Views of Japan

The wish fulfilling jewel.

On the tops of many Buddhist temples, on the tops of many stone lanterns, on the posts of most bridges across Japan, and in the hands (and on the areoles) of Jizõ Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha) one can often see an interesting “drop” shaped or “pointed ball” shaped decoration. 

This is the wish fulfilling jewel or in Sanskrit cintāmaṇi (चिन्तामणि). In Japanese it is known as a hõshu or nyoi hõshu.

It is Hindu in origin, connected with the gods Vishnu and Ganesha, and was borrowed by Buddhists to represent the attainment of wisdom and the wish to attain enlightenment. It is claimed by Buddhists that it will allow one to see the holy retinue of Bodhisattvas and the Buddha in the Pure Land. It is commonly seen also in Tibet and India, but not often encountered in China.

In Buddhism it is a fabulous jewel that can grant wishes and satisfy desires. It represents the three treasures of Buddhism - the Buddha, the sangha (followers), and the Buddha Dharma (teachings).

Often represented on a lotus, in threes, or singularly on the top of pagodas, it came to be placed on bridges over moats at Buddhist temples. The bridge represents the crossing over from the deluded world to that of realisation.  

The jewel used as a capping on bridges is also commonly called a giboshi which is the Japanese term for the Hosta. They are associated with the Hosta (Plantain lily Agavaceae) because of the similarity with the shape of the plants leaves and the shape of the jewel, these plants are often found in temple gardens as they are associated with the jewel.