Resources
The Wish-fulfilling Gem
Based on the book 'Great Gift and the wish-fulfilling Gem' A Jataka tale, retold by Lama Mipham (Dharma Publishing USA) ISBN 0 89800 144 7
The 'Wish-fulfilling Gem' is a Tibetan Buddhist symbol for Enlightenment.
It is a fundamental Buddhist belief that all living beings wish to be happy and to avoid all suffering and problems. Throughout our lives, all our energies are devoted to these twin aims. While this is perfectly justifiable, Buddhists believe that generally we are looking for happiness in the wrong place. We tend to think that happiness can be found outside of ourselves, in things, people and experiences. Likewise, we believe that suffering comes from others and external circumstances.
Wealth and wish fulfilment are often symbolised by jewels. And yet, even if we were to find such a mythical gem which could grant our every wish, we should not be as fortunate as we would be by gaining Enlightenment. For Buddhists believe that it is only by gaining Enlightenment that beings can truly be happy and free from suffering - sometimes called 'the wishless state'. The way to Enlightenment is through developing our minds. And it is only as Enlightened beings that they can truly help all other beings find happiness and freedom from problems.
Children might like to draw/make their own gems – then consider what they would wish for their own happiness, for the happiness of someone they love, and for the world. These wishes could be written into the gem in some way.