Analysis Of The Holy Emerald Jewel

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The Holy Emerald Jewel: Some Aspects of Buddhist Symbolism and Political Legitimation in Thailand and Laos

The Holy Emerald Jewel is the focus of Frank E. Reynolds’ academic article, The Holy Emerald Jewel: Some Aspects of Buddhist Symbolism and Political Legitimation in Thailand and Laos. The Jewel, or Emerald Buddha plays a significant role in Buddhist history: it serves as a symbol of mythic power and has influenced politics in Southeast Asia since its origin. Reynolds divides his article into four sections: the mythical and historical importance of the jewel; the jewel’s position as a magical and sacred object; how the sacred power of the jewel is related to Buddhism and politics; and the relationship between the jewel with other religious …show more content…

Reynolds points out that the sculpture is not constructed from actual emerald, but an alternate “deep bluish-green” stone. Historically it has been identified as an emerald structure. Not only is the representation of the Buddha important, so is the material from which the image was carved. While it is not actually emerald, the color of the image still carries significance: green is associated with fertility and renewal. Reynolds states, “…the power of such jewels to bring relief from disease, to hasten childbirth, to restore sight, to increase wealth and the like” meaning that worshippers associate the color of the jewel with spiritual power. In one account from the Buddhist chronicles, the Jewel displays its magical ability by destroying a shelter built by a ruler by conjuring lightning. The Jewel decided it did not want to reside in the shelter. In this case, the Jewel almost shows anthropomorphic power. This example provides a description of the Jewel’s spiritual quality. The Holy Emerald Jewel is more than an image, it is a sacred object that is revered for its mythical and symbolic …show more content…

Reynolds begins this passage by introducing the Jewel’s association with Indra, the deity of the Tavatimsa heaven who rules over gods. He was also the one who obtained the Jewel from Mt. Vibul. Like the Jewel, Indra also is associated with the color green, lightning, the sky, and fertility. The text states, “the oil for the lamps which stood before the image had been given by Indra, and the flame had come from the celestial fire which he had provided,” which describes and interconnectedness with the two Buddhist figures. There also exists a cult in northern Thailand that worships an object called the column of Indra, or Indrakhila. The origin and mythology of the object is similar to the Holy Emerald Jewel: they both have a similar appearance, are associated with the Tavatimsa heaven, and have the task of providing “fertility, security, and prosperity.” Reynolds discusses the Jewel’s relationship with the Chakkavatti king as well. The Chakkavatti ruler is defined as a revolutionary king who “turns the wheel of dharma” and embodies the Buddha (Leve). The text examines an interconnected relationship between the three—Buddha is manifested in Chakkavatti as well as the Holy Emerald. During the rule of the Chakkavatti king, he worshipped the Jewel, which allowed him to govern and advance his

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