''Toro''

By Crusader1307

Of Chinese origins that were adopted into Japanese Shinto Religious Beliefs (7th Century AD) – The Toro is a form of Buddhist Shrine. They are most commonly found in Japanese Gardens (and personal ones), Worldwide. Made of various stone compositions, The Toro represents The ''Five Elements'' made physical. In Japanese Culture, Toros are built to resemble Pagodas (Homes). The relative Elements are: Air, Water, Ground, Flame and Spirit. The Toro is to remind One that they will eventually return to The Universe by one of these Elements. Some Japanese state that Toros are also a form of ''Spirit House'' for transitioning Entities enroute to The Afterlife.