The Cintamani Jewel

A grouping of Jizos.

"The whole Universe in the ten directions is one bright pearl. How could we not love the bright pearl? Its colors and light, as they are, are endless."

--Zen Master Dogen

"Jizo Bodhisattva carries the cintamani jewel in his left hand.

Mani is a Sanskrit word for jewel, precious stone, or specifically a pearl. The cintamani is the jewel that fulfills all wishes. In paintings or statues of Jizo Bodhisattva the jewel can be shown as a single large luminous jewel, as a cluster of three jewels, or as one large jem with three tiers. The cintamani is also shown as a colored jewel, a pearl, or a transparent globe. There may be a halo of flames around the jewel. This indicates the warm and brilliant light that radiates from the jewel and illuminates the deepest reaches of hell. To see this light brings hope and comfort to those who strike out and harm each other in the dark cave of ignorance."

--from Jizo Bodhisattva, by Jan Chozen Bays