Description

Manjushree youthful depicts youthful Bodhisattwa of Transcendent Wisdom. Manjusri in Sanskrit means “He Who Is Noble and Gentle. Wisdom makes possible for the freedom of all suffering and hence consider the most honored virtue in Buddhism.

Etymology

Manjushree first appears in Buddhist literature in Mahayana sutras, in particular the Lotus Sutra, the Flower Ornament Sutra, and the Vimalakirti Sutra as as well as the Prajna Paramamita Sutra. Manjusri’s likeness is often found in Zen meditation halls, and he is an important deity in Tibetan tantra. Along with wisdom, Manjusri is associated with poetry, oratory and writing. He is said to have an especially melodious voice.

He is often depicted as a beautiful youth, seated cross-legged on a lotus-flower throne, attired in princely silks and ornaments. In his right hand, raised above his head, he wields the symbol most distinctively his, a flaming sword of wisdom that cuts through the ignorance which binds sentient beings to a cycle of suffering and unhappiness. In his left hand, at his heart, he holds a book, a volume of the Perfection of Wisdom, representing both the source and embodiment of his awakened understanding.

Mantra

oṃ arapacana dhīḥ