PhraJao Jakkapat and Kaew Jed Prakan – Symbolism of Great Auspiciousness
‘Kaew Jed Prakarn’ is a name oft heard in the amulet world. Many batches of amulets also often feature the word “Jakkapat” in their names, a word closely related to Kaew Jed Prakarn. Together, they are believed to imbue the amulets consecrated after them with auspiciousness and increase their potency.
The word PhraJao (King) Jakkapat comes from the Pali word “Cakkavatti
The fruits of his virtue, gathered over many lifetimes, bestows the Jakkapat with 7 treasures; known as ‘Kaew Jed Prakan’.
By reciting the holy verses of PhraJao Jakkapat, from Buddhist sutta, the blessings of PhraJao Jakkapat may be invoked and bestowed upon a person.
Kaew Jed Prakan
The 7 treasures of PhraJao Jakkapat are known as Jak Kaew
PhraJao Jakkapat was said to be the greatest ruler of all, a veritable “King of Kings”. Throughout his innumerable earlier lives, he was said to have been a man in pursuit of eternal merit and virtue. After concluding the cycle and passing from his last life, he was born into heaven, or in some cases, this mortal realm, to preside over it as a ruler.
These treasures are said to be the physical manifestation of his merits; his parami
1st Century C.E. Bas relief of a Jakkapat (Cakkavatti, probably depicting King Asoka) with his 7 adornments
1- Jak Rattana
Described as an object that lay 1,344,000 Kilometers beneath the sea. When a virtuous king is due to be reborn as the PhraJao Jakkapat, Jak Rattana (Pali: Cakkaratana) would rise from the depths and into the sky, casting a brilliant light upon him in celebration. Through this omen, the king would come to recognize himself as the next PhraJao Jakkapat. He would then make it his sole purpose to spread virtue throughout every corner of the world. It is said to be a potent defensive tool, destroying any weapon who would dare oppose it, thus allowing the PhraJao Jakkapat to be victorious in every battle.
The Jak Rattana also represents the knowledge and wisdom needed to transcend an unwholesome, unenlightened life. It thus bestows people with the ability to manage their own destiny, promoting harmony and dignity, and encouraging affluence in their lives.
It is followed by the appearance of the prevailing treasures.
2- Chang Kaew
In the holy scriptures of Buddhism, there exist 10 tribes of elephants. The Chaddanta
Each elephant in the Chaddanta tribe is said to possess the strength of 10 trillion men. These elephants are also described as being absolutely beautiful, with white bodies highlighted by an underbelly of gentle red hues. They are also said to be able to fly with ease.
These elephants represent the progress of the human mind, from its bestial, ape-like inception, to the regality and mindfulness represented by royalty. The transformed mind is watchful and tranquil, and constantly aware of its thoughts, and consequences of speech and actions and emotions. This allows one to live a life free of greed, hatred, and delusions.
This air of nobility ensures a good name and affluence.
3- Maa Kaew
The next treasure is a horse named Valāhaka
In much the same manner as it allows PhraJao Jakkapat to swiftly evade danger, or travel wherever he wishes, it also symbolizes the diligence and determination needed to swiftly perfect samadhi
4- Manee Kaew
The texts describe this gem as a bright sapphire (Veluriya
It has 8 facets and is the brightest of the nearly 84,000 different known gems, possessing a brilliance that may be seen from as far as 16 kilometers away. This is often described as a full moon capable of outshining the surrounding stars. The gem is destined to remain with the PhraJao Jakkapat until he passes away. Then it will vanish, returning to the hills from whence it came.
This is symbolic of renunciation, or the ability to let go, which is the basis of true giving. This ability is crucial to garnering insight into Dhamma
5- Nang Kaew
ItthiRattana means “the Pearl among women”. She is the consort of the Monarch, a woman who will rise to become the majestic queen of PhraJao Jakkapat. She must be a woman who had played the role of his wife in a past life.
The Queen must be from the royal family of the country of Madda
Uttakakuru is a mythical continent described in Buddhist texts. It is said that the men who lived there were free from greed. They did not own any properties (they sleep on the earth) or wives, and they lived very long lives. Their grand cities were built in the air, and both its men and women possessed great elegance. None of its denizens had to toil the land for a living, as the crops ripened by themselves, the trees bore perpetual fruit, and rice and food were miraculously omnipresent on every stove.
