Manjushri: Bodhisattva of Wisdom & Insight

Background and Significance

Manjushri is called the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and is honored through Buddhist practice. His name means "Gentle Glory" or "Beautiful Splendor," and he is associated with the concept of prajñā. Prajñā is the employment of wisdom to see the world as it is, beyond mere understanding. Given that he is one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, he has a separate level of wisdom to offer you. Manjushri is essential for anyone who studies, meditates, and takes the Dharma path seriously in their pursuit of profound understanding. The wisdom possessed and clarified by Manjushri is not just intellectual, rational wisdom; it is an intuition, or knowing, prajñā —a profound knowing that transcends conceptual thought. 

In the Sutras and Tantras, Manjushri is often described as the teacher of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, charming them with his profound wisdom and insights, embodying the qualities of a perfect teacher. Manjushri is usually accompanied by youth, intelligence, and eloquence, as these qualities support the clarity of his speech and mind.

Manjushri and the Kathmandu Valley

In the storied origin myth of the Kathmandu Valley, legend has it that the deity Manjushri saw the Lotus and the halo of sacred Swayambhu light shining from a lake that covered the entire valley. He used his flaming sword of wisdom to cut through the Chovar hill. This opened the dam of the lake, drained the valley, revealed habitability, and uncovered the Swayambhunath stupa. This compelling myth signifies the removal of ignorance and the revelation of inner wisdom and sacred potential.

Iconography of Manjushri

Manjushri's iconography is symbolic, with every component referring to a facet of the qualities found in enlightenment wisdom. The key features listed below can be found in traditional thangka paintings and statues:

1. Flaming Sword: 

The sword, held in Manjushri's right hand, represents the sharpness of wisdom that cuts through ignorance, delusion, and dualistic thinking. The flames signify clarity and spiritual illumination.

2. Five-Jewelled Crown:

The five-jewel crown rests on Manjushri's head and represents his complete realization of the five transcendent wisdoms and the five Dhyani Buddhas.

3. Prajnaparamita Sutra on a Lotus

In his left hand, Manjushri grasps a lotus flower that supports the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) scripture, symbolizing the whole essence of ultimate wisdom.

4. Silky Scarf:

The long, flowing green silk scarf, which flows around his arms and shoulders, represents moving energy, elegance, and the freedom of awakened thought.

5. Upper Hair in Three-Tier Top Knot:

Manjushri's topknot indicates the three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and also signifies discipline in a royal sense, meaning spiritually.

6. Moon Disc:

Manjushri is sitting on a full moon disc. This also represents purity, serenity, and the illumined mind of bodhicitta (awakened heart).

7. Lotus Seat:

The lotus flower Manjushri is seated on, symbolizing purity above worldly, murky waters and the Bodhisattva's inability to be defiled by spiteful entities.

Associated Practices and Mantras

The practices of Manjushri are foundational for awakening wisdom and understanding. Manjushri is often the figure visualized by those seeking clarity of mind and insight. 

"Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhih"

The mantra is believed to sharpen memory, promote intellectual insight, and expand spiritual insight. Every syllable of the mantra is symbolically meaningful, helping practitioners move along the path of wisdom and awakening. This mantra is a chant practiced daily by many students, scholars, and meditators. The mantra is chanted for various reasons, such as before studying sacred texts, on retreat, or during analytical contemplation. It functions to guide the practitioner to directly or indirectly call forth the blessings of the Bodhisattva Manjushri, thereby cutting the haze of mental mist, awakening discernment, and sprinkling the intellect with the powers of clear understanding. 

Manjushri Statues

Manjushri Statue Collection

Explore our Manjushri statue collection, which represents the embodiment of transcendent wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. The Manjushri Bodhisattva of Wisdom is recognized for clarity of mind, sharp intellect, and articulate speech, attributes which assist practitioners on the path to enlightenment. Each handcrafted statue of Manjushri is crafted by a skilled artisan in Nepal, capturing ancient details and depicting spiritually revered iconography. 

When you bring a Manjushri statue into your home, you are gaining higher knowledge, spiritual clarity, and a deeper connection to your inner awakening, which informs your everyday life. The Manjushri statue will be a perfect addition for scholars, meditators, or those seeking to bring either intellectual or spiritual insight to their home.

Explore Our Handcrafted Manjushri Statues

Access the enlightened energy of Manjushri, "Gentle Glory," whose enlightened wisdom dispels the darkness of ignorance. Our handcrafted statues are crafted by masterful Nepali artisans using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. There are as many representations of Manjushri as there are styles of statues, all of which symbolize enlightened qualities such as Guidance, intelligence, clarity, and spiritual insight.

Our statues are crafted with the highest quality materials, including oxidized bronze, fire-gilded gold, and fine copper, often featuring inlays of turquoise and coral. Perfect for personal altars, study spaces, meditation rooms, and an excellent gift for those seeking wisdom and truth.

Why Choose a Manjushri Statue? 

Bringing a Manjushri statue into your home brings clarity, wisdom, and a purposeful approach to learning into your life. Here is a general guide with helpful reminders about what this impressive figure signifies: 

1. Embodiment of the Wisdom of Enlightenment:

Manjushri's presence dissipates confusion and ignorance in your life, allowing your awareness to settle into a deeper understanding and spiritual insight.

2. Support for Studying & Intellectual Clarity:

Manjushri is a tremendous support for students, teachers, and thinkers. His likeness enables better concentration, clarity of thoughts, and heightened awareness of eloquence.

3. Meditation & Dharma Practice:

A statue of Manjushri may help in your meditation practice, and identifying Manjushri as a focus can deepen your meditations, particularly in analytical meditation, or the study of emptiness.

4. Connection to Sacred Mantras & Teachings:

Reciting Manjushri's mantra cultivates wisdom and clarity of thought, ultimately helping you discover the nature of your reality.