Materials: Crystal, Painted, Cast, Carved

Size: 13 cm

Description:

Five-Wheel Dharma Realm Pagoda

The Five-Wheel Dharma Realm Pagoda is composed of the five totemic concepts of earth, water, fire, wind, and space (consciousness). These are arranged in the shapes of a square, a large circle, a triangle, a half-moon, and a jewel, corresponding to the positions of the Five Buddhas of the Five Directions—the center of the universe and the essence of all things.

The five tones of Buddhism, the mandala of Tantric Buddhism (the Five Buddhas), Taoist numerology (the Five Elements), our bodies (the Five Internal Organs), and the totems of Dzi beads (the Five Forms) are all phenomena that evolved from the totemic concept of the "Five-Wheel Dharma Realm Pagoda."

The Treasure Box Seal Dharani Crystal Colored Five-Wheel Pagoda (abbreviated as the Treasure Box Seal Five-Wheel Pagoda) is a special type of Buddhist stupa or offering stupa. It is often made of crystal and uses colors to symbolize the Five Wheels (the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and space). This stupa originates from the Sutra of the Secret Heart of All Tathagatas, the Whole Body Relics of the Treasure Casket, and the mantras from this sutra are often enshrined within it. In Buddhism, this type of stupa is considered a sacred object containing the whole body relics of all Buddhas, endowed with powerful protection and blessings. The crystal material symbolizes purity and transparency, and the colors correspond to the five chakras: yellow (earth), blue or white (water), red (fire), black or green (wind), and white or transparent (space). This type of stupa is commonly found in Esoteric Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism, particularly in Taiwan, Japan, and mainland China, where it is used for personal worship, temple enshrinement, and burial memorials.

Origin

The Sutra of the Treasure Casket, translated from Sanskrit into Chinese by the renowned translator Amoghavajra, dates back to the Tang Dynasty (circa 8th century). This sutra belongs to the esoteric Dharani tradition, emphasizing the magical power of mantras (Dharani) to bring immeasurable merit to sentient beings. The text itself originated from Indian Buddhism and, after being introduced to China, became a key esoteric text of Chinese Buddhism. The "treasure chest" in the Vajrasattva Dharani refers to a treasure chest that holds the Buddha's relics and merits, while the "seal" symbolizes its indestructibility and eternal protection, like a seal.

The five-wheeled pagoda has its origins in Esoteric Buddhism, originating from the five-wheeled concept of India and Tibet and later introduced to Japan and China. First seen in Japan during the Heian period (9th century), influenced by Esoteric Buddhism, the five-story pagoda design symbolizes the five elements of the universe (earth, water, fire, wind, and space) and is often used in conjunction with the Vajrasattva Dharani. In China and Taiwan, these pagodas are often made of crystal or acrylic, with colorful designs reinforcing the symbolism of the five wheels. The use of crystal, likely a modern technique, emphasizes its transparency and purity, symbolizing the purity of the Dharma. According to Buddhist tradition, building a pagoda and enclosing a Dharani transforms it into a pagoda made of seven treasures, thus receiving the protection of the heavens.

The story unfolds in narrative form, rich with miraculous and didactic elements:

Thus have I heard, Shakyamuni Buddha was once in the Pure Garden in Magadha (ancient India), surrounded by a vast multitude of great bodhisattvas, great voices, and the Eight Classes of Devas and Dragons. Among the crowd was a great Brahmin named Pure Light. He was knowledgeable and intelligent, constantly practicing the Ten Virtues and taking refuge in the Three Jewels. Wishing to bring happiness and prosperity to all living beings, he invited the Buddha and the crowd to his house for alms. The Buddha silently agreed. The next day, the Buddha led the crowd and passed by a garden called Plenty of Wealth. In the garden stood an ancient, dilapidated pagoda, crumbling and collapsed, resembling a mound of earth. The Buddha walked straight toward the pagoda, where suddenly a brilliant light emanated from the pagoda. A voice emerged from the mound of earth, praising the Buddha and the Brahmin for the great blessings they would receive.

The Buddha venerated the pagoda, circumambulated it three times to the right, removed his robe, and covered it with tears. Simultaneously, all the Buddhas in the ten directions shed tears and radiated light. The crowd was stunned and puzzled. Vajrapani and others inquired about the origin of this pagoda. The Buddha explained: This pagoda is the "Tathagata Pagoda Containing the Whole Body Relics." It contains the secret seals of the immeasurable kotis of the Heart Dharani of all Tathagatas, the Tathagata's body, the whole body relics, 84,000 Dharma aggregates, and the crown images of all Tathagatas. Because sentient beings have deep karmic obstacles, the Dharma is about to disappear. This pagoda has been reduced to a mass of earth, but its strength remains indestructible, supported by the divine power of all Tathagatas. The Buddha wept out of compassion for sentient beings, and all the Buddhas witnessed this scene together.

