Rock Crystal

In Japanese legends a ball of rock crystal is an emblem of the perfected soul of a man. The Buddhists believe that after the cremation of saints or extra holy men, tiny gem-like pellets, apparently of pure crystal, are found in their ashes. These are their cast-off souls-a proof that they have attained a perfected state; being absorbed in Buddha (the great soul of the universe) they no longer need their former soul. In many Buddhist temples, and in the homes of saintly Buddhists, these tiny soul-jewels are treasured up in a casket cut from ice-clear crystal, and are greatly venerated.

Japanese folk of the modern sort, however, have been known to sell their precious jewels to raise cash, and a crystal casket with several cast-off souls in it was for sale in a Japanese store on Broadway in 1880. The imperial regalia of Japan consists of a mirror, a sword, and a ball of flawless crystal. As a matter of scientific fact, the largest and purest specimens of rock crystal are found in Japan. At the Centennial Exposition, at Philadelphia, a sphere of flawless crystal, seven inches in diameter, stood in lone splendor on a dais; also several cases full of smaller ones. An American paid $2500 for a perfect globe of crystal, four inches in diameter.

In Japanese pictures the dragon is the jealous guardian of the crystal jewels which lie enshrined in his throne-room at the bottom of the sea. According to some legends, the dragon's sanctuary which holds these flashing jewels was in the Loo Choo Islands, which name means Hanging Globes. In nearly all representations of Japanese art the golden dragon that swims in azure waves comes holding a ball of crystal in his claw.

In common Japanese language the word "taud" means not only a ball or gem, but also a soul or spirit.