Materials: Resin, Painted, Stand (Elephant Treasure of the Seven Treasures)

Size: Approximately 12 x 15 cm

Description:

An Overview of the Elephant Treasure of the Seven Treasures in Buddhism

In Buddhist tradition, the Seven Treasures (also known as the "Seven Treasures of the Wheel King" or "Seven Treasures of the Wheel-Turning King") are symbolic treasures of the world-turning sage king (Cakravartin). They represent the ideal worldly ruler who governs the world with righteous Dharma, bringing peace and prosperity. These seven treasures include: the wheel (golden wheel treasure), the elephant treasure, the white horse treasure (or blue horse treasure), the divine pearl treasure (or Mani treasure), the jade maiden treasure, the householder treasure (or Tibetan minister treasure), and the chief military treasure (or general treasure). The elephant treasure (Sanskrit: hasti-ratna) is the second treasure, often depicted as a pure white elephant with six tusks (or six-tusked white elephant), symbolizing strength, endurance, wisdom, and load-bearing capacity. It serves not only as the sage king's mount and assistant but also as the symbol of the stability and authority of his rule.

The Role of the Elephant Treasure in Buddhist Ritual

The Elephant Treasure plays a primarily symbolic and offering role in Buddhist rituals, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayāna). It is not used directly in specific rituals (such as striking or burning), but rather as part of the "Seven Treasures," incorporated into ritual offerings and contributions, expressing devotion and praying for peace and wisdom. Specifically:

- **Symbols of Offerings and Contributions**: Images, statues, or small models of the Seven Treasures are often found as offerings in the scripture halls or altars of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The Elephant Treasure is considered a precious treasure offered to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, representing the transformation of the worldly power of the Chakravartin into spiritual offerings. By offering the Seven Treasures (including the Elephant Treasure), believers pray for worldly peace, national prosperity, and personal inner stability and strength. This offering is often made during daily offerings, guru-level auspicious offerings, and large-scale ceremonies. For example, during mandala layouts or mandala offerings, the elephant symbolizes the virtue of "carrying heavy loads forward," reminding practitioners to take responsibility and overcome obstacles.

- **Visual and Symbolic Elements in Ritual**: During Buddhist ceremonies such as empowerment or blessing ceremonies, the elephant image may appear on murals, thangkas, or ritual implements as a visual aid to reinforce the ideal rule of the Chakravartin. The elephant's white color symbolizes purity, and its six tusks represent the six perfections (generosity, morality, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom), which help participants meditate on the six paths of Buddhist perfection. In the Tibetan Buddhist "Eight Auspicious Symbols" (Aṣṭamaṅgala) or seven treasures offerings, the elephant is often included alongside the wheel of the chakravartin to decorate the altar and create a solemn atmosphere, symbolizing that all worldly treasures can be transformed into transcendental offerings.

**The Spiritual Significance of Transforming Worldly Power**: The role of the elephant treasure also extends to education. During ritual teachings or storytelling, monks may use the elephant treasure as a metaphor for the practitioner's resolve: the elephant's mighty strength symbolizes endurance and perseverance, helping followers apply it in their daily practice. While not all Buddhist traditions emphasize the offering of the seven treasures (Chinese Buddhism, for example, is less common), within Buddhist ritual as a whole, it reinforces the concept of the "Walker King" as the worldly manifestation of the Buddha, reminding people that worldly power should serve the Dharma, not greed.

Overall, the elephant treasure's role in ritual is auxiliary, emphasizing symbolism over practicality. Its purpose is to connect worldly and transcendental wisdom through visual and meditative elements.

Origin of the Elephant Treasure

The origin of the elephant treasure originates from Buddhist texts, particularly early Theravada and Mahayana texts. It is part of the legend of the Chakravartin, who is seen as the worldly counterpart of the Buddha: the Buddha rules the dharmakaya, while the Chakravartin rules the world. According to the scriptures, when a virtuous chakravartin is born, the seven treasures will naturally "manifest" (appear automatically) without artificial creation, symbolizing the blessings of divine providence and the righteous Dharma.

- **Scriptural Evidence**: The earliest record of this can be found in the "Chakravartin's Practice Sutra" of the Dīgha Nikāya, which describes the appearance of the chakravartin, accompanied by the seven treasures, including the "white elephant treasure." The Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra, Volume 14, further elaborates: "When a chakravartin is born into a noble family, the seven treasures will appear. What are the seven? ... The second is the white elephant, with six tusks." This white elephant is described as a sacred animal, capable of carrying heavy loads and possessing supernatural powers, such as flight and overcoming obstacles.

- **Cultural and Historical Origins**: This concept likely originates from ancient Indian mythology and Brahmanic traditions. In Indian culture, elephants have long symbolized royal power (such as the elephant-headed god Ganesha in Hinduism). Buddhism absorbed and transformed this imagery, incorporating it into the framework of the Chakravartin, emphasizing non-violent rule (rule through righteousness rather than force). In Tibetan Buddhism, the tradition of offering the seven treasures further developed, becoming a part of daily practice, reflecting the adaptation and integration of Buddhism as it spread from India to Tibet.

Stories of the Elephant

Stories of the elephant in Buddhist texts are often embedded within legends of the Chakravartin, emphasizing its miraculous power and its role in assisting governance. The following are the main accounts:

- **Stories of the Appearance of the Chakravartin**: According to the Dīrgha Āgama and the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, when a Chakravartin is born into a noble caste, a golden wheel descends from the sky, followed by the appearance of a white elephant. This white elephant is as tall as a mountain, with flawless white skin and six tusks (symbolizing the six divine powers), capable of carrying the king across mountains and rivers, conquering the lands without the need for slaughter. The elephant jewel automatically submits to the king, becoming his mount and helping him travel the four continents (such as Jambudvīpa) to spread the Dharma. In stories, the elephant jewel's appearance symbolizes the king's legitimacy: if the king lacks virtue, the jewel will not appear.

- **Specific Mysteries of the Elephant Jewel**: In the Maharatnakūta Sutra, the elephant jewel is described as "strong enough to bear heavy burdens," capable of carrying the king across oceans and mountains, symbolizing overcoming worldly obstacles. A related story depicts a chakravartin (perhaps a past sage king) touring the world on his elephant jewel. Upon encountering an unjust nation, the elephant jewel roars, intimidating the enemy into submission rather than fighting. This reflects the Buddhist ideal of non-violence: the elephant jewel's power is used to protect the Dharma, not to conquer it.

- **Connection to the Buddha**: In some texts, the Buddha himself is likened to a chakravartin, as Shakyamuni's birth was accompanied by similar auspicious signs (such as a dream in which a white elephant entered the womb). According to the Buddhist story "Zhongtai World," the Chakravartin possessed seven treasures, including an elephant, and lived a carefree life, ultimately achieving liberation through practice. This story symbolizes the temporary nature of worldly treasures, while only the Dharma is eternal. This story serves to teach believers that while the elephant is sacred, practitioners should transcend worldly attachments.

These stories are not merely myths; they also contain moral teachings, emphasizing the importance of virtue, righteous Dharma, and wisdom. In modern Buddhist practice, the story of the elephant is often used in sermons, inspiring believers to cultivate elephant-like resilience and purity in their daily lives.