Japan is called the "Japanese three-tiered grave". Would you like to see a grave with a rectangular tombstone on a pedestal in the graveyard? This is a grave called a Japanese-style three-tiered grave.

At first glance, the Japanese-style three-tiered tomb looks like a lump, but it is roughly divided into three parts.
One is the tombstone part. The stone part where the characters such as the family name and the tombs of the ancestors are engraved. The most visible and prominent part of the grave, and the part that many will see to see where the grave is. This part is called "gravestone", but it is also called "rod stone" or "stone monument" depending on its shape. The square pedestal that supports the tombstone is called the "upper pedestal," and the slightly flat pedestal below it is called the "middle pedestal." The pedestal below the middle platform and in contact with the ground is called the "turf platform". There are three pedestals in this way between the tombstone and the earth.

The part behind the grave where the stupa stands is called the "stupa stand", and the place where the flowers are offered is called the "flower stand". Since the names of flowers and stupas are used as they are in this area, it is a part that is easy to remember as basic knowledge of graves. The place where you put a bowl of water between two flower stands is called a "water bowl". The place where the incense stick is placed (placed) in front of the water bowl is called the "incense burner". As for the parts around here, the names of the things to be offered and used for each part are used when visiting the grave, so it will be easy to remember as basic knowledge of the grave.

Up to this point, the names of the parts that seem to be connected from the top to the bottom of the tombstone of the grave. Next, let's talk about the names of the parts that exist next to the grave.

Basic knowledge of graves! What is the name of the part outside the tombstone?

There is a pedestal-like part that protrudes slightly outward from the incense burner. This is the part where people who come to visit the grave stand. This part is called "worship stone". It's the name because you stand here and join hands.

Further on the outside, there is a stone staircase. This part is called the "gatepost". It's easy to understand when you think of a house, but this gatepost is just the entrance to the tomb. The house also has a door. Some houses may have a gate. "Hello, I came to the hands together" from here going into the, it is exactly what is gatepost place like doorstep for the tombstone.

However, there is not always a gatepost. Since the site of the grave is limited, there is also a type of gravestone and pedestal without a gate pillar.

This also depends on the size of the tomb site, but there may be fences around the tomb. It is a fence on the border with the site of the next grave. This fence is called the "outer fence" and is an important part that separates the Pure Land where our ancestors sleep from the world in which we live.

Finally

I explained the "parts of the grave" that you should know as basic knowledge of the grave. Basic knowledge of the parts of the grave will be useful in managing the grave. For example, if you call Bodaiji to confirm the grave, it will be easier to understand if you know the basic knowledge of the grave part.

Once you know the name of the part as a basic knowledge of the grave, let's actually check the part at the grave. By checking the basic knowledge of the grave, such as "This part has such a name" and "The name of the part here is certain ..." when visiting the grave, the basic knowledge is engraved as solid knowledge. In addition, by checking the basic knowledge of the grave with the actual grave, it will be possible to reconfirm that there are no defects in each part.

We hope that you will have the opportunity to check the basic knowledge of the grave with your own eyes and check for any defects. It will be an opportunity to think about the grave again while teaching your child the basic knowledge of the grave.