Description
Manjushri is a Bodhisattva who represents Transcendent Wisdom also called as Yidam in Tibetan Buddhism. Along with Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani, he is one of a trinity of family protectors.
The family that Manjushri protects is known as the Tathagata family, which includes the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, as well as Vairochana, the central figure in the Five Buddha Mandala. He is well known as Gent Glory.
Manjushri was an ancient Buddha whose special purpose was to lead the audiences of the Buddha in the inquiry into the shelf, to discover the true nature of reality.
Nepali Story of Manjushri
According toSwayambhu Purana, a long time ago Kathmandu was a lake full of water. Manjushri came from China to Nepal on a pilgrimage. When Manjushree was roaming around saw a lotus flower in the middle of the lake.
He decided to cut a gorge with his flaming at Chobar to allow the lake to drain and the place where the lotus flower settled is the site of the Swayambhu stupa.
The valley then became habitable. It is believed that the first human settlement in the Kathmandu valley was named Manjupattan.
Iconography
Manjusri sits on the lotus holding a flaming sword in his right hand, representing the realization of transcendent wisdom which cuts down ignorance and duality.
The scripture supported by the Padma held in his left hand is a Prajnaparamita sutra, representing his attainment of ultimate realization from the blossoming of wisdom.
About Painting
This beautiful painting is hand-painted by the Master artist of Old Monastery Thangka Painting School. The Thangka painting of Manjusri is presented with very detailed information. Manjusri is surrounded by Medicine Buddha, Chenrezig, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Mahakal.
Manjushri is identified as the oldest and most significant Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism literature. In early Mahayana texts called “Prajnaparamita Sutra”, referred to Manjushri as the embodiment of transcendent wisdom.
Vimala, a pure land assigned to him by Lotus Sutra, is considered as one of the two best pure lands that existed in the past, present, and future. Manjushri is considered as a fully enlightened Bodhisattva and is greatly respected and worshipped as a “ Meditational Deity ”.
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