Material: bronze casting. (The bottom can hold holy objects)

Size: Height 8 cm

Description:

Manjushri (Tibetan: ཇམ་དཔལ་དབྱངས་, Jampeyang, Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī) is one of the most important bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism. He represents wisdom, insight and knowledge and is revered as the "wisdom bodhisattva". The following is an overview of the meaning and origin of Manjushri in Tibetan Buddhism:

Meaning

1. **Symbol of wisdom**: Manjushri is regarded as the embodiment of wisdom, especially great wisdom (Prajñā), which can break through ignorance and confusion and guide sentient beings to enlightenment. His wisdom is not only worldly knowledge, but also a deep understanding of the truth of Buddhism.

2. **Education and eloquence**: Manjushri is famous for his unimpeded eloquence, and can spread Buddhism in clear language and enlighten sentient beings. He is often regarded as the guardian and disseminator of the Buddha's teachings.

3. **Compassion and Action**: Although known for his wisdom, Manjushri also embodies compassion, helping sentient beings escape from suffering through wisdom, and together with other Bodhisattvas such as Avalokitesvara (compassion) and Vajrapani (power) constitute an important Bodhisattva image in Tibetan Buddhism.

4. **Multiple manifestations**: In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri has different incarnations, such as wrathful (such as Yamantaka) or gentle (such as Manjushri), to meet the needs of different sentient beings.

Image and Symbolism

- **Typical Image**: Manjushri is usually depicted holding a sword (right) and a Prajna Sutra (left), riding a lion. The sword symbolizes the cutting off of ignorance and troubles, the Sutra represents the teachings of wisdom, and the lion symbolizes bravery and majesty.

- **Color and Form**: Often shown in golden or white, symbolizing purity and light. In Tibetan Buddhism, he sometimes appears as a single image, and sometimes as a complex image with multiple arms and heads, representing multiple aspects of wisdom and ability.

Origin

1. **Indian Buddhist Roots**: The worship of Manjushri Bodhisattva originated from Indian Mahayana Buddhism, especially in the Prajnaparamita Sutra, where he was described as an important disciple of the Buddha with supreme wisdom. As Mahayana Buddhism was introduced into Tibet, the worship of Manjushri Bodhisattva was incorporated into the belief system of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **The Development of Tibetan Buddhism**: In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri Bodhisattva is regarded as the embodiment of the wisdom of all Buddhas and is closely related to the academic and knowledge inheritance in Tibetan culture. He is often regarded as the guardian of Tibetan Buddhist monks and scholars. For example, Master Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelug School) is believed to have a special relationship with Manjushri Bodhisattva.

3. **History and Legend**: Tibetan Buddhism believes that Manjushri Bodhisattva once manifested as an important figure in the world. For example, Mount Wutai (China) is regarded as the dojo of Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Tibetan Buddhists often go there for pilgrimage. In addition, some important documents and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism are considered to be the revelations of Manjushri.

4. **Role in Tantra**: In Tibetan Tantra, Manjushri is not only a symbol of wisdom, but also associated with specific tantras (such as the Manjushri True Name Sutra) and practices. His wrathful form, Vajrabhairava, is an important deity for subduing demons and is widely practiced.

Cultural Influence

- **Academics and Education**: Manjushri is closely related to intellectual activities such as learning, writing, and debating in Tibetan Buddhism. Many Tibetan Buddhists pray for Manjushri's blessings before studying or taking exams to enhance their wisdom.

- **Art and Literature**: Manjushri's image is widely seen in thangkas, sculptures, and temple murals, and his mantra "Oṃ Ara Pa Ca Na Dhīḥ" is believed to inspire wisdom and is widely recited.

- **Politics and History**: In Tibetan history, some rulers or eminent monks were considered to be incarnations of Manjushri, such as some kings in the Tubo period or the later Dalai Lama.

Summary

In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment. Through his teachings and blessings, he guides practitioners to break through ignorance and attain Buddhahood. His origins extend from Indian Mahayana Buddhism to Tibetan Buddhism, and he has developed a unique form of worship in Tibetan culture, which has a far-reaching influence. Whether in academics, practice or art, the image and teachings of Manjushri run through the core of Tibetan Buddhism.