Material: Cloth. Printing. Scroll. (Manjusri Bodhisattva)

Size: Approx. 122 x 83 cm

Description:

Manjusri Bodhisattva (Tibetan: འཇམ་དཔལ་དབྱངས།, Jampeyang, Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī) is a symbol of wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the supreme wisdom and enlightenment of understanding the truth of the universe. He is the embodiment of the wisdom of all Buddhas and is often revered as the "Wisdom Bodhisattva". He occupies an important position in the teachings and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The following is a brief description of the meaning and origin of Manjusri Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism:

**Meaning**

1. **Symbol of Wisdom**:

Manjusri Bodhisattva is the embodiment of wisdom, representing the ability to break through ignorance and see through reality. His wisdom is not only the accumulation of knowledge, but also the enlightenment beyond duality, which can help practitioners eliminate troubles and realize emptiness. In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is believed to inspire the wisdom of practitioners and help them gain clear insights on the path of practice.

2. **Guardian of Dharma and Debate**:

Manjushri is closely related to the spread of Buddhist teachings, especially in the academic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He is regarded as the guardian of debate (debating the Dharma) and learning. Many Tibetan Buddhist scholars and practitioners pray for Manjushri's blessings when studying the Dharma or debating to enhance their thinking ability and understanding.

3. **Combination of Compassion and Action**:

Manjushri not only represents wisdom, but also embodies the combination of compassion and action. He guides sentient beings out of suffering with wisdom, and manifests various images with compassion to adapt to the needs of different sentient beings and help them move towards enlightenment.

4. **Inspirer of Culture and Art**:

In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is also regarded as the inspirer of culture, art and learning. His image often appears in thangkas (religious paintings of Tibetan Buddhism) and temple decorations, symbolizing creativity inspired by wisdom.

**Image and symbol**

The image of Manjushri in Tibetan Buddhism usually has the following characteristics:

- **Holding a sword and a scripture**: He holds a flaming sword of wisdom in his right hand, symbolizing the severing of ignorance and troubles; he holds the Prajnaparamita Sutra (wisdom sutra) in his left hand, representing the wisdom of Prajna.

- **Lotus and peacock**: He often sits on a lotus seat, sometimes accompanied by a peacock behind him, symbolizing the radiance of purity and wisdom.

- **Young image**: Manjushri often appears as a sixteen-year-old youth, symbolizing the youth and vitality of wisdom.

**Origin**

1. **Derived from Indian Buddhism**:

The belief in Manjushri originated from Indian Mahayana Buddhism, especially in Mahayana sutras such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Prajnaparamita Sutra, where he is described as the attendant bodhisattva of Sakyamuni Buddha, and together with Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, he assists the Buddha in preaching the Dharma. His name "Mañjuśrī" means "wonderful and auspicious", symbolizing the perfect combination of wisdom and compassion.

2. **Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism**:

As Buddhism was introduced from India to Tibet (around the 7th-8th century), the belief in Manjushri took root. Tibetan Buddhism combines Manjushri with Tibetan culture and regards him as one of the important deities. In the four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug), Manjushri is widely worshipped, especially in the Gelug sect, where he is closely related to the wisdom inheritance of Master Tsongkhapa.

3. **Connection with the holy places in Tibet**:

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Manjushri is believed to have a special origin with Mount Wutai in China, and Mount Wutai is considered to be his place of practice (holy place). Tibetan Buddhists often regard Mount Wutai as a pilgrimage site and pray for the wisdom blessing of Manjushri.

4. **Manifestation legend**:

In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is believed to have manifested as many historical figures or eminent monks, such as the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo (who is regarded as the incarnation of Manjushri), who promoted the spread of Buddhism in Tibet with wisdom. In addition, many Tibetan Buddhist masters, such as Tsongkhapa and Nagarjuna, are also believed to have close Dharma lineage ties with Manjushri.

### **Role in practice**

In Tibetan Buddhist practice, the practice of Manjushri is very common. Practitioners pray for increased wisdom, memory, and understanding by chanting Manjushri's mantra (such as "Om Ara Pa Ca Na Dhih") or practicing Manjushri's Dharma. Especially when studying Buddhist scriptures, debating, or meditating, Manjushri's blessings are believed to help practitioners overcome obstacles and gain insight.

### **Conclusion**

Manjushri Bodhisattva is the core symbol of wisdom and enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism. His origin combines the classic inheritance of Indian Mahayana Buddhism with the unique interpretation of Tibetan culture. He is not only a guide for practitioners to pursue wisdom, but also an inspirer of culture, scholarship and compassion. By practicing the Dharma of Manjushri Bodhisattva, Tibetan Buddhists seek wisdom beyond the secular world and move towards ultimate liberation.

Manjushri Bodhisattva (printed thangka in cloth frame)