As the Queen pacifies, quells, and composes the Monarch, thus the symbolism signifies mindfulness achieved from the practice of mind-focusing exercises such as meditation. Mindfulness is often paired with knowledge and wisdom, in much the same manner as the Queen is paired with the King. If knowledge is not used mindfully, it becomes destructive and creates harm instead.
This signifies peace, harmony, and balance in your world or household, having someone with whom you can share the burdens of life, and help you to discover, develop, and hone your wisdom and virtue, completing your personality.
6- Khahabodee Rattana
A treasurer with a mystical ear that allows him to hear everything, and a magical eye that lets him watch over everything, like a deity in heaven. He was born to support the PhraJao Jakkapat, and lives to serve the needs of PhraJao Jakkapat. He works to obtain every treasure or property PhraJao Jakkapat desires, on behalf of his regal master.
He symbolizes vision and joy, and having the power, influence, and resources to support the pursuit of them.
7- Parinayok Rattana
The eldest son of PhraJao Jakkapat, as beautiful to behold as he is sharp of wit and bravery. He serves as an Adviser to the Monarch, and is well-versed in all aspects of management within his domain.
There is a deeper symbolism, akin to the concept of equanimity. This mental quality is able to nullify the vicissitudes of life, overcoming the ills of attachment, as well as overcoming the aversion to unpleasant or sorrowful events brought about by conflicts and tragedies.
He represents a subject or friend who is fearless, and has genuine care and concern for your welfare, providing good council. He is able to assist you with managing the people around you, without ever betraying you himself.
The Teachings and Auspiciousness
Each gem features a different symbol: Jak Kaew (Wheel), Chang Kaew (Elephant), and Maa Kaew (Horse) symbolize PhraJao Jakkapat’s mobility, and his ability to travel wherever he needs to in the swiftest possible manner. Manee Kaew (Wish-Fulfilling Gem) governs livelihoods. Nang Kaew (Queen) symbolizes a blessed, fulfilled heart. Khun Khlang Kaew (Treasurer) is the symbol of wealth. Khun Phon Kaew (Advisor), symbolizes career success. With all these 7 gems combined, the King will always triumph over adversity and succeed in every endeavor.
PhraJao Jakkapat is a rarity and is only formed in aeons lacking a Buddha (see our article of Phra Jao Har Phra Ong for more information). According to the Buddhist teachings, PhraJao Jakkapat means the King of all Kings in the universe, and its mythos proclaims that those who have perfected their parami through endless cycles of birth and death are granted a choice between being reborn as a PhraJao Jakkapat, or as a Buddha.
A Buddha pursues the Dhamma, leading people out of pain and suffering, while a PhraJao Jakkapat presides over worldly pleasures, bringing temporary relief from the pain of existence. Both are equally essential, as even after eliminating all the physical ills in the world, beings will still suffer from the effects of Dukkha
The PhraJao Jakkapat provides an accessible alternative to the full-scale “Dhamma” of the Buddha, as it is easier to enjoy worldly peace and benefits than learn to renounce them entirely.
The mindfulness and understanding of the Buddhist teachings regarding PhraJao Jakkapat will bring success and happiness to a person. It is also the reason reciting the Maha Jakkapat katha
‘But sire, what are the noble duties of a wheel-turning monarch?’ ‘Well then, my dear, relying only on principle—honoring, respecting, and venerating principle, having principle as your flag, banner, and authority—provide just protection and security for your court, troops, aristocrats, vassals, brahmins and householders, people of town and country, ascetics and brahmins, beasts and birds. Do not let injustice prevail in the realm. Pay money to the penniless in the realm. And there are ascetics and brahmins in the realm who avoid intoxication and negligence, are settled in patience and gentleness, and who tame, calm, and extinguish themselves. From time to time you should go up to them and ask:
“Sirs, what is skillful? What is unskillful? What is blameworthy? What is blameless? What should be cultivated? What should not be cultivated? Doing what leads to my lasting harm and suffering? Doing what leads to my lasting welfare and happiness?” Having heard them, you should reject what is unskillful and undertake and follow what is skillful. These are the noble duties of a wheel-turning monarch.’
Digha Nikaya 26, 2.1, Cakkavatti-Sῑhanāda Sutta: The Lion’s Roar on the Turning of the Wheel
(Source: https://suttacentral.net/dn26/en/sujato)
(Picture reference: Praneet Soontronront/ Shutterstock.com)