Material: Iron, Forged, Cast, Handcrafted, Antique

Size: 42cm

Description:

The Five-pronged Manjushri Wisdom Sword, also known as the Manjushri Wisdom Sword or the Manjushri Demon-Subduing Sword, is one of the principal instruments of Manjushri Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Its distinctive features include a double-edged blade, typically crafted from blue iron, encircled by a flame pattern, and a gold-forged hilt, adorned with a half-cut five-pronged vajra (the five prongs symbolizing the five wisdoms and the five Buddhas). Wisdom fire radiates from the tip of the sword, symbolizing keen awareness and the ability to eliminate delusion.

This sword is not only a symbolic object of Manjushri Bodhisattva, but is also widely used in Tibetan Buddhism as a physical instrument for worship and practice.

Role in Buddhist Ritual

In Buddhist ritual, the Five-pronged Manjushri Wisdom Sword plays a key role symbolizing wisdom and the elimination of obstacles, particularly in the rituals of Tantra (Tibetan Buddhism). It is not a weapon used for physical attack, but rather a spiritual tool to sever inner ignorance, afflictions, and karmic obstacles. Specifically:

- **Symbolic Function**: The sword represents Prajna wisdom, which can "sever all temptations and reveal the true meaning of emptiness." In rituals, holding a sword symbolizes the bodhisattva's sharp and precise awareness, capable of severing ignorance and obstructions. The flame-wreathed blade emphasizes the wisdom's ability to incinerate defilements like fire, while the five-pronged vajra strengthens the blessings of the five wisdoms (great mirror wisdom, equality wisdom, wonderful observation wisdom, accomplished wisdom, and dharmakaya wisdom).

- **Ritual Application**: During practices or empowerment ceremonies, the master or practitioner may visualize or wave the sword, symbolizing the severing of internal and external obstacles. For example, in the practice of Manjushri, the sword is used to pray for wisdom, enhance memory, and overcome difficulties encountered during exams or studies. Placed in a mandala or at home, it can ward off evil and protect the family. Some rituals combine the sword with the Manjushri mantra (such as "Om Ara Padjana Dei") to enhance eloquence and mental focus. In Tibetan Buddhism, this sword is often used in conjunction with the vajra, emphasizing the indestructible power of wisdom.

Origin

The origins of the five-pronged Manjushri Wisdom Sword can be traced back to the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhist texts. Manjushri Bodhisattva (full name Manjushri Shili Bodhisattva) is the embodiment of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism and is revered as the "Mother of the Three Ages," because all Buddhas past, present, and future attain enlightenment through wisdom. In texts such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Vimalakirti Sutra, Manjushri often appears as a young prince, holding a flaming sword in his right hand and a Prajnaparamita Sutra scroll resting on a blue lotus in his left. The sword's design originated from Indian Buddhism and later spread to China and Tibet, becoming established in Chinese Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty. The five-pronged vajra design on the hilt emphasizes Tibetan traditions. The five prongs represent the Five Buddhas and the Five Wisdoms, symbolizing the perfection and multifaceted nature of wisdom. According to legend, the sword's symbolic meaning stems from Manjushri Bodhisattva's vow to wield the sharp sword of wisdom to sever sentient beings' afflictions and guide them to realize emptiness. Manjushri Bodhisattva resides in Mount Wutai, China. Its five peaks symbolize the five knots on his head, echoing the five elements of the five strands, strengthening his wisdom.

#Related Stories

Stories related to Manjushri Bodhisattva and the Sword of Wisdom are common in Chinese Buddhist legends, emphasizing his compassionate incarnations to save sentient beings and his wisdom to overcome obstacles. The following are two classic stories:

1. **Incarnating as a Beggar to Save an Old Monk**: Legend has it that the eminent Qing Dynasty monk Xuyun (also known as Master) made a dedicated pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, Manjushri's spiritual home. He prostrated himself three times and prostrated nine times along the way. Twice, he fell seriously ill and was on the verge of death. Each time, a beggar (named Wenji) appeared, offering hot porridge, fire, and guidance. The beggar, who claimed to reside in Mount Wutai, was a well-known figure. Upon arriving, the monk inquired and discovered that Wenji was the incarnation of Manjushri Bodhisattva. In this story, the Sword of Wisdom is a metaphor for the bodhisattva's compassion and wisdom, capable of severing the monk's karmic obstacles and difficulties, allowing him to successfully attain enlightenment. This story emphasizes that Manjushri Bodhisattva does not appear in a splendid form, but rather in the form of a humble beggar, teaching sentient beings humility and wisdom.

2. **The Beggar's Three Questions Lead to Enlightenment**: Another story depicts a monk who, believing himself to be supremely wise, encounters a beggar who takes the seat of honor in a temple. The monk questions the beggar's qualifications, and the beggar (a manifestation of Manjushri) asks three questions in return: What is true wisdom? How can one eliminate afflictions? How can one realize emptiness? Unable to answer, the monk suddenly realizes that his pride is an obstacle. The beggar uses the metaphor of a sword of wisdom: a sword need not be splendid, but sharp enough to cut through the root. The story ends with the beggar disappearing, leaving behind the enlightened monk. This legend highlights the spiritual power of the sword of wisdom beyond ritual, enabling simple conversation to sever inner attachments.

These stories, passed down through the ages, remind believers that the sword of Manjushri's wisdom is not merely a Dharma instrument but a symbol of inner awakening. Practicing it can enhance wisdom and dispel obstacles.