parable of the bright jewel in the topknot ［髻中明珠の譬］ ( keichū-myōju-no-tatoe): Also, parable of the priceless gem in the topknot. One of the seven parables in the Lotus Sutra. It appears in the “Peaceful Practices” (fourteenth) chapter. After a battle, a wheel-turning king rewards those who have fought successfully with fields, houses, robes, gold, silver, and other treasures. There is one object he does not give away easily, a bright jewel he wears hidden in his topknot. Finally he takes the jewel from his hair and gives it to the soldier who has gained truly great distinction. Shakyamuni compares the jewel in the topknot to the Lotus Sutra, which the Buddha conceals while expounding preparatory teachings, and the treasures previously bestowed to the provisional teachings.