As human beings, we can attain Buddhahood through the oneness with the Buddha’s life by worshipping and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon. However, the deceased cannot chant because they do not possess their own body anymore. If so, how can the deceased attain Buddhahood?
Nichiren Daishonin teaches us in “The Orally Transmitted Teachings”:
“When Nichiren and his disciple pray for the deceased by reciting the Lotus Sutra and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, the light of Daimoku will reach hell world and make the life of deceased attain Buddhahood.”
Nichiren Daishonin further teaches us in “The Oral Transmission on the Enlightenment of Plants”:
“Erecting a toba and offering the eye-opening ceremony when one of us dies is the attainment of Buddhahood in death and the attainment of Buddhahood for insentient plants and trees.”
Therefore, practitioners of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism erect toba tablets for our deceased loved ones and ancestors. By writing the name of the deceased on a toba on which the Daimoku is inscribed, offering the toba in front of the Gohonzon, and having a priest recite the sutra and chant the Daimoku, the life of the deceased can become one with the life of Buddha, and he or she can attain Buddhahood through the power of the Gohonzon.
The following illustrates the significance of the toba tablet:
Furthermore, those who offer toba can also accumulate great benefits. The original meaning of benefits from Buddhist teaching is the accumulation of virtue by conducting good deeds. Praying for the attainment of Buddhahood via a supreme way is a supreme deed for the deceased.
For more information on how to apply for a Toba, please reach out to your zone IC or enquire at the reception of Kaimyo-in.
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