The line, "Now I show you this all-giving pearl, " may be interpreted in two ways. In one interpretation, one can say that Yung-chia has revealed his own gem to us ─ he is sharing his wisdom with us; or, one can say that Yung-chia is encouraging us to discover the pearl within ourselves. Both interpretations are helpful for our practice.

The mani pearl represents ultimate wisdom. A Bodhisattva at the eighth bhumi level is free from any obstructions caused by material objects, or physical dharmas. A Bodhisattva at the ninth bhumi level is free from all mental dharmas. The mani pearl, however, is the wisdom of the Buddha, and is free from all material and mental dharmas. Its power is unlimited. However, one must discover it before one can use it.

Imagine a pearl hidden at the bottom of a muddy pond. A person learns that something valuable lies down there, so he probes the muck with a stick. After great effort, he manages to catch a brief glimpse of the pearl, but it is immediately obscured again. He has to make an immense effort to clear away all the mud, to uncover the pearl completely, and to ensure that it will never be hidden again. Only when the pearl is free from all obstructions will it be of any use to him. Actually, however, the mani pearl is not obstructed by anything. It is we who have obstructions which prevent us from revealing and using the pearl.