Materials: Gilded, Stand, Collection, Enamel, Painted

Dimensions: Approximately 24 cm in height

Description:

The Seven Treasures (also known as the Seven Treasures of the Chakravartin or the Seven Treasures of the Chakravartin) are seven treasures in Buddhism that symbolize the authority and wisdom of the Chakravartin. They primarily include: the Chakravartin (golden wheel), the Elephant, the Horse, the King's Treasure (also known as the Prime Minister), the Minister's Treasure (also known as the General's Treasure), the Mani Treasure (jewel or wish-fulfilling jewel), and the Queen's Treasure (jewel or jade maiden). These treasures not only represent ideals of secular rule but also hold symbolic significance in Buddhist practice, embodying wisdom, the constant turning of the Dharma wheel, and the state of enlightenment.

In Buddhist rituals, the Seven Treasures primarily serve as offerings and symbols. In Tibetan Buddhism, they are considered one of the finest offerings to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Offering the Seven Treasures is like dedicating a prosperous and powerful nation to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). This offering helps practitioners accumulate immense merit and virtue, especially during the Five Turbidities (the Dharma-Ending Age). This offering is believed to purify karmic obstacles and enhance wisdom. Specifically:

**Application in Offering Ritual**: The Seven Treasures are often placed on a mandala or altar as part of an offering, either in physical form or in symbolic form (such as metal or gemstone instruments). Practitioners express their devotion to the Dharma and their generosity by visualizing or physically placing these treasures. For example, in Tibetan Buddhist offering rituals, the Seven Treasures symbolize the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (the seven bodhi factors) of Dzogchen: investigation of the Dharma, equanimity, effort, rapture, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. These factors help overcome obstacles to practice and lead to enlightenment. This symbolic use is not limited to personal practice; it also occurs in temple ceremonies, initiation rituals, and festivals, reinforcing Buddhist concepts of kingship and the transmission of wisdom.

**Reflection in Art and Ritual Instruments**: The Seven Jewels are often crafted into ritual instruments or decorations, such as coral branches inserted into vases or metal statues, for use in Buddhist vases (derived from the Indian Buddhist lotus offering custom of the Northern and Southern Dynasties). Historically, such as during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty, the Seven Jewels were incorporated into political rituals and architecture to symbolize the legitimacy of Buddhist kingship, demonstrating their role in rituals as both religious and cultural.

Overall, the Seven Jewels serve not as direct "tools" but as symbolic vehicles, helping practitioners practice the perfection of generosity (paramita) through offerings and reminding the world of the Chakravartin's ruling philosophy: conquering the world through righteous dharma rather than violence.

The Origin and Story of the Seven Treasures

The origin of the Seven Treasures comes from Buddhist scriptures, primarily the "Sutra on the Seven Treasures of the Wheel-Turning King" (or similar texts). This is a Buddhist description of the ideal secular ruler, emphasizing the Chakravartin as the Buddha's earthly counterpart, capable of governing the world with wisdom and compassion. The concept of the Chakravartin can be traced back to ancient Indian royal traditions and was later absorbed into Buddhist doctrine, becoming an integral part of the system. According to Buddhism, when a virtuous ruler emerges, the Seven Treasures will naturally manifest, descending from heaven or accompanying the king to assist him in ruling the four continents (Jambudvīpa, Uttarakuru, Aparagodānīya, and Uttarakuru).

Detailed Origin

- **Scriptural Origin**: According to the "Sutra on the Seven Treasures of the Wheel-Turning King," the Seven Treasures automatically appear upon the birth or enthronement of a Chakravartin, symbolizing authorization from heaven (or karma). These treasures are not ordinary objects, but rather precious treasures imbued with supernatural powers and abilities, assisting the king in promoting the Dharma. Buddhism equates the Seven Factors of Enlightenment with the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, transforming them into a guide for practice: the wheel represents the factor of discernment (discerning the true Dharma), the elephant represents the factor of equanimity (letting go of attachment), and so on, embodying the transformation from worldly power to spiritual enlightenment.

- **Historical and Cultural Integration**: During the development of Chinese Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment were influenced by Indian Buddhism and integrated into local culture. For example, during the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian, who proclaimed herself the Wheel-Turning King, used symbols of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (such as in architecture and titles) to consolidate her power, demonstrating the influence of Buddhist concepts of kingship on medieval Chinese politics. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment became the core of offerings, emphasizing the supreme merit bestowed by rare and precious treasures.

Related Stories

In Buddhist texts, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment of the Wheel-Turning King are often depicted in mythological form. The following is a typical storyline:

1. **The Appearance of the Wheel-Turning King**: In a time of turmoil or abundant merit, a prince possessing the thirty-two characteristics of a great man is born. If he chooses to leave home, he can attain Buddhahood; if he enters the secular world, he becomes a Wheel-Turning King. When he ascended the throne, the Seven Treasures descended from the sky or gathered from the four directions:

- **Wheel Treasure**: A thousand-spoked golden wheel emerged from the eastern sea, capable of traveling thousands of miles. It symbolizes the constant rotation of the Dharma Wheel, helping the king conquer the four directions without the need for weapons.

- **Elephant Treasure**: A pure white, six-tusked elephant emerged from the north, capable of galloping and carrying heavy loads. It represents strength and stability.

- **Horse Treasure**: A divinely steed horse (blue, yellow, red, and white) emerged from the west, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day. It symbolizes speed and wisdom.

- **Prime Minister**: A minister with supernatural powers emerged from the south, capable of managing state affairs and resolving disputes.

- **General**: A brave general with military wisdom ensures peace in the kingdom.

- **Mani Treasure**: A wish-fulfilling jewel emerged from the ground, capable of fulfilling all wishes. It symbolizes wealth and perfection. - **Queen Treasure (Jade Maiden)**: A beautiful and virtuous queen emerges from the palace to assist the king, representing harmony and compassion.

2. **Stories of Rule and Enlightenment**: The Chakravartin, relying on the Seven Treasures, governs the world with righteous Dharma, avoiding war and bringing about a peaceful and prosperous era. However, these stories often emphasize impermanence: the king ultimately relinquishes power and embraces the Dharma. For example, in some texts, the Chakravartin, upon seeing the dimming of the Chakravartin (symbolizing the decline of karma), becomes a monk, reflecting the Buddhist concept of transcendence. Another famous story tells of the Buddha's previous life as a Chakravartin king who attained enlightenment after possessing the Seven Treasures, demonstrating that the Seven Treasures are a bridge to enlightenment, not a destination.

3. **Symbolic Extension**: In Tibetan Buddhist stories, offerings to the Seven Treasures can transform karmic obstacles. For example, a poor practitioner, through visualizing the Seven Treasures, accumulates merit and ultimately attains enlightenment. This emphasizes that the Seven Treasures are not exclusive to kings but are tools for spiritual practice that anyone can offer through their thoughts.

In summary, the origins of the Seven Treasures are rooted in Buddhist depictions of ideal kingship, and their story conveys the teachings of impermanence and enlightenment through mythological form. In modern Buddhist practice, they continue to serve as spiritual symbols, reminding practitioners to pursue inner "treasures" rather than external power.