Chapter 4

Relative Value of Relics and Perfect Wisdom

34. When asked about the holy relics, the wise Sakra answered: “If I could have fields as vast as the sands of the river Ganges, all of them filled to the brim with holy relics, I would still take this wisdom over them all. Why? It is not out of a lack of respect for the relics, but why are they worshiped in the first place? They are worshiped because they were given their worth only by the perfection of wisdom; just as a man given title by a king is paid homage to, but it is the king which gives him his worth—so it is the perfection of wisdom that made these relics holy.”

Simile of the Wishing Jewel

35. “A priceless gem, possessing all the finest qualities, the basket in which it is contained is also, indirectly, paid homage to. Just so it is with the qualities of wisdom, the foremost perfection, which gain worship for the relics as well. Therefore, let the one who wishes to win the highest levels of being take up the perfection of wisdom. This is where true liberation is found.”

Perfect Wisdom and the Five Other Perfections

36. The Buddha then said: “It is wisdom that is behind the one who gives gifts, has morality, patience, vigor and concentration. Wisdom takes a firm hold on the dharmas so that they may not be lost. Wisdom alone is also the one who reveals to us all the dharmas.”

Simile of the Shadows

37. There are many thousands of different trees, or different species, shapes and forms in the forest; but when the light is cast upon them we only see one shadow. In the same way, the five perfections come from the perfection of wisdom. When cast into the light of the all-knowledge, enlightenment provides one single principle for all six of them.