The Seven Buddhist Treasures: Ancient Wisdom in a Modern Light

Introduction

The Seven Jewels, including gold, silver, amber, coral, chank shell, glaze, and agate, hold both material and spiritual value in Buddhism. Symbolizing the light and wisdom of the Pure Land, they guide practitioners towards spiritual growth, as expressed in the scriptures: "With the seven jewels, the people are at peace."

Gold and Silver: Symbols of Health and Wealth

In the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, gold and silver are considered the foremost treasures. Gold represents health and longevity, and many statues of Bodhisattvas are cast in gold, symbolizing the protection of the body from illness. Silver is regarded as a talisman against evil, representing the Buddha’s radiant light. Silver jewelry is often worn by newborns as a prayer for safety and health. Gold also symbolizes wealth, and it is common for believers to gild statues of Buddha as an expression of gratitude for wishes fulfilled, reflecting the spirit of "real gold will not fear the test of fire."

Amber: The Treasure for Calming the Mind and Spirit

In Buddhism, amber corresponds to the threefold practice of "sīla" (ethics), "samādhi" (concentration), and "prajñā" (wisdom). The Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) records that amber "calms the mind, soothes the internal organs, and clarifies the mind and spirit." Wearing amber is believed to bring many benefits:

• Health: Amber of different colors has various healing properties, such as red-brown amber for heart and kidney ailments, and golden amber for liver diseases.
• Calming the Mind: Amber aids practitioners in focusing, increasing wisdom, and achieving meditative states.
• Vows: The encapsulated inclusions in amber remain unchanged for millennia, symbolizing the Buddha’s vow to liberate all sentient beings.
  

Chank Shell: The Embodiment of Purity and Peace

Chank shell, a deep-sea mollusk, is revered in Buddhism for its pure white color. It is not only used as an ornament but also regarded as a protective and peace-bringing treasure. Buddhists often use prayer beads with 27 or more, up to 108 beads, for wearing and chanting purposes.During the Qing Dynasty, they were even worn as an emblem of high rank. The Bencao Gangmu also notes that chank shells have the ability to "calm the heart and spirit," reduce blood pressure, and help alleviate anxiety. In Buddhism, the chank shell is viewed as a powerful protective talisman.

Coral: The Symbol of Wisdom and Auspiciousness

Coral is an organic stone secreted by coral polyps, with red coral being the most precious. Tibetan Buddhism considers red coral to be an incarnation of the Tathāgata Buddha and is often used in rituals, prayer beads, or as ornamentation for statues. Tibetans believe that red coral fosters a connection with the Buddha, wards off disasters, and enhances wisdom, making it a treasured item passed down through generations. The growth process of coral is also seen as a symbol of the continuation of life and the accumulation of wisdom.

Agate: The Gemstone for Protection and Defense

Agate, named after its appearance resembling a horse's brain, is recorded in Buddhist and other religious texts. Known for its hardness and rich color variations, red agate is especially prized. Agate has long been viewed as a protective talisman against evil spirits and as a symbol of kindness, love, and hope. Buddhists believe that agate can eliminate stress, fatigue, and negative energy, making it an important protective item for practitioners.

Glaze: A Reflection of Spiritual Achievement

Glaze, an ancient material in Chinese craftsmanship, has a long history and was once reserved for the royal family. It is one of the Seven Jewels in Buddhism and also ranks as one of the "Five Great Sacred Objects" of China. The process of making glaze is complex, and it is considered an embodiment of the pinnacle of spiritual practice. The phrase "form and spirit like glaze" represents the highest state of Buddhist cultivation. Wearing glaze is believed to offer threefold benefits:

• Health: Glaze is seen as an incarnation of the Medicine Buddha, capable of healing ailments and dispelling evil spirits.
• Resilience: The difficult process of making glaze symbolizes the steadfastness of practitioners in overcoming difficulties.
• Inspiration: The brilliant colors of glaze are believed to stimulate creativity and wisdom.
  

Conclusion

The Seven Jewels of Buddhism are not only precious material treasures but also serve as symbols of the spiritual journey. They remind us to seek inner peace, wisdom, and compassion in our modern lives. By understanding and appreciating these treasures, we can find balance and inspiration in the busy world around us, integrating the ancient wisdom of Buddhism into contemporary spiritual practice.

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