Brief Introduction of Manjushree

Manjushree (Sanskrit: मञ्जुश्री) is a bodhisattva embodying Prajna (transcendent wisdom) in Mahayana Buddhism. The name "Manjushree" comes from Sanskrit: Manju meaning "beautiful, delightful, sweet" and Sri meaning "glory, auspiciousness" — literally "Beautiful One with Glory." In Tibetan he is called Jamphel Yang (འཇམ་དཔལ་དབྱངས།). The Buddha once said Manjushree had been his teacher in a past life. He is also known as Manjushreekumarabhuta, meaning "Manjushree, still a Youth," and Manjughosa, the "Gentle Voice."

History and Cultural Practice

Scriptural Roots: Manjushree is among the earliest Mahayana bodhisattvas, first appearing in the Prajnaparamita Sutras. He is central in the Lotus Sutra and Vimalakirti Sutra, where he debates non-duality with Vimalakirti.

Nepalese Mythology: In the Swayambhu Purana, Manjushree is credited with creating the Kathmandu Valley. Using his flaming sword, he cut a gorge at Chovar to drain the primordial lake, making the land habitable and giving rise to Swayambhunath Stupa. This established him as patron deity of the valley.

Meditation and Mantra: In Tibetan Buddhism, his mantra — Om A Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhih — is recited to cultivate wisdom, memory, and clarity. The syllable Dhih especially embodies intellectual awakening.

Patron Saint of Scholars: Manjushree is revered as patron of monks and scholars. Great masters, including Je Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelug school), are said to have received teachings from him.

Chinese Pilgrimage: In China, he is called Wenshu Pusa. His earthly abode is Mount Wutai (Wutai Shan), one of China’s most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Teaching on Samadhi: In the Saptasatika Prajnaparamita Sutra, he teaches Ekavyuha Samadhi (Samadhi of One Action), contemplating the five skandhas as empty, peaceful, neither arising nor ceasing — leading to an unobstructed mind.

Iconography of Manjushree

• Flaming Sword: In his right hand, he wields the flaming double-edged Prajna Khadga (sword of wisdom), cutting through ignorance and delusion.
• Lotus Flower: In his left hand rests a blue lotus (utpala), symbol of purity and spiritual awakening.
• Jewelry: He wears a jeweled crown and ornaments, signifying celestial beauty and enlightened royalty.

Manjushree’s Role and Teachings

His importance is highlighted in many sutras:

• Prajnaparamita Sutras: Establish him as the embodiment of transcendent wisdom.
• Maha Prajna Paramita Sastra: Lists him among monastic bodhisattvas destined for Buddhahood.
• Lotus Sutra: Guides Nagaraja’s daughter to enlightenment; receives a pure land called Vimala in the East.
• Vimalakirti Sutra: Only bodhisattva able to debate with Vimalakirti on non-duality.
• Gaganaganjapariprccha: Teaches that words are “works of Mara” and true enlightenment lies beyond them.
• Saptasatika Prajnaparamita Sutra: Explains Ekavyuha Samadhi, meditating on the skandhas as void and peaceful to achieve inconceivable wisdom.

Story Behind Manjushree

On Mount Wutai, Bodhisattva Manjushree beheld the radiant Swayambhu light upon a lotus. Riding his blue lion, he journeyed through the mountains of China and Tibet to honor the sacred light. Upon seeing the vast lake in Kathmandu, he realized the land could be freed. With his flaming sword, he sliced through the surrounding mountains, draining the water. The lotus rose as a hill, and the light transformed into the Swayambhunath Stupa — the heart of Kathmandu Valley.