A grain crop is described here as  one stalk which supports several leaves, and each leaf supports many kernels. The riddle draws a connection between the structure of grains and the structure of the monastic system. Much like one stalk of grain can support many grain kernels, there are one hundred monastic universities, each of which supports one hundred students. And, just as each monastic university has one hundred prayer flags—one for each student, each kernel of grain is encased by its own husk. This riddle reflects an understanding that the spiritual and social should reflect structures observable in nature.