Attributes: Original red copper. Cast.

Size: 24cm

Description:

The Origin and Story of the Manjushri Bodhisattva's Wisdom Sword

Manjushri Bodhisattva (also known as Manjushri Bodhisattva) is one of the four great bodhisattvas representing wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. He is known as the "Mother of All Buddhas" or the "King of Wisdom." He is typically depicted holding a flaming sword in his right hand and a blooming blue lotus in his left, supporting a sutra (such as the Avatamsaka Sutra or the Prajnaparamita Sutra) above, while riding a blue lion. This sword is the famous "Wisdom Sword" (also known as the "Sword of Wisdom" or "Sword of Wisdom"), one of Manjushri Bodhisattva's iconic instruments.

Origin

The origin of the Wisdom Sword stems from the Tantric traditions and symbolism of Buddhism. It originated in the classic descriptions of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and later spread to Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. According to Buddhist texts such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Vajra Sutra, the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva appeared in Indian Buddhist art around the 5th century AD. However, the specific symbolism of the Sword of Wisdom was widely interpreted and formalized in Chinese Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty. The sword is made of blue iron, with a double-edged blade surrounded by swirling flames. The hilt is forged from gold and adorned with a half-cut five-pronged vajra. The fire of wisdom radiates from the tip of the blade. This sword is not a mundane weapon of destruction, but rather a symbol of the bodhisattva's supreme wisdom, capable of severing the defilements of ignorance, greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to enlightenment. In Buddhist art, Manjushri Bodhisattva holds the sword aloft in his right hand, symbolizing proactive action to sever delusions. The lotus in his left hand represents the balance of compassion and wisdom. This image is frequently seen in thangka paintings, sculptures, and temple murals. For example, the image of Manjushri at the Wenshu Monastery in Mount Wutai features the Sword of Wisdom as its central element.

The origin of the Sword of Wisdom is not rooted in a single historical event, but rather in Buddhist philosophical allegory. The sword's double-edged blade symbolizes the unity of relative truth and absolute truth, while the flames represent the fire that burns away ignorance. According to the text "The Wisdom Master," this sword is a figurative "blade of wisdom," capable of severing all knots of affliction and enabling sentient beings to attain a pure mind. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Sword of Wisdom is often considered a tantric instrument, used in blessing rituals to increase wisdom, eloquence, and decisiveness.

The allusion to the Sword of Wisdom lies primarily in Buddhist symbolism, rather than in specific historical events. The core allusion is "severing afflictions and eliminating ignorance." In Buddhism, afflictions are like stubborn vines that entangle the human heart, and only wisdom, like a sharp sword, can sever them. Manjushri Bodhisattva holds the sword, his right hand raised high, symbolizing the initiative and might of wisdom, which can pierce the darkness of ignorance and awaken the Buddha's innate wisdom. Another allusion stems from Manjushri Bodhisattva's unimpeded eloquence: the sword not only severs afflictions but also, like the blade of debate, shatters wrong views and guides sentient beings onto the right path. This is alluded to in the Vimalakirti Sutra, where Manjushri Bodhisattva resolves the Buddha's doubts through wisdom and debate.

In Chinese Buddhism, a widely circulated story is the one about Manjushri Bodhisattva incarnating as a beggar (see the mythological story below for details). In this story, the sword of wisdom is used to symbolize the bodhisattva's compassion and wisdom, capable of severing the worldly afflictions of attachment to wealth. Furthermore, in Tantric thangka art, the flames of the sword of wisdom are seen as "wisdom fire," capable of burning away karmic obstacles and symbolizing the bodhisattva's "great wisdom and compassion." These stories emphasize that the sword of wisdom is not a tool of violence, but rather a manifestation of compassion, helping sentient beings to liberate themselves from ignorance.

Myths About Manjushri Bodhisattva and the Sword of Wisdom

Many myths about Manjushri Bodhisattva are drawn from Buddhist scriptures and folklore, with the sword of wisdom often playing a key role, symbolizing the victory of wisdom. The following are two classic mythological stories:

1. **The Story of Manjushri Bodhisattva Transforming into a Beggar and Converting Five Hundred Arhats (or Bhikkhus)**

According to the Avatamsaka Sutra and Chinese Buddhist legends, after the Buddha Shakyamuni's death, five hundred Arhats (or Bhikkhus) practiced on Vulture Peak. However, due to their attachment to wealth and worldly desires, they were unable to attain Bodhi. They chanted scriptures daily, but greed plagued their practice, hindering their progress. Witnessing this, Manjushri Bodhisattva, moved with compassion, transformed himself into a beggar in tattered clothes and a bedraggled face, arriving at the mountain. Wielding a seemingly ordinary old sword (actually a manifestation of the Sword of Wisdom), the beggar begged for alms from the five hundred Arhats. Seeing his humble status, the Arhats mocked him, refused his alms, and even drove him away.

Manjushri Bodhisattva remained unmoved. Instead, he gently swung his Sword of Wisdom. In a flash of light, the surrounding rocks, trees, and the greed of sentient beings instantly transformed into countless mountains of gold and silver treasures. Overjoyed at this, the Arhats rushed towards the treasure, forgetting their spiritual practice. Manjushri Bodhisattva swung his sword again, reducing the treasure to ashes. Awakening with shock, the Arhats repented of their greed and delusion. The Bodhisattva revealed his true form, holding the Sword of Wisdom high and proclaiming, "Defilements are like dreams, wisdom is like the sword. Sever attachments, and only then will one see the true nature." The five hundred Arhats suddenly attained enlightenment and attained Arahantship.

This story emphasizes the power of the Sword of Wisdom to sever afflictions. Manjushri, appearing as a beggar, teaches sentient beings to let go of greed and grow in wisdom. To this day, temples in places like Mount Wutai still use this story as a theme, enshrining statues of Manjushri.

2. **The Story of Manjushri Bodhisattva Slaying the Buddha (The Legend of Manjushri Killing the Buddha)**

This is a relatively mysterious myth originating from Tantric and Zen Buddhism, recorded in the Lankavatara Sutra and Tibetan Buddhist lore. Legend has it that at some point after the Nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha, a "stubborn Buddha statue" (or a symbol of the Buddha's attachment) harbored deviant views, hindering sentient beings from attaining enlightenment. Manjushri Bodhisattva, commanded by the Tathagata, arrived, wielding the Sword of Wisdom and riding a blue lion. The Buddha statue refused to repent, leaving Manjushri helpless and, with great compassion, slashing it with his sword. The sword's blazing light, like fire, severed the statue's "head of ignorance." This wasn't actual killing, but rather the severing of its delusion, allowing it to be reborn as a pure Dharmakaya.

The deeper meaning of this story is that even the "Buddha" must be examined with wisdom, shedding superficial attachments to attain the true meaning. The Sword of Wisdom symbolizes fearless wisdom, capable of dispelling all obstacles, including blind obedience to saints. In Zen Buddhism, this is interpreted as "killing the Buddha to see the true nature," encouraging practitioners to reflect on their wisdom. While the story is dramatic, Buddhism emphasizes that it is an allegory, not an advocacy of violence, but rather the ultimate compassion of wisdom.

These stories and allusions have made Manjushri's Sword of Wisdom a symbol of wisdom and the ability to resolve adversity in Buddhism. Devotees often offer this instrument on Manjushri Bodhisattva's birthday (the fourth day of the fourth lunar month) to pray for the opening of wisdom and freedom from suffering.