Manjushri is one of the three “great” Bodhisattvas, along with Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani. In general, they stand for three important ideas, or the three Buddha virtues:
- Manjushri: wisdom and insight
- Avalokiteshvara: compassion and love
- Vajrapani: power, strength, and protection
Traditionally visualized as a radiant youth of sixteen, Manjushri represents the dawn of manhood. Many eons ago, he was a king of a realm called Kamjung Sangpo. Choosing the path of enlightenment, he gave up his throne, took the bodhisattva vows, and cultivated the awakened mind. Through this, he eventually became the bodhisattva we know today as Manjushri.
Most often depicted as male, Manjushri can also appear in female forms, especially in tantric and symbolic contexts. These feminine forms highlight the nurturing, motherly aspect of wisdom, complementing his fiery sword of insight. This reflects the idea that ultimate wisdom is beyond gender.
Symbolism of Manjushri Deity
Manjushri is adorned with various attributes that represent different aspects of his enlightened qualities. Every element in his depiction carries deep meaning.
Posture: Lotus Posture
Like most Bodhisattva figures, he is seated on a lotus posture, wielding a flaming sword in his right hand and a book (Prajnaparamita Sutra) on top of a lotus held in his left hand. Manjushri represents the wisdom which cuts down ignorance and attainment of ultimate enlightenment.
Facial Expression: Youthful and Radiant
Often smiling gently, Manjushri’s face radiates youthfulness and serene nature reflecting clarity of mind and awakened wisdom. His gentle smile represents wisdom united with compassion.
The Blue Lion
Manjushri is usually seen riding a blue snow lion which symbolizes his untamed wisdom and the ability to conquer obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
Youthful Appearance
Manjushri is shown as a youthful figure, sometimes a young boy. His youthful appearance symbolizes that wisdom is always vibrant.
Manjushri – In Nepal
According to ancient Buddhist texts, the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake. A great lotus with a self-arising flame (Svayambhu Jyoti) bloomed in the middle of the lake. Manjushri, seeing the light from afar (from Wu Tai Shan, his sacred mountain in China), came to Nepal. To enshrine the holy flame, he brandished his flaming sword of wisdom and cleaved open the Chobhar Gorge, allowing water to drain away. Thus, a fertile valley emerged which became a place for people to live, now known as the Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, the holy flame is now honoured as the Swayambhunath Stupa.
Five Forms of Manjushri in Buddhism
Manjushri manifests in five different Tantric forms which are as follows:
- Arapacana Manjushri
- Jnanasattva Manjushri
- Simhanada Manjushri
- Tikshna Manjushri
- Vimala Manjushri
Arapacana Manjushri
Arapacana Manjushri is commonly depicted in yellow form and is known as the Splendid Melodious Voiced One. This form drained the valley's water to enshrine the holy flame (Svayambhu Jyoti). His right hand holds the flaming sword to purge ignorance and his left hand holds the book of wisdom on a lotus symbolizing enlightenment.
Jnanasattva Manjushri
Jnanasattva Manjushri is depicted in white form as the wisdom deity. His right hand shows the gesture of generosity, and his left hand holds the stem of a lotus supporting the flaming sword.
Simhanada Manjushri
Simhanada Manjushri is depicted in red form with four limbs. His right hand holds the blazing sword and an arrow, while his left hand holds a book of wisdom on a lotus and a bow.
Tikshna Manjushri
Green Manjushri, also called Tikshna Manjushri, depicts a green form. Both hands hold lotus stems, one supporting the wisdom sword and the other the book of wisdom.
Vimala Manjushri
Vimala Manjushri is the wrathful healing form depicted in blue-black. He holds the flaming sword and the book of wisdom in his right and left hands, associated with the pure land of Vimala.
Manjushri’s Mantra
Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih
The six syllables of Lord Manjushri can be explained in three main stages: generation, completion, and the great perfection.
Artistic Representation and Craftsmanship
In statues and thangkas, Manjushri is depicted with stunning artistry, reflecting youth, peaceful expression, and characteristic sword and sutra marking his identity as Lord of Wisdom. These sacred images are meditation guides for cultivating insight and overcoming ignorance.
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