tope

tope: see stupa.

Monument erected in memory of the Buddha or a Buddhist saint, often marking a sacred spot, commemorating an event, or housing a relic. Stupas are architectural symbols of the Buddha's death. A simple stupa may consist of a circular earthenware base supporting a massive solid dome from which projects an umbrella, symbolizing protection. This basic design is the inspiration for other types of Buddhist monuments, including pagodas, seen throughout Asia. Worship consists of walking clockwise around a stupa. Many important stupas have become places of pilgrimage.

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Tope may refer to:

• A Buddhist stupa, a dome-shaped monument.
• To drink heavily.
• Any of several small species of shark, especially the school shark, Galeorhinus galeus.
• An incorrect spelling of Taupe, a dark greyish-brown colour.
• The past tense of Type.