Description

Manjushri Bodhisattva
Manjushri (Chinese: 文殊菩萨, abbreviated as Wenshu) is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in Chinese Buddhism. His Sanskrit name, Mañjuśrī, translates to “Wonderful Virtue” or “Glorious Auspiciousness” (妙德/妙吉祥), also modernized as Mañjuśrīkumārabhūta (曼殊室利). Revered as the embodiment of wisdom, he is famed for teaching the core Buddhist concepts of Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom, 般若性空) and skillful means (adaptable teachings, 般若方便).
Role & Significance
Left Attendant of Buddha Shakyamuni: Manjushri represents wisdom, balancing Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (右胁侍), the Right Attendant who embodies universal principle.
Huayan Three Sages: With Vairocana Buddha (毗卢遮那如来, the Cosmic Buddha) and Samantabhadra, they form the Three Sacred Figures of the Flower Garland Sutra (华严三圣).
Sacred Site: Believed to reside at Mount Wutai (五台山, Shanxi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major pilgrimage destination.
Iconography
Five Topknots: Symbolize the Five Wisdoms of Vairocana Buddha (大日五智), representing insight into ultimate truth.
Flaming Sword: Cuts through ignorance and illusion.
Lion Mount: Represents wisdom’s fearless, unstoppable power.
Forms & Adaptations
To guide diverse believers, Manjushri appears in multiple forms, including:
One-Syllable Manjushri (一字文殊): Focuses on simplicity.
Five-Syllable Manjushri (五字文殊, most common): Embodies core mantras.
Child Manjushri (儿文殊): Symbolizes pure, youthful wisdom.