Dharma Talk by Dr.Reeves - The Jewel in Your Hair

"The Jewel in Your Hair"
November 7, 2004

The Parable of the Jewel in the Topknot found in Chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra is about a king who rewards those who are deserving with a great variety of treasures, everything from jewels to whole towns. But he does not give anyone the great jewel in the topknot of his hair. Yet finally the time comes when he decides to award that great jewel to someone of special merit.

The main point of the parable is to say that the Lotus Sutra, represented by the great jewel, is superior in some way to all other sutras, thus it is given last.

Why is it greatest?

According to the Sutra itself, it is last because the Lotus Sutra can lead all the living to "comprehensive wisdom." (Issai-chi in Japanese) In other words, the Lotus Sutra is superior in being more comprehensive.

It's not because the Lotus Sutra is able to defeat or destroy or put aside or overcome or replace other sutras that it is superior. The jewel from the topknot does not in any way diminish the value of other gifts the King has given. Those many treasures really are treasures, and their value is not diminished by the giving of the jewel in the topknot.

Thus, followers of the Lotus Sutra should never say such things as, "Our religion is much better than yours."

Being more comprehensive actually means the opposite of putting down or casting aside other sutras. It means putting them into a context which gives them more, not less, value; it means lifting them up by showing that they serve a great purpose.

The Buddha had to use a great variety of teachings in order to lead people to the Dharma. It was only through a great variety of teachings that a great variety of people were led to the Dharma.

You too can be one who gives treasures to others, even the great treasure of the jewel in the topknot!