Manjushri

According to Mahayana tradition, Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. However, esoteric Buddhist literature describes him as a fully enlightened being, a Buddha in fact, and attributes to him a multitude of both fierce and compassionate forms. His attributes include a book and a flaming sword, which he wields to fight ignorance. He holds his sword in a raised right hand, and the book lies on a lotus flower whose stalk Manjushri grasps. According to legend, Manjushri resides on the Chinese sacred mountain of Wutaishan. The bottom half of the thangka features Amitayus – the Buddha of Infinite Life – and two patrons of Tibet, the White and Green Tara. Below Manjushri’s throne lie five objects that stimulate the senses – a mirror, seashell, peach, a pair of cymbals and a scarf.