Upon hearing this, Vajrapani requested the Buddha to reveal this Dharani. The Buddha then recited the "Ratnakara Seal Dharani Mantra" (the mantra is: Namo Bhagavati. Visasisa. Lorusili. Balavaharjaya. Datthagata. Alahoti. Samyak Sampatya. Datchita. Om. Visasisa. Visasisa. Sammogatesaha). After reciting the mantra, the Buddhas in the gathering voiced their praises. The Buddha further told Vajrapani that this method has infinite power and boundless benefits: reading and reciting one volume is equivalent to reciting all the scriptures of the Buddhas past, present, and future; placing it in a pagoda will become a Tathagata Vajra Treasury Stupa, blessed by all Buddhas; offerings to the pagoda can eliminate the heavy sins of birth and death for eighty billion kalpas, prevent disasters, and open the path to enlightenment. The Buddha finally entrusted Vajrapani and others to protect this method and spread it throughout the world, ensuring that it is not cut off. After hearing the sutra, the crowd received offerings from the Brahmins and joyfully believed and practiced it.

This story emphasizes compassion, the transformation of karma, and merit. Later, animated adaptations (such as "The Story of the Ratnakara Seal Dharani") became widely circulated, teaching believers the virtues of building and offering stupas.

Role in Buddhist Ritual

In Buddhist rituals, the Ratnakara Seal Dharani crystal colored five-wheeled stupa plays a key role in protection, salvation, and blessings. It is considered a "living stupa," capable of transforming ordinary stupas into a repository of the Buddha's whole body relics. Specifically:

- **Stupa Construction and Enshrinement Ceremony**: Believers construct a stupa (made of clay, stone, wood, metal, or crystal) according to the scriptures and place the Dharani mantra written or printed inside. The scriptures state that this action instantly transforms the stupa into seven treasures, reaching as high as the heavens, where it is worshipped by the gods. The ritual includes offering incense, flowers, perfumes, garlands, and clothing; circumambulating the stupa seven times clockwise, shedding tears of repentance; and making a vow to build a stupa (the size depends on one's ability, even as little as four fingers high). Colored crystal versions are often used in modern homes or temples. The layers of color symbolize the balancing of cosmic energy within the five chakras, enhancing the mantra's power.

- **Sacrifice and Blessing**: During funerals or memorial ceremonies, this mantra is used to liberate the deceased. Reciting the mantra seven times can transform hell into a pure land and open the path to enlightenment. Placing the mantra near a grave (as in Japanese tradition) can liberate ancestors and free them from the three evil paths. Reciting the mantra 21 times for the sick can cure illness and prolong life. Offerings to the poor can eliminate poverty and bring prosperity. If the pagoda's shadow touches sentient beings (even birds and animals), delusion and obstacles are dispelled, leading to enlightenment.

- **Protection and Disaster Relief**: The pagoda is protected day and night by the Four Heavenly Kings, dragons, and other devas, protecting it from wind, thunder, epidemics, theft, and other harms. During rituals, offering relief, vows, and chanting the mantra before the pagoda can fulfill wishes, eliminate sins, and protect the nation and its people. Chanting the mantra from a mountain brings liberation to all beings within sight. In modern practice, this type of pagoda is often placed in a mandala or personal shrine for daily chanting and meditation, bringing good fortune and peace.

**Special Connection to the Five-Wheeled Pagoda**: Although the five wheels are not directly mentioned in sutras, the pagoda is often used as a form of treasure box seal pagoda, particularly in esoteric Buddhism. Its five-tiered design symbolizes the five elements transforming karmic obstacles, and its enclosed dharanis can dispel negative energy and purify the space. Crystal-colored versions enhance visual perception and energy flow, and are often used in ceremonies or for personal practice.

In short, this pagoda is more than just a ritual prop; it serves as a bridge connecting sentient beings with the Buddhas, embodying the compassion and divine power of Buddhism.

Great Casket Seal Dharani Stupa or Feng-Shuei Crystal Stupa

The Feng Shuei or The Five-Element Stupa enables you to accumulate all Buddhas' blessing. You can place it on your shrine or at a clean place to bring forth the Buddhas' blessings. This stupa, when filled with 'holy relics', can destroy demons, evil spirits, ghosts and curses.

If you make offerings with prayers to this stupa, the Buddhas' blessings will bring happiness and well being to your family, and your wishes will be fulfilled.

The 5-element stupa wheel consists of the five great elemental qualities as follow: earth, water, fire, wind and space. These elements prevent 5 obstacles and bring 5 benefits to you as presented below.

The 1 floor: great-earth square-wheel 

Prevent: earthquake 

The 2 floor: great-water round-wheel 

Prevent: flood 

Benefit: increases comforts in life

The 3 floor: great-fire triangle-wheel 

Prevent: fire 

Benefit: enhances your popularity

The 4 floor: great-wind half-moon-wheel 

Prevent: typhoon and destructive storms 

Benefit: bring peace, love and harmony.

The 5 floor: great-space Treasure-wheel 

Prevent: all obstacles 

Benefit: produce strong inspiration, liking, and success

-Shakyamuni Buddha