26"x20" Manjushiri Thankga Painting

Manjushri - The Bodhisattva of Wisdom

Manjushri embodies the omniscient wisdom of enlightenment - the wisdom that discerns the true nature of reality. He can discriminate between correct and incorrect views and between beneficial and non-beneficial actions to be taken on one's spiritual path. He bestows intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, mastery of the teachings, eloquence and memory. His name means "gentle glory" and he is especially revered in Nepal, where he is said to have enabled the founding of civilization in the Kathmandu Valley. Manjushri is also the patron Bodhisattva of the Kadampa (i.e. Gelugpa) order of Tibetan Buddhism, which is famous for its master scholars, called geshes.

Gestures and Attributes

Manjushri's left hand is in Vitarka Mudra, the gesture of teaching and intellectual discussion. This hand also holds the stem of a lotus flower that supports the Prajnaparamita, or Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. The flaming sword in his right hand symbolizes the power of discriminating wisdom to cut through ignorance, the root of all suffering. Manjushri, in this sword-wielding pose, is representative of the courage and exertion needed to realize freedom.